Threat actors are any person or group that aims to breach your cybersecurity and obtain access to sensitive and private data. To prevent them from infiltrating your system, be aware of how they behave and the damage they can do. This way, you can put enhanced security features in place and immediately identify any suspicious activity. 

Understanding Threat Actors & The Danger They Pose

1. Cybercriminals

Cybercriminals are mainly out to steal personal data as a way to gain access to your money. They can target anyone, but they are especially interested in businesses with stored personal information on file, such as credit card numbers from their customer base. Cybercriminals typically use malware attacks to breach a business's cybersecurity. One variant of this is ransomware. It allows them to hold your access to data "hostage" in exchange for a fee.

Having firewalls and antivirus software installed on all company computers can help stop these attacks. You should also update software as patches come through since these are meant to bolster security. Lastly, look out for red flags in emails and on websites, such as unrealistic offers or misspellings. Backing up all critical files will ensure that you can access information even if the original copies are being hidden from you. 

2. Cyberterrorists

Cyberterrorists want to disrupt access to important services. This targeted cyber warfare is a way to threaten the lives of others either directly or indirectly. For instance, a cyberterrorist might attempt to infiltrate government computers and interrupt crucial infrastructure, like electrical grids or water supplies. Private businesses that have certain ideological missions to service specific communities or populations could also fall prey to cyberterrorists. 

You can limit your company's risk by securing wireless networks and access points, making sure all employees' have strong passwords that get changed regularly, and installing surge protectors in case someone directly attacks the electric supply.

3. Hacktivists

A hacktivist's goal is to bring awareness to a specific issue, typically a social cause. They hack data not for money but for information and evidence. Government organizations are the most common targets of hacktivists, but private businesses that contract with the government can also be vulnerable. Encrypting your data can make it harder for hackers to read.

To minimize the dangers of threat actors, install strong cybersecurity features on your network infrastructure. At C2XCEL, we provide security solutions for businesses in the McKinney, TX, area and around the world. We also offer telecommunications services that include UCaaS, CCaaS, business phones, video conferencing applications, and cloud storage. Call (844) 422-9235 or visit our website to see how we can help secure your business data.