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Cybersecurity Risks Across Industries

Employers

The importance of cybersecurity isn’t a new concept for modern-day businesses. Many organizations take regular steps to protect their data and networks from malicious sources in one way or another or invest heavily in outside sources to help keep their business protected. However, with the increased demand for remote working individuals and digital hiring processes improvements, new cybersecurity dangers are explicitly targeted against hiring managers.

This article will discuss the cybersecurity risks when hiring individuals online and what you can do to protect your business from these malicious sources.

Cybersecurity Threats Hiring Managers Should Know About

Many different types of cybersecurity threats hiring managers should be aware of when conducting online interviews and onboarding new employees include:

Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are emails or websites that trick users into revealing personal information such as passwords, usernames, or credit card numbers. These emails can often appear from legitimate sources, such as a company’s HR department, and can even contain malware that can infect your computer if you open them.

Spearphishing Attacks

Spearphishing attacks are similar to phishing attacks, specifically targeted at a particular individual or organization. A spearphishing attack aims to gain access to confidential data or personally identifiable information (PII). These attacks are typically carried out using pretexting, where the attacker poses as an individual or company to obtain sensitive personal data.

Cyber Extortion

Cyber extortion is when an organization receives threats that they will be attacked and their databases compromised unless they pay money into a designated account.

Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is another common threat facing companies today. This type of attack involves malware installed on computer systems that encrypts files within those systems until the attackers are paid off with ransom payments via bitcoin or other encrypted currency platforms.

There are many other types of cybersecurity threats that hiring managers should be aware of, but these are some of the most common. As you can see, there are many different ways for attackers to target your business and steal your information.

Industries Commonly Affected By Cyberthreats

Not all industries are created equal when it comes to cybersecurity threats. Some industries are more prone to attack than others, and it’s essential for hiring managers to be aware of these risks before conducting online interviews or onboarding, new employees. The following are some of the commonly affected industries:

Healthcare

The healthcare industry is a prime target for cyberattacks due to the large amount of sensitive data it stores, such as patient records. In fact, according to a study by IBM, 70 percent of healthcare organizations have reported experiencing a data breach in the past two years.

Financial Services

The financial services industry is another sector that is often targeted by cybercriminals due to the large number of valuable data they hold, including credit card numbers, bank account details, and other sensitive information. The financial services industry is particularly vulnerable to ransomware attacks and phishing scams.

Online Retailers

Online retailers hold valuable data on their customers, such as names, addresses, and credit card information. This makes them a prime target for cyberattacks that seek access to this type of customer data or even the ability to infect computers with malware.

Real Estate

Due to a large amount of valuable real estate data and personal information they hold, such as addresses and names of agents who work for them. Realtors are another industry that is highly vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry is a prime target for cyberattacks due to the large number of industrial control systems connected to the internet. These systems can be easily compromised and launch attacks against other organizations.

Many different industries are targeted by cybercriminals. Hiring managers should ensure they stay aware of the risks faced by their industry and the role they can play in protecting against these types of attacks.

How to Develop Safer Digital Hiring Practices

There are several steps hiring managers can take to ensure their company is protected against cybersecurity threats. Some of these include:

  • Educating new employees about the risks your organization faces and how they will help protect them from attacks.
  • Ensuring all digital devices used for working purposes have up-to-date antivirus software installed, including computers, smartphones, and tablets.
  • Developing an Incident Response Plan that includes details on what should be done if you experience a cyberattack or breach in security systems such as firewalls. It’s also important to test this plan regularly to be implemented quickly if necessary; however, consider running drills with various staff members rather than testing the program during an actual attack.
  • Making sure your company has a strong cyber insurance policy in place to help protect you from financial losses in the event of a data breach.

Developing safe digital hiring practices is vital for any business to protect itself against cybersecurity threats. By following the steps outlined above, hiring managers can help ensure their company’s systems are secure and employees are aware of the risks posed by cyberattacks.

The Importance of Investing in Leadership Training

One of the most important things a company can do to protect itself against cyberattacks is to invest in leadership training. This includes investing in employee education and providing managers with the tools they need to lead their team securely.

When it comes to cybersecurity, strong leadership is critical. Managers need to identify potential threats and know how to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an attack. They also need to create a culture within their team that is aware of the risks posed by cyberattacks and takes measures to protect themselves online. Thankfully, many resources are available for managers looking to improve their cybersecurity knowledge.

In Conclusion

Cybersecurity threats are a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. However, by investing in leadership training and safe digital hiring practices, hiring managers can help protect their companies against these attacks. Stay aware of the risks faced by your industry and take steps to ensure your team is educated on how to stay safe online. Having a solid management team is the best way to protect your organization from cyberattacks.

About The Author

Indiana Lee lives in the Pacific Northwest and has a passion for the environment and logistics. She draws her inspiration from nature and makes sure to explore the outdoors regularly with her two dogs. Indiana has experience in owning and operating her own business. Feel free to follow her on Twitter @indianalee3.

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