You could believe that cyber criminals are primarily interested in large businesses or people with significant financial resources. After all, that’s where the big money is, correct? Think again. According to recent studies, cyber criminals are casting a wide net, targeting businesses of all sorts, from little family-owned enterprises to multinational corporations. And they’re doing it with the assistance of something called “botnets.”
You may have heard about the increasing number of malicious botnets and probably are thinking, “What on earth is a botnet, and why should I care?” Botnets are cybercriminals’ hidden weapons. They’re an army of hacked gadgets, all under the control of a single malicious puppeteer. This can include everything from your computer to your smart refrigerator. Yes, even your refrigerator can be converted into a cyber weapon.
A new investigation found “massive spikes” in the activity of these botnets, with over a million devices participating in malicious activities at a time. To put that in perspective, that is a hundred times the normal amount of botnet activity.
Typically, there are around 10,000 devices doing naughty things every day, with 20,000 being the highest number researchers had seen. However, in December 2023, everything became insane. The figure jumped to 35,144, and two weeks later it climbed even more to 43,194. That’s a significant number of hacked devices.
And it didn’t stop there; the researchers recorded the highest surge yet, with 143,957 separate devices being utilized at the same moment. On January 5 and 6, there were spikes of over a million devices!
Why are they doing this? These botnets monitor the internet for vulnerabilities in websites, servers, and even email systems.
Imagine the internet as a fortress with several doors and windows. These cyber criminals are seeking for unlocked doors and windows to get in. They focus on certain “ports” that act as entrance points.
What can you do to defend yourself against these cyber threats?
It’s all about strengthening the doors and windows. Here are few easy steps:
- Update your software, operating systems, and apps. Regular updates often address vulnerabilities.
- Protect your devices by using a reputable firewall and antivirus software.
- Educate staff on cyber security best practices, including avoiding questionable websites and communications.
- Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and devices.
- Regularly backup your data to prevent loss during a cyber attack.
- Keep an eye on your network for any unusual activity.
- Consider hiring a cyber security expert (that’s us) to assess and enhance your security measures.
If we can help you keep your business better protected, get in touch.