Are Your Business Tools Ticking Time Bombs For A Cyber-Attack?

In June a popular file-sharing software amongst big-name companies likes Shell, Siemens Energy, Sony, several large law firms, a number of US federal agencies such as the Department of Health and more was hacked by Russia-linked cybercrime group Cl0p. Security Magazine reported that, to date, there are 138 known companies impacted by the breach, resulting in the personal information of more than 15 million people being compromised. More are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.

Business tools ticking bomb

If you’re reading that list of company names thinking, “I’m just a small business compared to these big guys – that won’t happen to me,” we’ve got news for you. Many of these companies have cyber security budgets in the millions, and it still happened to them, not because they were ignoring the importance of cyber security, but because of a piece of software they use to run their business.

Progress Software’s MOVEit, ironically advertised as a tool you can use to “securely share files across the enterprise and globally,” “reduce the risk of data loss” and “assure regulatory compliance,” was exploited by a tactic called a zero-day attack. This occurs when there is a flaw in the application that creates a gap in security and has no available patch or defense because the software maker doesn’t know it exists. Cybercriminals quickly release malware to exploit the vulnerability before the software maker can patch it, essentially giving them “zero days” to respond.

These attacks are dangerous because they are difficult to prevent and can quickly and easily ruin smaller businesses.

Depending on the organization’s motives, the stolen data can be deleted, held for ransom or sold on the dark web. Or, if you are lucky enough to recover your data, you might still end up paying out thousands or more in fines and lawsuits, losing money from downtime and coming out on the other end with a damaged reputation that causes clients to leave anyway. In MOVEit’s case, the cybercrime agency Cl0p has claimed on their website that their motivation is purely financial and has allegedly deleted data obtained from government agencies as they were not the intended targets.

What does this mean for small businesses?

For starters, it underlines the harsh reality that cyber security isn’t just the concern of big businesses and government agencies. In fact, small businesses can be more vulnerable to cyber-attacks, as they often dedicate fewer resources to protection.

It also means that even if your organization is secure, the third-party vendors you work with and the tools you choose to use in your business still pose potential risks. Most of MOVEit’s customers that were affected likely had strong cyber security measures in place. Even though it was no direct fault of their own, at the end of the day, those companies still must go back to their clients, disclose what happened and take the verbal, legal and financial beating that comes with a data breach.

The MOVEit hack serves as a grim reminder of the critical importance of cyber security for businesses of all sizes. In the face of an increasingly sophisticated and fast-moving cyberthreat landscape, businesses cannot afford to ignore these risks. Cyber security must be an ongoing effort, involving regular assessments, updates, monitoring, training and more. As this terrible incident shows, a single vulnerability can lead to a catastrophic breach with severe implications for the business and its customers.

In the digital age, cyber security isn’t just a technical issue – it’s a business imperative.

If you have ANY concerns about your own business or simply want to have a second set of eyes examine your network for vulnerabilities, we offer a FREE Cyber Security Risk Assessment.

Click here to schedule a quick consultation to discuss your current situation and get an assessment on the schedule.

Free IT
Discovery Call

Are you completely fed up with chronic computer problems and escalating IT costs? Do you worry that your backups and IT security are lacking? Do you have a sneaking suspicion that your current IT guy doesn’t have a handle on things? Our free IT optimization plan will reveal gaps and oversights in your computer network and show you how to eliminate all your IT problems and never pay for unnecessary IT expenses again.

Complete this form below to get started. We will contact you to discuss next steps to getting your free IT Optimization Plan.

 
 

Important: We hate spam as much as you do. We promise to NEVER rent, share, or abuse your e-mail address and contact information in any way.

The Advantage Help Desk Team is Great!

They resolve my tickets quickly, professionally, and efficiently.
Gordon Theisz, Family Medicine in Falls Church
Dr. Gordon Theisz
Owner, Family Medicine in Falls Church
Communication & Customer Service Is What Sets Advantage Industries Apart!

Since the first meeting, Advantage has been a company that we can trust to do the “right” thing. Time and again they have solved our issues quickly and efficiently. We’ve also developed a close relationship with the team and have learned that they are a company that is constantly striving to grow and improve their processes. To me this speaks volumes about their commitment to being the best company they can be every single day. Pick Advantage, you won’t regret it!
Heather Core, Business Management Research Associates, Inc.
Heather Core
VP of Business Growth, BMRA
Tim Happel

Tim Happel

Sr. Director of Sales, PMP

Get a strategic advantage over your competitors & peers by partnering with Advantage Industries.

Yes! Please Send Me A FREE Instant Quote For IT Services

Simply fill out the form below to schedule a no obligation, no hassle technology assessment with the experts at Advantage Industries.