The rise of digital devices and the Internet have revolutionized communications, enabling businesses and individuals to engage in communication at unprecedented levels. This has also made communications more vulnerable to cyberattacks and malicious activity by cybercriminals. In the connected world we live in, any business or organization involved in communications and transactions online has the potential to be targeted by cybercriminals looking to steal information, intellectual property, and financial data. 

Moreover, the growth of digital communications has also led to an exponential rise in the number of different communication services, such as email, messaging, social media, and VoIP. With so many communication services now available, it has become vastly more difficult for security experts to keep tabs on their security. That’s where communications security specialists come in. They assess the safety of different communication services and networks to monitor and respond to potential threats before they become a threat. This blog will cover what communications security specialists do, why communications security specialists are so important, and what they can do to secure their organizations’ communications services.

What is cybersecurity?

The term “cybersecurity” is often used interchangeably with digital security and computer security, but it actually refers to protecting data in cyberspace. It encompasses all aspects of protecting an organization’s or individual’s computers, networks, and digitally stored information from attack by hackers. This includes technical controls like antivirus software, firewalls, and encryption; managerial controls like risk assessment, information classification policies, and user access management; and operational controls such as secure disposal of data media. Cybersecurity is critical because it can help you protect your business from cybercriminals trying to steal your company’s data. Some ways that cybersecurity can do this are: 

• Stay up-to-date on new developments in cybercrime  
• Secure your devices (e.g., laptops) with passwords  
• Use fake personal information when registering for accounts  
• Protect your passwords through a variety of methods

What is communications security?

Communications security specialists work to protect the security of a company’s communications services from outside attacks. These experts use their knowledge and expertise in cybersecurity to identify threats to the communication service, such as malware or spyware, and take steps to ensure that the company’s data is not compromised. Communications security specialists will often have a background in cybersecurity, information technology (IT), or network engineering. They work closely with IT professionals and other staff members to create a plan for securing any vulnerabilities in the organization’s communications services. Many organizations also use firewall technology to help protect against external threats like cyberattacks, but these firewalls are not foolproof and can be bypassed with enough know-how. Communications security specialists may also monitor firewalls regularly and assess them for any breaches or vulnerabilities that might leave them open to an attack. Communications security specialists also typically know encryption methods that can be used to secure radio transmissions, wireless signals like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections, VoIP services, email attachments, text messages, and instant messages.

Why is cybersecurity so crucial for communications service providers?

Communications service providers need cybersecurity to protect their customers and their business. Without proper cyber security, communications service providers are open to data breaches that can be costly and damaging. In the worst cases, cybercriminals can access sensitive customer information or steal customer funds.

What can communications service providers do to secure their services?

Communications service providers can do a lot to secure their services. Some of the most essential steps communications security specialists recommend are as follows:  

1. Regularly update your applications, devices, and operating systems 
2. Ensure that your Wi-Fi password is complex and not easily guessed 
3. Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts that support it 
4. Encrypt sensitive information  
5. Share sensitive information only with people you trust 
6. Keep current on communications vulnerabilities  
7. Update your antivirus software and run regular scans

Cybersecurity Threats

The Internet is a vast, powerful, and constantly evolving entity. Today, it’s a tool that has completely reshaped how people live and work. But this has not always been the case. For decades, the world has been lagging behind in terms of internet adoption. It took until the 1980s for the Internet to be adopted by a significant number of users. Only in the past few years has the Internet finally become a mainstream phenomenon. And with this new wave of popularity comes new security threats. More cyber-attacks have been reported in recent years than at any other time in history. Cybersecurity experts predict that we will see an increase in cyber-attacks over the next decade. It’s likely that as technology becomes increasingly more sophisticated, so too will hackers and their attack methods. Companies need to be prepared for emerging cybersecurity threats before they happen. If they don’t know about these threats, it could mean being unprepared for them when they arise. They risk everything from customer information to company records.

What hides behind an emerging cybersecurity threat?

These emerging cybersecurity threats can have a major impact on your business. You may not see these threats coming because they’re lurking behind the scenes, disguised as something harmless. When an employee clicks on a link or opens an email attachment, this could lead to malware being downloaded and installed in your computer systems without you even knowing it. This malware will then cause havoc with your company’s data and information. It could delete important documents, steal customer information, and more. If you want to prevent this from happening, the first step is to educate employees about the risks of clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown senders. The next step is to enforce protocols for identifying suspicious emails before downloading them into your system and activating any harmful files.

How to Fight Emerging Cybersecurity Threats

Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving and emerging. You need to stay on top of these changes and prepare your business. There are many different types of cybersecurity threats, but here are six of the most common: 

1. Hackers steal personal information  
2. Data breaches  
3. Hacking  
4. Malware 
5. Ransomware  
6. DDoS Attacks 

In order to fight these emerging threats, your company needs to be proactive in its security. For example, you should ensure all login credentials are secure and change them regularly. It would help if you also had a plan for when something happens, like a data breach or hacking attack. The best way to prepare for a cybersecurity threat is by staying up-to-date on the latest trends. By understanding which methods have been successful against your business, you can better prepare for what’s next!

Types of cyber-attacks

Ransomware

Ransomware is one of the most prominent cybersecurity threats today. It’s a type of malicious software that prevents users from accessing their data. In order to regain access, the user has to pay a ransom (generally in Bitcoin) for the hacker to provide them with the key. The technology world has been especially vulnerable to ransomware attacks, as these attacks have cost many companies billions of dollars in losses.

DDoS Attacks

DDoS attacks are one of the most popular types of cyberattacks. These attacks use a coordinated system, like a botnet, to flood a targeted server with repetitive requests. This sends the server into overload and makes it impossible for users to access the site or service. DDoS attacks are typically mounted against websites as a way to shut down free speech on social media temporarily. Companies that rely heavily on web traffic could also be at risk for this type of attack. Examples include news, publishing, and retail companies.

Internet of Things (IoT) Security Issues

The “Internet of Things” is a new and evolving technology. It refers to the growing trend for everyday devices to be connected to the Internet. These devices include everything from cellphones and laptops to cars, medical machines, home appliances, and more. With these devices being so interconnected with one another, there is an increased chance for security breaches. One concern is how easy it would be for hackers to gain unauthorized access to someone’s car or another vehicle by hacking into their smartphones. There are also concerns that someone could hack into a pacemaker connected to the web and change its settings, potentially endangering the user’s life. Another concern is that we now have entire buildings that are connected to the web. For instance, many buildings now have air conditioning systems that can be hacked in order to turn off every AC unit in an office building at once. There are many potential risks involved with IoT security issues, and companies need to be prepared for them.

Conclusion

The communications service provider industry is one of the most critical and vulnerable industries in the world. Threats to telecommunications networks and their data are a major concern, as the industry is at the forefront of innovation and targets by hackers, hostile nation-states, and terrorists. To maintain the integrity of their services and customer privacy, communications service providers need to secure their networks against cyberattacks. The communications service provider industry needs to invest in cybersecurity to ensure they are secure against attacks.

Protect your business with a trusted cybersecurity provider like EIS

We work hard to keep clients safe from threats. We don’t want to see your company’s name in the next ransomware attack headline. If we can give you a second opinion or help keep your organization protected long term, please schedule a consultation with us today.