Data security is paramount in maintaining smooth business operations. Clients need to know their data is protected, and hackers are becoming increasingly difficult to catch. Digital data storage eliminates the need for a messy filing system but makes enterprise and employee data vulnerable to online crime. Cyberattacks are becoming more prevalent as the world becomes increasingly digital, and it’s critical for companies to safeguard data at all times with cybersecurity solutions.
Phishing incidents rose by 220% at the height of the pandemic, and in 2021, nearly 1 billion emails were exposed, with 323,972 internet users reporting falling victim to phishing attacks. Hackers are evolving, with scams that mimic text messages and emails from authentic establishments, prompting users to correct account information, confirm bank account numbers, and typically provide links. Depending on the type of attack, these links can contain malware and other viruses that significantly harm devices.
Types of malware include:
- Ransomware – Disables victim’s access to data until a ransom is paid.
- Fileless Malware – Makes changes to files that are native to the OS.
- Spyware – Collects user activity data without their knowledge.
- Adware – Serves unwanted advertisements.
- Trojans – Disguises itself as desirable code.
- Worms – Spreads through a network by replicating itself.
- Rootkits – Gives hackers remote control of a victim’s device.
- Keyloggers – Monitors users’ keystrokes.
- Bots – Launches a broad flood of attacks.
- Mobile Malware – Infects mobile devices.
Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent cyberattacks from occurring, by protecting data with cybersecurity software. Antivirus software monitors the internet 24/7, scanning for new virus reports. When viruses are detected, they are indexed, cataloged, and added to the software’s database. Keeping antivirus software up-to-date helps maintain its ability to protect data. According to Cybernews, the best antivirus software for the US are:
- TotalAV
- Norton
- Webroot
- Bitdefender
- Aura
- Malwarebytes
- Eset
- NordVPN
Data Security After Disposition
Data security doesn’t end at asset retirement. Data remains on a device until properly wiped, which means leaving IT assets anywhere with residual data still on the device puts enterprise and employee data at risk of data theft. ITAD providers offer data erasure services to ensure no data breaches occur even after disposition. HOBI’s internally developed data erasure tool, HOBI Shield, is just one of three data security steps we take to prevent data leaks. HOBI Shield completely wipes data from a device, and any hard drives that cannot be entirely erased are destroyed via shredding technology.