Distinguishing Between External and Internal Cybersecurity Risks

Cyber threats are an ongoing concern for businesses. Recognizing the distinction between external and internal risks is crucial for safeguarding valuable data, customers, and reputation. The digital landscape has evolved, leading to an increased emphasis on cybersecurity. The proliferation of cyberattacks over recent years has underscored the need for robust protection.

External Cybersecurity Risk

Cybercriminals, often in casual attire, continuously probe systems for vulnerabilities. They employ tactics like zero-day and brute force attacks to breach security. These hackers possess coding expertise and an understanding of human behavior, making them relentless in their efforts to exploit weaknesses.

The threat landscape includes external risks like malware, malvertising, phishing, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, and ransomware. Effective cybersecurity firms are well-equipped to counter these threats.

Internal Cybersecurity Risk

Internal data breaches primarily result from employee actions. While it may be hard to believe that employees would intentionally harm their organization, most internal breaches are accidental.

Cybercriminals aim to obtain employee or admin credentials to gain unhindered access. Cybersecurity training is invaluable to mitigate these risks.

Which is More Severe?

The severity of external and internal breaches depends on the industry and the type of information compromised. An employee selling secrets to a competitor or sabotaging the company may inflict lasting damage, making internal breaches more detrimental. External attacks often seek information for profit, potentially resulting in financial harm through ransom demands.

Prevention Measures

To prevent both external and internal breaches:

1. Monitor and adjust employee access levels regularly.
2. Change passwords promptly, especially upon an employee's departure.
3. Enforce password security measures, discouraging sharing and reuse.

Common Types of External Cyberattacks (2020)

1. DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) Attacks: Overwhelm networks, rendering them unresponsive.

2. Session Hijacking: A man-in-the-middle attack replacing the client's IP address to hijack a session.

3. Drive-by Attacks: Inject malicious scripts into insecure websites to spread malware.

4. Password Attacks: Hackers gain access through password sniffing or social engineering.

5. Phishing and Spear Phishing Attacks: Deceptive emails compromise personal information or manipulate victims.

The Investigation Company's Security Awareness Training Program

With over 25 years of cybersecurity experience, The Investigation Company offers expertise in combating internal and external cybersecurity risks. Our proactive solutions enhance existing systems and develop new ones. Contact our cybersecurity experts to fortify your defenses. Please use the provided contact form to reach us.