Cybercriminals are constantly looking to take advantage of computer security vulnerabilities in organizations. Although these criminals have varying goals, they pose a significant threat to companies. To protect your company from modern cyber threats, you should be aware of the various kinds of vulnerability that might put your network at risk. Then you need to secure these weaknesses before they can be used by attackers.
Understanding Computer Security Vulnerability
This type of security vulnerability is a flaw or weakness in a system or network that criminals can hack to steal vital business information or manipulate the systems. While cyber threats may involve an outside element, a computer system vulnerability exists on the network asset. How cybercriminals will exploit computer vulnerability will depend on the nature of the vulnerability and the attacker’s motives. Such vulnerability can occur due to unexpected interactions of various software programs, basic flaws in individual programs, or flaws in system components. While it is not possible to identify and address all of these vulnerabilities, there are ways to minimize your risk of a data breach. This includes knowing some of the common network vulnerabilities and the ways to address them.
Kinds of Security Vulnerabilities
Vulnerabilities in computer security are commonly present in the following:
- Computer networks. The hardware or software of a network can have issues that expose it to potential intrusion by an outside party. These include unsecured Wi-Fi access points and poorly configured firewalls. A lack of network encryption may make it easier for attackers to steal data and put it to use. Encryption denies attackers the ability to use stolen information, giving consumer protection teams enough time to inform affected parties. This way, they can identify theft countermeasures and avoid harm.
- Operating systems. Vulnerabilities are also found within an operating system that cybercriminals may exploit to gain access to an asset the system is installed on. These include default superuser accounts that may exist in some operating system installations and hidden backdoor programs. Hidden backdoors will make it easy for someone who has knowledge of the backdoor to access the affected computer system and any connected network.
- Certain process controls in your business can also create vulnerabilities. An example is the use of weak passwords.
- Human element. Even a single mistake made by users can lead to the exposure of sensitive data, creation of exploitable access points for criminals, or the disruption of systems.
