Lucas Pereira, Director of Products at Blockbit, tells us that backdoor attacks can often be even more concerning than other types of invasions.
Advanced methods of bypassing authentication or encryption in computer systems and devices are causing a sharp increase in cyberattacks on companies. Backdoor invasions are currently the most common threats.
This is a method of cyberattack that infiltrates companies through non-strategic systems or devices and then gains unauthorized access to critical systems. Generally, it is not easily identified and exposes the company to numerous vulnerabilities that can jeopardize its operations.
The entry occurs through open doors, which may include communication systems routinely used by authorized technicians and developers to fix network or configuration issues in companies. In practice, the backdoor attack is successful when it manages to deceive the protection devices, becoming a real threat to corporate security.
Attacks with these characteristics are often even more concerning than other invasions because they occur through a little-known entry point. They are designed to allow access for system administrators, maintenance technicians, and developers. Generally, backdoors are not documented in the digital governance structure of companies, making the detection of problems through these entry points even more complex.
When accessed by hackers, these doors leave companies completely exposed, allowing the intruder to navigate through all their systems. With administrator privileges, cybercriminals can modify systems, change passwords, and do whatever they want within the company’s digital environment.
According to the IBM Security X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, backdoor implantation in corporate networks accounted for almost a quarter of all recorded cyber incidents last year. Hackers silently enter the company’s network and, after bypassing blocking systems and analyzing internal possibilities, initiate the attack and even data kidnapping. Many of these attacks are financially motivated, as ransom demands are made for the return of information and restoration of systems.
To mitigate the risks, it is recommended that companies adopt some protective measures:
Use protection technologies – It is essential to adopt endpoint protection solutions to increase the electronic barriers of companies and enhance digital security. Endpoint protection systems can detect, analyze and protect equipment and workloads from viruses, spyware, phishing attempts and malware using combined resources. They can also detect an intrusion by monitoring network activity, application behavior, or unusual and excessive use of peripherals, for example.
Implement a password manager – Implementing a password management system is important to ensure two-factor authentication for new users and to ensure stronger passwords with encrypted data. This makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to gain access.
Be cautious and monitor downloads – Employees and suppliers should be trained to identify threats, carefully verify senders, and avoid clicking on risky websites, executable programs (.exe) and links that could put their companies at risk. Downloads should be avoided or even restricted by the technical team with the help of security programs.
Control network access and permissions – It is possible to implement solutions that control access to the company’s network based on predefined rules, such as IP and geolocation of devices. This provides greater visibility into who is accessing the information, mitigating risks. Additionally, it is important to adopt DNS filtering to block malicious sites and filter dangerous or inappropriate content to keep company data secure.
Use sandboxing – A sandbox is an isolated execution environment within the company’s network that allows suspicious software or code to be safely executed. This is an important measure for companies to protect themselves, as suspicious content is handled separately from the operating system. Sandboxing also assists in monitoring and control by detecting malicious behaviors or suspicious activities, such as attempts to communicate with remote servers.
Install a powerful Next Generation Firewall – Next Generation Firewall solutions are capable of monitoring incoming and outgoing network traffic, measuring system performance, blocking specific traffic, and automatically restricting access based on a predefined set of rules. Firewalls create a barrier between external environments and company structures, making their internal networks and systems even more secure.
Implement continuous intrusion prevention – Invest in an Intrusion Prevention System to monitor network activities and detect potentially malicious movements. These systems provide additional protection against cybercriminals.
Install anti-malware systems – Anti-malware systems are programs designed to protect computers and end-to-end systems, ensuring a secure environment. They can detect malicious code distributed through emails, URLs, FTP file sharing and other means.
Keep versions and updates up to date – Keeping operating systems and applications always updated reduces risks, as new versions always bring additional features. There are countless vulnerabilities that a hacker can exploit by entering backdoors through outdated systems and applications.
Maintain a Disaster & Recovery plan – In cases of cyberattacks, it is necessary to implement a plan that involves a series of integrated procedures and policies to recover the compromised environment. This way, it is possible to minimize the damage caused, restore affected systems and quickly resume operations.
It is always important to have a strategic approach to digital security in companies. If best practices are neglected, cybercriminals can take control and jeopardize the company’s digital security. The journey of protection is long and involves various fronts, but there is no doubt that prevention is still the best alternative to mitigate cyberattacks.
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