Cyber threats are becoming more advanced, and schools and small businesses are now top targets. With limited resources and weaker defenses, they’re often viewed as easy prey for cybercriminals. This guide outlines the major cyber threats of 2024 and offers practical tips for building a stronger network defense.
1. AI-Generated Phishing:
Attackers now use AI to craft realistic phishing emails, tricking even vigilant staff. These emails can lead to data breaches or ransomware. Use our Cyber Smarts Guide to help your team identify these threats. For more on AI misuse, see our blog on Top 5 Abuses of AI, and learn how AI can also defend against these threats in Harnessing AI to Combat Cyber Threats.
Pro Tip: Consider AI-driven detection tools like ActZero MDR to quickly identify suspicious email patterns before they cause harm.
2. Cloud Vulnerabilities:
With more institutions relying on cloud services (Google, MIcrosoft 365, AWS, Dropbox, etc.), misconfigurations have become a leading cause of data breaches. Common issues include exposed databases, weak access controls, and improperly set permissions. Addressing these risks is crucial for schools managing sensitive student information.
Actionable Steps:
- Regularly audit your cloud environment using our Cloud Security Checklist.
- Refer to our Top Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities for School Districts to understand specific risks schools face.
3. Ransomware Attacks:
Ransomware is not just a risk for large organizations; schools and small businesses are increasingly targeted due to their reliance on accessible digital resources. Modern ransomware attacks now use “double extortion,” threatening to leak data in addition to encryption.
What You Can Do:
- Implement a robust incident response plan with 24/7 monitoring to catch threats early. Our case studies on LHP Capital and MSD Martinsville show how proactive strategies can make a difference.
- Check out our Ransomware Prevention Guide for more tips on how to defend against these attacks.
Zero-day attacks exploit unknown software vulnerabilities before a patch is available. Schools and small businesses using various software tools—including cloud-based platforms—are often at risk. Adding to this issue is the lack of in-house expertise to detect these vulnerabilities right away, leaving systems exposed until an official patch is released.
Defensive Measures:
- Apply software patches as soon as they are released and consider using AI-driven solutions, like ActZero's MDR, to help identify and mitigate potential zero-day threats even when internal expertise is limited.
- Use our FCC Cybersecurity Guide to explore available funding to enhance your cybersecurity defenses against zero-day exploits.
5. Supply Chain Attacks:
Attackers often target third-party vendors to gain access to a broader network. Schools and small businesses must be diligent in evaluating the security practices of their suppliers and partners.
Best Practice: Regularly audit your suppliers and insist on cybersecurity standards to minimize risk
6. IoT Vulnerabilities:
Internet of Things (IoT) devices, from smart thermostats to connected classroom tools, often lack robust security features. This increases the attack surface for potential breaches.
How to Secure Your Network:
- Use our Cloud Security Checklist to secure IoT devices.
- Ensure all IoT devices are updated with the latest security patches.
Cyber threats are evolving quickly, especially for schools and small businesses with limited defenses. By addressing key risks—like AI-generated phishing, cloud vulnerabilities, ransomware, zero-day exploits, supply chain attacks, and IoT gaps—you can strengthen your defenses. Use the tips in this guide to build a robust cybersecurity strategy and stay one step ahead of attackers.
