Enterprise security is a multi-faceted issue that encompasses both a company’s internal or proprietary business secrets as well as employee and consumer data subject to privacy laws. As a result of the loss of sensitive consumer data to hackers, major international firms such as Facebook, Yahoo!, Target, Home Depot, and Equifax have all been hit with huge penalties and government action. Whereas previously, enterprise corporations were most concerned with protecting proprietary code or trade secrets from competitors and counterfeiters, they are now confronted with new data privacy laws in the United States and the European Union, which can impose significant financial penalties on companies that misuse or lose consumer data. The move to cloud infrastructure for business process support has created new issues for corporate IT security.
In practice, enterprise security focuses on data center, networking, and web server operations, but it starts with human resources. According to some security researchers, social engineering is the root of up to two-thirds of all successful hacking assaults. In social engineering assaults, attackers take advantage of flaws in human nature, staff integrity, or personal gullibility to obtain access to a network or data resources. Employees are more likely to click on links that download and install malware when they get phishing emails. Hackers use voice discussions over the phone with various employees to obtain insider knowledge that leads to a breach in network security, such as password information, in Vishing (voice or VoIP phishing) assaults. Smishing (text phishing), baiting, spearfishing, and water holing are all social engineering-based hacking techniques. Even the most sophisticated network security systems can be compromised by these attack vectors, which can only be resisted by increasing staff knowledge through training, vetting, and screening.
Automated hacking assaults are script-driven and continuously target data center resources like web servers and online applications via input entry points including login screens, contact forms, search-to-database queries, and backend management procedures. MySQL injection hacks and cross-site scripting exploits are common instances of script bot assaults. The ability to send code to a server via insecure forms can result in the loss of a complete database, including all table data, passwords, and sensitive client financial information. Code injection hacks differ from password cracking, which can provide a hacker complete administrative access to a server or the ability to set up backdoors to it via FTP and the command line. Before transferring database information or installing malicious remote code, successful hackers often spend 30 to 90 days reconnaissance of a compromised network system with internal access.
What is the significance of business security?
Examining the significance of encryption in internet communications demonstrates the relevance of company security. When a person sends an email or enters a password to log in to a website, the data is delivered point-to-point through several third-party channels, where it could be intercepted and read by hostile individuals with unauthorized access unless encrypted. Unauthorized agents could use packet sniffing software deployed on the telecom network, ISP, or local WIFI channels to pose a hazard. Although the value of information transferred over these connections varies, no large corporation or other complex organization would willingly have their trade secrets, client communications, and internal discussions watched over open channels by third parties with malicious intent. If an intruder gains access to a data center, the ability to view unencrypted passwords and login information can threaten not only individual accounts and data but potentially a whole corporate network.
As a result, most websites and mobile applications now need HTTPS encryption with SSL/TLS certificates across all user communication channels. To prevent illegal physical access, data centers have implemented “military-grade” security features such as biometrics, gated entrance systems, and 24/7 facility monitoring. IT professionals can benefit from training programs that increase their awareness of the indicators of social engineering assaults. Even if physical access is strictly regulated, business corporations are vulnerable to cyber attacks from all corners of the globe, including state-sponsored activity from regimes like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.
Military-industrial secrets connected to engineering in weapons programs, aeronautics, or advanced research in other sensitive areas may be targeted by state-sponsored hacking. State-sponsored hacking can also be used to target media firms for propaganda purposes, such as North Korea’s hacking of Sony’s film studio, or to expose public leaders’ corrupt behavior through personal communication leaks.
At the highest levels, state-sponsored hacking teams or publicity-hungry hackers may attempt high-impact attacks that resemble terrorism or result in human life loss, similar to cyber-war. The effects of industrial espionage and intelligence agency hacking are exemplified by the Stuxnet virus. These organizations, as well as criminal or publicity-seeking hackers, may attack essential social infrastructures such as power plants, telecommunications, or industrial production to create meltdowns or physical damage to facilities, causing panic and mayhem. Criminal hackers, on the other hand, are usually just interested in stealing credit card information, bank account access, and cryptocurrency for personal financial benefit. On the Dark Web, millions of credit card numbers are already on sale for as little as $1 per card. Hacking assaults that target personal consumer information can result in identity theft, fraudulent charges, or financial embezzlement, all of which are difficult to detect or halt without extensive interdiction from law enforcement groups or international agencies.
