Like a strain of DNA with a complex chain of genes, hybrid threats consist of a variety of viruses, worms and Trojans. Malware hasn't always had this complex makeup, but today an email virus could spread its own SMTP engine, which strikingly resembles a worm. How do you know if it's a virus or a worm? It's a not difficult question for cybersecurity professionals and antivirus platforms to answer.
Hybrid threats endanger everyone, particularly individuals and businesses utilizing cloud computing solutions — data in the cloud has its own separate security risks. It's one thing to deploy security on your own systems, but once the data hits the cloud, it's out of your hands. Not only are could providers dealing with the same cybersecurity threats as us, but they're also dealing with physical security issues. It's important to choose a cloud provider with a track record of comprehensive security compliance. Review five of the most common hybrid security threats and solutions your business can take if it's on the wrong side of an attack.
This is a malicious code that combines characteristics of both types of malware. Most modern viruses fall into the hybrid category, according to Ed Skoudis, a SANS Institute instructor and author of "Malware: Fighting Malicious Code ." Potential solutions and/or avoidance measures for people and businesses who fall prey to or are at risk for this attack include:
A security risk analysis is essential for keeping data safe because it lets companies and cloud providers know where to focus their security efforts. Without learning enough about a risk, a business (or cloud provider) may not know how and where an attack originated from. It's harder to plug the hole when you don't know where it is. Potential solutions include:
Computers need protection for everything from memory to software to stored data. However, cloud data is remotely stored, and the cloud provider has the ability to dictate the cloud's security features. This may result in the provider using authentication and authorization procedures that aren't as secure as what you require. You can address potential cloud security gaps by:
Intellectual property is something — even ideas — you've created. It may be proprietary information that your company uses to set itself apart from competitors. Your intellectual property isn't common knowledge, which is why it requires very thorough encryption when stored remotely. Inadequate IP protection means your sensitive data may be easily accessible to hackers. Fixes include:
All cloud providers should provide agreements that let you know what levels of service you can expect. Without them, you may expose data to unnecessary risks because you're unsure what you can expect a cloud provider to be responsible for. Improve communication with your cloud provider by:
Unfortunately, there's a variety of hybrid cloud security threats. The above are just some of the most common — but fixable — issues. With a little planning and know-how to improve your organization's security-compliance structures, you can successfully mitigate these threats. Partnering with a trusted company that provides Adaptive Security and robust cloud security solutions is a great next step.
Related Articles and Links:
Website Security – Is Your Business at Risk?
What is VPN and Why You Need VPN
What is Advanced Persistent Threat, Signs of APT
Related Products:
Kaspersky Hybrid Cloud Security
Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business