The Anatomy of a Cyber Attack
Paul Daigle • April 28, 2023
As technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into our daily lives, cyber threats have become an increasingly common concern for businesses of all sizes.
From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cybercriminals use a variety of tactics to target organizations and steal valuable data.
Surveys have shown the cost of cybercrime is predicted to hit $8 trillion in 2023 and will grow to $10.5 trillion by 2025.
Let’s unpack the anatomy of a cyber attack, and provide tips for how businesses can protect themselves from these threats.
THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF A CYBER ATTACK
Cyber attacks typically involve several stages, each with its own objectives and tactics. Here are the different stages of a typical cyber attack:
- Reconnaissance: In this initial stage, cybercriminals gather information about their target organization, including identifying potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the organization’s network or systems.
- Delivery: Once the cybercriminals have identified a vulnerability, they will use various methods to deliver their malicious payload, such as email phishing, social engineering, or exploiting software vulnerabilities.
- Exploitation: Once the malicious payload is delivered, the cybercriminals will attempt to exploit the vulnerability to gain access to the organization’s network or system.
- Installation: In this stage, the cybercriminals will install their malware or other malicious software onto the target system, giving them access to sensitive data and allowing them to carry out their attack.
- Command and Control: Once the malware is installed, the cybercriminals will establish a command and control (C&C) center to remotely control the infected system and carry out their attack.
- Actions on Objectives: In this final stage, the cybercriminals will carry out their attack objectives, which may include stealing sensitive data, encrypting files for ransom, or disrupting the organization’s operations.
PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS FROM CYBER ATTACKS
While cyber-attacks can be complex and sophisticated, there are several steps businesses can take to protect themselves from these threats. Here are some tips for protecting your business from cyber attacks:
- Conduct Regular Security Audits: Regularly auditing your organization’s security systems and processes can help identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses before they can be exploited by cybercriminals.
- Implement Strong Password Policies: Establishing strong password policies, such as requiring complex passwords and enforcing regular password changes, can help prevent unauthorized access to your systems and data.
- Educate Employees: Providing regular cybersecurity training to your employees can help raise awareness of potential threats and teach them how to identify and respond to suspicious activity.
- Use Multifactor Authentication: Implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) for accessing sensitive data or systems can provide an additional layer of security and help prevent unauthorized access.
- Keep Software Up-to-Date: Keeping your software and systems up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates can help prevent cybercriminals from exploiting known vulnerabilities.
HOW NEXTECH SOLUTIONS CAN HELP
As a leading provider of IT services and cybersecurity solutions, NexTech Solutions (NTS) has the expertise and experience to help businesses protect themselves from cyber-attacks.
[Tampa, FL] — NTS , a trusted leader in innovative technology products and expertly-managed solutions for defense and intelligence organizations, today announced a strategic partnership with Monkton , a pioneer in secure Edge-based mobility solutions. This collaboration underscores the commitment of both organizations to deliver advanced capabilities that streamline operations and accelerate mission success for government agencies and enterprises. Building upon the success of their flagship Edge Activation Platform, MANTLE , NTS has recently adapted their award winning automation technology for Android users. MANTLE Mobile offers efficient, user-focused configuration that simplifies complex setups, manages multiple devices simultaneously, and operates without external connectivity. Recognizing a shared foundation of lleveraging cutting-edge technology to meet the rapidly evolving needs of federal agencies, NTS aims to enhance its capabilities in providing secure, scalable, and compliant mobile solutions with Monkton’s industry-leading expertise in Edge-based mobility. Visit nextechsol.com/mantle to learn more about MANTLE Mobile. “ Partnering with Monkton allows NTS to extend our portfolio of secure mobility solutions and provide our customers with the tools they need to perform critical operations at the edge ,” said Biney Dhillon , Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of NTS. “ We are excited to collaborate with a company that shares our dedication to modernization and operational excellence. ” A leader in secure mobility, Monkton has delivered Edge-based solutions to civilian and enterprise organizations, government agencies, and the DoD since 2016. Founded on the notion of “ Building Faster Ways to Fix Things, ” Monkton rapidly develops and delivers compliant mobile solutions designed to streamline workflows and enhance operational efficiency wherever work is performed. With patented technology and security baked in from the start, Monkton products enable organizations to more securely capture, transmit, and receive critical data to meet missions faster. Visit monkton.io to learn more. Monkton’s industry-leading advancements for secure Edge Computing were recognized by the DoD in the issuance of our Phase III Small Business Innovation Research government- wide IDIQ in the form of the MATTER contract. MATTER, “Mobile Apps to The Tactical Edge Ready,” is a task-based IDIQ that was a sole source award to Monkton, Inc. MATTER supports secure, Edge-based mobility—enabling rapid acquisition to meet missions faster for any federal agency. Find out more at monkton.io/MATTER . The partnership between NTS and Monkton signals a new chapter in secure mobility, setting the stage for government agencies and enterprises to adopt transformative solutions that enhance efficiency and protect critical data in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
September 9, 2024 — NexTech Solutions (NTS) , a leading provider of innovative technology solutions, is proud to announce the appointment of David Pollman as the new Director of Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Operations. With an impressive career spanning over 18 years, Pollman brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to this critical role within the NTS organization. Before joining NTS, Pollman served as the Deputy Division Chief of Operations at the Joint Counter-UAS Office (JCO), where he played a pivotal role in overseeing and evaluating the implementation of the DoD’s C-UAS strategy. His dedication, expertise and leadership were key in advancing the understanding of UAS threats and fostering the development of innovative solutions. Pollman’s experience at JCO uniquely equips him to spearhead the C-UAS growth strategies at NTS and strengthens support efforts for U.S. government customers through the company’s comprehensive C-UAS portfolio. In addition to his work at JCO, Pollman’s distinguished career includes significant positions at Torch Technologies , DEFTEC Corporation , and the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith . He holds an MBA from L SU Shre veport and a bachelor’s degree in Technical Management from Embry-Riddle University . “We are excited to welcome David Pollman to NTS,” said NTS CEO, Joseph Paull . “Pollman’s extensive experience and deep understanding of counter-UAS operations will be invaluable as we continue to advance our solutions to support our government clients in addressing emerging UAS threats”, Paull continued. “David Pollman’s appointment underscores the commitment of NTS to enhancing its capabilities and maintaining leadership in mission solutions,” Paull concluded. About NTS For over 11 years, NexTech Solutions (NTS) has provided systems engineering, testing and evaluation, and operational support, integrating hardware, software, and subject matter experts to support U.S. Government missions. Our experts and engineers understand the challenges organizations face in finding and implementing the best defense technology solutions to meet their mission-critical objectives as the global tech landscape dynamically evolves. We proudly support the U nited States Depar tment of Defense and many other U.S. government customers around the world to determine the best solutions for exceeding mission objectives. To learn more about NTS, please visit our website NTS , or connect with us on LinkedIn , Facebook , and Instagram .
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Held at one of the most iconic resorts, The Broadmoor, in Colorado Springs, CO, this event brings together experts, professionals, and innovators from the cybersecurity realm to discuss and explore the latest trends, challenges, and solutions in the dynamic world of cyberspace.
At NexTech Solutions (NTS), we are a team innovators, leaders, and trailblazers who thrive on challenging the status quo and are pioneering the next generation of government-focused solutions using our mission support platform as a service framework (we call it Technology Platform as a Service or T-PaaS).
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