Cybercrime is an ever-evolving industry that is scamming businesses big and small out of millions of pounds each year. So, it’s important to remain knowledgeable and up-to-date on all of the latest scams, plus how to best protect your organisation’s network.

Here are five emerging threats to enterprise security that you should not ignore:

1. Mobile Spyware

The average person now spends at least 90 minutes a day on their phone. That’s 23 days a year. And that’s not taking into account how much of this time is for personal or work purposes.

So, it is unsurprising that cyber-attackers are quickly switching their focus to mobile devices. Mobile spyware which forwards SMS messages, call logs and location information to a hacker’s server is becoming increasingly common.

Often attached to apps or disguised as legitimate software, this spyware is downloaded onto the device and runs in the background without alerting the user.

The best security for this is caution. Only download well-reviewed and trusted applications, and be careful when opening messages from anonymous senders.

2. Niche Malware

According to research by anti-virus provider McAfee, the total number of malware is rising and after a year of decline in 2015, the number of new malware has resumed an ascent too.

McAfee’s 2016 Threats Report states that in quarter four of 2015 42 million new malicious hashes were discovered, 10% more than the previous quarter and the second highest amount on record. Of this figure, 2.3 million were new mobile threats.

So far in 2016, there has been a surge in niche malware infections that are infiltrating virtual IT platforms in automated and targeted attacks. These are focused on data repository usage, access, authorisation and maintenance patterns.

The solution to this problem? Prevention, using secure file sharing and protected online storage combined with vigorous monitoring.

3. New Phishing URLs

The same report found that the number of new phishing URLs is also on the rise. In Q4 2015, the number of new phishing URLs detected reached nearly 1.5 million, with almost as many associated domains.

These URLs will masquerade as a trustworthy source contacting you, in most cases, by email. Clickjacking is also on the rise – where users are tricked into clicking on actions that are cloaked to look like a familiar option. Menu dropdown options and social share buttons are being disguised or covered with invisible ads, all over the net.

Google is working to fight these dangerous ads, however, it is important to stop and think before clicking any links. If you’re receiving emails asking you to verify personal or payment information, it may be a threat to your organisation’s network.

4. Third-Party Service Providers

According to the Trustwave 2012 Global Security Report, 76% of data breaches investigated were caused by remote vendor access channels.

Many organisations are now outsourcing support and the remote access tools used to connect to the company’s network sometimes do not follow strict security protocols. Easily hacked passwords are the main component of this.

Our two-stage authentication, privileged permissions and encryption can help with issues like this. (Learn more here)

5. Disgruntled Employees

A company’s biggest threat could be its employees. Simple mistakes by employees and intentional file sharing by those leaving an organisation are both becoming increasingly common as technology develops. Even the famed Sony cyber attack is rumoured to be an inside job.

Training is essential for minimising these risks, as well as terminating access permissions to any employee as soon as they leave the company. Control and monitoring should be able to alert you as soon as a leak is detected and, with a set protocol, damage should be minimal.

Enterprise Security: Keep Your Company Safe

Whether you require secure file sharing or data hosting, Maytech can help. Discover our solutions here or call us on 0189 286 1222.