What the Hack? 5 Ways Hackers Can Attack MSPs and Their Customers
Hackers can attack managed service providers (MSPs) and their customers in many different ways, and recent data shows these cyber attackers are not concerned about the consequences of their actions. What are some of the ways hackers can attack MSPs and their customers? Check out this gallery to learn more about these attacks and what steps you can take to prevent them from happening.
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There are many ways hackers can attack managed service providers (MSPs) and their customers, and recent data shows these cyber attackers are not concerned about the consequences of their actions.
Hackers frequently use phishing emails and websites to try to steal sensitive information from MSPs and their customers. Komando, however, recommends using your best judgement to avoid phishing scams: “Use common sense before reacting to any email. Scams rely on making you act quickly.” Network security solutions such as antivirus software and firewalls also provide data protection.
Hackers will use a Trojan horse, aka Trojan, to disguise a virus that can remotely monitor and record information that is stored on your computer. A Trojan is similar to a phishing email or website, Komando said, and common sense is once again the key to identify and minimize this risk.
Have you updated your security software lately? How about your Internet browser? Komando said failing to install regular updates, or “driving by” these downloads, can have serious consequences. MSPs and their customers should install the most recent versions of programs to avoid malware, viruses and other online dangers.
Hackers aren’t necessarily masterminds, Komando said, but they can figure out your account password if you’re not careful. Komando recommends using a different password for every online account — that way, if a hacker accesses one account, he or she won’t be able to access all of them with the same password.
Is your network encrypted? Komando said encryption is important to ensure hackers cannot access a network and remotely track and record data. Taking a few minutes to secure a network, Komando noted, can provide long-lasting protection against hackers.
Is your network encrypted? Komando said encryption is important to ensure hackers cannot access a network and remotely track and record data. Taking a few minutes to secure a network, Komando noted, can provide long-lasting protection against hackers.
Phishing scams … a Trojan horse … drive-by downloads …
Hackers can attack managed service providers (MSPs) and their customers in many different ways, and recent data shows these cyber attackers are not concerned about the consequences of their actions.
A new survey from IT security solutions provider Thycotic showed 86 percent of cyber attackers are not worried about getting caught.
So how do you stop a hacker who has nothing to lose? Education is key, and MSPs and their customers can incorporate various cybersecurity best practices to minimize risk.
“The best way [to stop hackers] is to know how hackers do what they do. Once you know that, you can counter their malicious acts,” consumer electronics expert Kim Komando told USA Today.
Thycotic Senior Information Security Architect Kevin Jones told MSPmentor he believes the most basic defenses provide a great starting point for MSPs.
“Getting good password policies in place across an entire organization has to be step one,” he said. “Avoid using the same password in multiple places and ensure those passwords are controlled and changed regularly.”
What are the most common ways for hackers to attack MSPs and their customers? Check out this gallery to learn about the most common attacks used by hackers, and what service providers and their customers can do to stop these attacks.
Also, I welcome your thoughts via Twitter @dkobialka or email at [email protected].
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