What Is the Definition of a Cyber Attack?
A cyber attack is any type of offensive manoeuvre employed by an individual, individuals or whole organisations that targets computer information systems, infrastructures, computer networks and/or personal computer devices by various means of malicious acts. They usually originate from an anonymous source that either steals, alters or destroys a specified target by hacking.
Very Informative, but What Does That Mean for Me?
Recently we have heard that personal data from banks, telecommunications and retail outlets have been cyber attacked; the misconception is that it’s only the personal account data that have been copied, or been altered, to gain financial advantage.
How Does a Cyber Attack Affect Business Advantage?
It’s called industrial espionage and it’s the covert and sometimes illegal practice of investigating competitors to gain a business advantage. No longer do spies using microfilm cameras shimmy up drainpipes in black attire. It’s carried out by a very clever band of people called hackers.
So What Do They Hack and What Do They Do with It?
The target might be a trade secret such as a proprietary product specification or formula, or information about your business plans. A hacker can gain access to all your clients, when the contracts are due for renewal, what the new annual premium will be, and what additional benefits you are planning on offering. A hacker can also find out who your customers are, what new developments you have been working on and when they will be released.
When Will You Know It’s Happened?
The answer is that you won’t, until you realise one of your service accounts has been lost to a competitor. Or your competitor has beaten you to the post with your own new product lines.
How Can I Prevent This from Happening?
BASDA member Omnext reduces software risks by looking at the source code. In the past 15 years, Omnext has built their reputation as a specialist in source code analysis. Omnext strives for healthy and future-proof technology organisations, so their mission is to give organisations more control, transparency and flexibility when it comes to their software. Click the image below for more information.
Omnext is offering a free source code check to other BASDA members – if there are no problems there is no fee, and a no-obligation quote should there be issues in the source code. So what have you got to lose? Join BASDA today for your free source code check-up! Click here to join online or call 01494 868030 for more information.