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24.04.2023
One of the most critical aspects affecting IT security in companies is communication, both internally and with third parties. While communication is an essential part of any business, it is precisely for this reason that it often serves as an entry point for cybercriminals. Once they are „inside the company“, there are numerous ways to harm the business, such as data theft, extortion, etc. From this [...]
One of the most critical aspects affecting IT security in companies is communication, both internally and with third parties. Communication is an essential part of any business, but paradoxically, it is precisely for this reason that it often serves as an entry point for cybercriminals. Once they are „inside the company,“ there are numerous ways to harm the business, such as data theft, blackmail, etc. For this reason, it is essential to secure the communication channels used within the company so that communication remains possible, but the risk of being attacked via this route is reduced to a minimum.
In the following post, we will show you some examples of how cybercriminals attempt to infiltrate your company and how you can reduce this risk through proactive action.
Communication channels in companies – what do they include?
From an IT perspective, communication is also a broad term that encompasses various forms of communication channels such as email, instant messaging, video conferencing, voice calls, and file exchange. Each of these communication channels is vulnerable to cyber threats, which is why it is necessary to implement appropriate cybersecurity measures.
Emails are indispensable in everyday working life and are used for communication with colleagues, clients and suppliers. However, for cybercriminals, emails are a prime target for launching phishing and malware attacks. These cyberattacks can lead to the theft of confidential company information, financial losses and damage to the company's image.
Therefore, it is essential for businesses to implement e-mail security solutions. These include, for example, powerful, self-learning spam and phishing filters, antivirus and anti-malware solutions, and the use of e-mail encryption and digital signatures.
The „onion principle“ applies here: the interplay of different layers makes an email system more robust and reduces the risk of malware reaching the user via email undetected in the first place.
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging via platforms such as WhatsApp, Slack, or Microsoft Teams is a quick and convenient method of communication in businesses, but it is also susceptible to cyber threats. Cybercriminals exploit instant messaging to infiltrate conversations or assume false identities, ultimately to spread malware or launch phishing attacks.
Therefore, companies should ensure that the instant messaging platforms they use are truly secure. This means they must have end-to-end encryption and other security features, such as sealed communication channels.
Video conferencing
With the increase in home working, video conferencing has become an important tool for collaboration. However, video conferencing platforms are also susceptible to cyber threats, with cybercriminals, for example, eavesdropping on conversations or launching attacks to disrupt or manipulate communication.
Therefore, it is important for companies to use secure video conferencing platforms with end-to-end encryption and additional multi-factor authentication. Another essential security aspect is that the video conferencing platform used is kept up-to-date with the latest software and that published security updates are installed quickly – preferably automatically. The past two years have shown that many cyberattacks on companies were made possible by video conferencing platforms with inconsistently patched software.
Data exchange
Employees frequently exchange files amongst themselves, with clients, and with suppliers. However, sharing files can also lead to enormous risks and thus damage to the affected companies if the data is not adequately protected. For example, cybercriminals intercept files during transmission or gain unauthorised access to files stored on unsecured servers.
Therefore, it is important for companies to establish file-sharing platforms that have encryption and access control features. Also, the exchange of confidential data should never take place via unencrypted email, which unfortunately is still often the case today. Professional File Share & Sync platforms offer companies the same convenience, but „securely“.
The human factor
In addition to technical measures, a very significant, continuing risk factor must not be overlooked – the user themselves. The hustle and bustle of everyday work often leads employees to click on links too carelessly, open email attachments, or forward emails, thereby causing enormous damage to the company. Technical solutions can help to a certain extent to „catch“ some of the errors. However, the methods of cybercriminals are also continuously becoming more sophisticated, so we are in a continuous race.
Accordingly, for the secure use of communication channels within the company, it is essential that users are also aware of cyber risks and can handle modern communication channels competently.
This is primarily achieved by continuously and regularly training staff in cybersecurity best practices. Effectiveness is simultaneously reviewed through regular security audits to ensure that both existing technical and human risks are identified early and can be refined accordingly.
In short: Ensuring secure communication channels is crucial for a company's overall IT security. Companies today must take appropriate steps to sustainably protect their communication channels.
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