In recent years, cybercriminals have unfortunately been on the rise. One of the primary tactics used by them is phishing, whereby they assume a false identity to obtain sensitive information like login and bank credentials… To reduce the risk of hacking and better protect your business, we offer some helpful tips.
Hacking in flawless Dutch
Spotting fraudulent websites, emails, and text messages is becoming progressively challenging. Cybercriminals can now replicate them with remarkable accuracy, mimicking legitimate brands or organizations. Moreover, cybercriminals increasingly write flawless Dutch texts, so it is no longer always possible to expose them based on language errors.
💡 When you receive a suspicious e-mail, check the e-mail address, including possible typographical errors. Cybercriminals frequently employ addresses that bear a close resemblance to legitimate ones, with only minor variations. Therefore, be alert at all times.
People remain the weakest link
95% of cyber-attacks stem from human error, typically via “phishing attacks” where people unwittingly invite cybercriminals into their systems by clicking hazardous links.
💡 Never just click on a link in a suspicious message. First, check the URL by hovering your cursor over the link. Make sure the domain name (the text preceding .be, .com, .eu, .org, … and before the very first slash “/”) matches the name of the organization.
Every organization is vulnerable through APIs
APIs (Application Programming Interface) are an important part of modern software development. They enable different programs to exchange data and enable communication between systems.
For example, consider:
- Airbnb using Google maps API to determine geolocations of their stays;
- Or the weather forecast accessible on your smartphone;
- Our reference I: m-montage.be offers an API link that connects the ‘Request quotes’ on the website and the external CRM system. Any changes made to the contact information for a particular quote type by the organization, are automatically reflected on the website;
- Our reference II: For the same client, we handled the API link between the website and the pricing of materials and solutions with the external ERP system. This way, prices are up-to-date throughout the entire organization and only editable in one central place.
Unfortunately, the rise in API usage has led to a surge in attacks against them. To safeguard sensitive database information, it is crucial that we, as web application developers, employ multiple security layers, including multi-factor authentication. Additionally, communication between the web application or website and third-party software must always occur over a secure HTTPS connection.
💡 Want to link two software tools together using an API? Give us a call and our superheroes will see how we can make your business processes more efficient too!
The BATMAN Cybersecurity team is here for you!
Equally crucial to protecting oneself from cyber-attacks is spreading awareness among yourself and your colleagues.
To guarantee security and seamless communication among all elements, regular updates to themes and plug-ins are imperative. Check out our “site maintenance” subscription. The sites we deliver come standard with an SSL certificate to make your site not only more secure, but also faster. The SSL certificate ensures that your HTTPS site protects users when they need to enter confidential information on the website, such as when logging in with a password or entering credit card information.
Experience the power of a local security partner who truly supports you. The BATMAN Cybersecurity team is always there for you!
(Source: https://www.digitaletoekomst.be/ via https://www.vlaanderen.be/)
