Top Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities to Watch Out For
With cyberattacks and data breaches growing at alarming rates worldwide, becoming aware of cybersecurity vulnerabilities is crucial. Last year, data security breaches cost USD 9.5 trillion to companies of all sizes around the world. The daring figure represents a 10% increase compared to 2023, and the upward trend is scarily steep.
Not every company has the financial muscles to invest top dollar in cybersecurity. However, neglecting security systems can be costlier, even more so for small businesses. Indeed, cyberattacks can knock one in five small companies out of the market, so they better watch out.
Here are some of the most targeted cybersecurity vulnerabilities and how companies of all sizes can fix them.
SSL Protocol Errors
SSL certificates guarantee the encryption of all information and communication in a company’s web domains. These certificates must be renewed regularly, within up to 398 days. When companies fail to renew their certificates, the certificate expires, leaving all the domains unprotected.
It’s bad for business because users will no longer know whether the page is legit. It’s also terrible for cybersecurity because it reduces encryption efficiency, creating a sweet spot for cyberattacks. That’s why most companies rush for ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR fix solutions when the situation arises. However, there are other reasons for SSL protocol errors, like firewall interference, browser issues, incorrect date and time, and server configuration problems.
Remote Threats
RCE (Remote Code Execution) vulnerabilities are extremely dangerous, allowing criminals to hijack the company’s systems by running code remotely. Through this breach, hackers can install malicious software without the victim’s consent, steal information, disrupt communications, and even bring the whole system down.
That’s why cybersecurity strategies like running regular scans, tests, and code audits are necessary to find RCE vulnerabilities before criminals do. Last year, the globally famous platform WordPress made the headlines for an RCE vulnerability that allowed users to upload malicious metadata with images, exposing millions of users to danger.
Organizations often turn to cybersecurity partners such as Prime Secured Cybersecurity to strengthen their defenses against threats like RCE by conducting regular assessments and implementing proactive security measures.
Outdated Software
Cybersecurity software developers release regular patches, covering previous vulnerabilities and strengthening against new threats. However, outdated programs remain exposed to the same threats, and cybercriminals know it. They can attack more easily via these known vulnerabilities (for which there’s a patch already), exposing companies to severe danger.
That’s why updates should never be postponed, and licenses must be renewed in time. Many companies have patch management protocols in place, scanning systems regularly for vulnerabilities like bugs and unsupported applications. In fact, over 30% of cyberattacks prey on unpatched systems, highlighting the risks of missing the latest update.
Zero-Day Vulnerabilities
Cybercriminals and cybersecurity specialists are constantly trying to outpace each other. Zero-day vulnerabilities occur when hackers win the race, finding weak spots before developers have created patches to protect them. In this case, losses can be monumental, as developers must scramble to come up with a solution, leaving victims exposed until then.
A recent (and drastic) example involves the logging tool Log4j, used worldwide by millions of computers, where a breach exposed passwords and other information to theft. Attacks targeting zero-day vulnerabilities can grant criminals unauthorized access to the company’s systems, bypassing security protocols.