“Hacks hacks hacks – the internet is gone”
June 15 is Road Safety Day. “Aha, thanks for the information. So what?”, many of you will now be thinking. “What do we have to do with it?” More than you think! I, for example, only found out very late in my life that the Federal Ministry of Transport not only regulates traffic on Germany’s roads, but is also officially responsible for “digital matters” and is therefore responsible for the internet and digital infrastructure in this country. “Oh dear”, some of you might say now, thinking back to the great successes of the last transport ministers. But we don’t want to be cynical.
However, you will certainly now realize that, because of this correlation between cycle paths and data highways, we also have something to do with Road Safety Day if we see ourselves as a digital IT service provider. And in times when not even the German Christian party is protected from hacker attacks because it perhaps places more trust in God than in the security of IT, we must at least talk about the dangers on the Internet that lurk in the weak points of software and IT service companies.
Because as an IT service company, it is our job to recognize, understand and ward off these threats in order to ensure the security and integrity of our systems and data. No ministry can help and even God alone cannot do anything.
Cybercrime: a (never-ending) threat
Cybercrime is one of the biggest threats to companies worldwide. For IT service providers such as virtual7 that work for the public sector, the threat is even more serious as they often manage sensitive data and critical infrastructure. Cyber criminals (or, to be more precise, hackers) are using increasingly sophisticated methods to penetrate networks, steal data or paralyze systems. To celebrate, let’s take a look at a best-of list of the threats we have to deal with on a daily basis.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and its dark side
On the one hand, there is artificial intelligence (AI). An outstanding innovation with great potential to make all our lives a little easier and better. AI offers immense advantages, but also considerable risks. Cyber criminals (hackers, you know) are increasingly using AI to optimize their attacks. Machine learning allows them to find and exploit vulnerabilities in software faster and more precisely. In addition, AI enables the automation of attacks, which further increases the threat.
With the further development of artificial intelligence, it is now possible to create deceptively real videos and audio that show people in situations that never took place. Such deepfakes can be used to spread false information or blackmail people. Deepfakes are probably one of the newest threats in the field of cybercrime and require high vigilance on the part of users, because many of us are simply used to trusting videos and audio files almost blindly.
Phishing: old technology, new tricks
A classic does not die out. Phishing remains one of the most common and effective methods of obtaining sensitive information. Phishing attacks are often the entry point for larger attacks. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, such as personalized messages that specifically target certain employees or departments. We are already familiar with spear phishing emails and the fake invoices that have already been sent to many of our colleagues. The risk is particularly high for companies that work for the public sector, as successful attacks can have not only financial damage but also political consequences.
More threats from the dirty corner of the internet?
In addition to the dangers mentioned above, there are many other threats that we need to keep an eye on. Here is another who’s who of the most popular attacks on IT infrastructure.
1. Ransomware: Malware that encrypts data and only releases it again after a ransom has been paid. Often comes as a free attachment in the “I Love You” downloads of anonymous emails.
2. Zero-day exploits: Attacks on previously unknown vulnerabilities in software.
3. DDoS attacks: Attacks that paralyze systems by overloading them.
4. Stupidity: Employees use the password “1234” for all accounts. 😊
Preventive measures and best practices – what can we do?
As an IT service provider for the public sector, we have to act proactively to minimize these threats. Fortunately, we have extremely capable colleagues sitting and standing in IT who take care of our security! But we shouldn’t rely on that. Each of us should be vigilant and pay attention to the following points.
1. Training and awareness: Regular training for employees to inform them about current threats and safe behaviors.
2. Security policies and protocols: Implement and enforce strict security policies.
3. Technological solutions: Deploy advanced security solutions such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems and AI-powered monitoring tools.
4. Continuous updating and patch management: regularly update and patch all software applications to close security gaps.
5. Contingency plans: develop and test contingency plans in the event of a cyberattack.
6. Multi-factor authentication (MFA): By implementing MFA, access to sensitive data and systems can be significantly better protected. This adds an extra layer of security beyond simple passwords.
7. Disabling document scanning through Adobe AI solutions: One specific prevention measure that has proven to be effective is disabling document scanning by Adobe AI solutions. This measure prevents sensitive information from being captured and potentially misused by automated processes.
Last but not least: Alcohol and drugs
One final note. The motto of this year’s Road Safety Day is “Drive sober, save lives”. This puts the focus on the challenges posed by alcohol and drugs in road traffic. This is certainly a good reminder for all employees, but we should not only think about physical safety, but also about digital safety. Cybercrime and the associated dangers pose a significant threat to IT service providers such as virtual7, especially those working for the public sector. However, through vigilance, continuous training and the use of the latest technologies, we can successfully fend off these threats and ensure the security of our digital infrastructures. I don’t mind a glass of grape juice with a piece of chocolate in the evening after work – after all, it’s okay to celebrate sometimes. But keep your hands off the alcohol when you’re working on our IT !
