How SMBs Can Mitigate Rising File-based Attacks
Cases of document-based malware are steadily rising. Due to how work is done today, companies, especially Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs), are commonly affected. Falling victim to file-based malware can cause enormous problems, including data loss, financial damage, and reputational harm.
Despite these risks, SMBs still invest very little in cybersecurity. Fortunately, new solutions focused on malware disarming are emerging to deal with these threats.
1 – Disarming Malware
File-based attacks involve malware hidden in seemingly legitimate documents. Malware disarming is an emerging solution that performs advanced scans to detect sophisticated malware. Unlike antiviruses, it sanitizes the documents by eliminating malicious code, ensuring the files are perfectly usable after cleanup.
odix, for example, uses its TrueCDR (content disarm and reconstruction) technology for this purpose.
2 – Using Email with Strong Spam Filters
Spam is an increasingly effective cyberattack method. Employees are likely to click on malicious links or download dangerous attachments. SMBs should use email services with strong, integrated spam filters to safeguard all company inboxes.
A more stringent measure is a mail proxy solution that intercepts all attachments, sanitizes them, and then reattaches the clean files before they reach the recipient.
3 – Being Wary of Removable Media
Flash drives and other USB peripherals can be weaponized to infect a device or network. Hackers can cleverly disguise malware on these devices to evade standard antivirus scans.
SMBs can counter these threats by defining policies that prevent unauthorized removable media use. Alternatively, a dedicated file sanitation workstation, like odix's Kiosk, can be used to scan and clean all files from removable media before they enter the network.
4 – Training Users to Avoid Phishing
Preventing attacks also requires users to change their behavior, especially regarding phishing. Phishing emails are carefully crafted to imitate trustworthy sources to extract personal and financial information.
SMBs should provide proper training to employees to help them spot suspicious emails and links. While automated solutions help, knowledgeable employees are a critical layer of defense.
5 – Improving Access Control
Cloud storage and servers are cost-effective but can be exposed to attacks if not secured properly. Weak passwords can be easily cracked, giving hackers access to data repositories.
Companies can use identity and access management (IAM) platforms to enforce strong authentication, including multi-factor authentication, to protect all accounts from unauthorized access.
Taking Security Seriously
Cybercriminals often target SMBs precisely because they assume they are not targets. With 43 percent of cyberattacks aimed at SMBs, it is prudent for organizations to take cybersecurity seriously.
By equipping themselves with the necessary tools and training, SMBs can safeguard their business, customers, and staff.
