As your organization becomes more and more interconnected, online vulnerabilities increasingly threaten your valuable data assets. Simply navigating the Internet can be like walking through a minefield of opportunities for cyber attacks. 

Whether a sophisticated phishing scam or a seemingly innocent friend request, threats are lurking to compromise your users and systems. Being aware of these vulnerabilities can help your company safeguard its digital assets and protect sensitive information. Let’s take a look at ten ways your team may be vulnerable online so you can know what to look out for and, hopefully, prevent future data breaches.

1. Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks: Using unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks, such as at coffee shops, can open up a variety of risks. Cyber criminals can intercept network traffic and obtain login credentials and other sensitive information.
2. Malicious Plug-ins: Employees could install plug-ins that look legitimate but are programmed to act maliciously or collect sensitive data. 
3. Plug-in Updates: Similarly, attackers may exploit the trust users place in plug-in notifications and con users into downloading malware-infected versions.
4. Password Breaches: If your team is using weak passwords or using the same password across multiple accounts, they are creating vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit. 
5. Phishing Attacks: Malicious actors send messages, pop-ups, and emails that look normal, yet coerce users into providing sensitive data such as passwords or financial information.
6. Malware: Seemingly benign email attachments can harbor malicious software like trojans and viruses, which can steal information or even provide attackers with the ability to control activities remotely.
7. Software Vulnerabilities: Unpatched and outdated software can result in vulnerabilities that give cyber criminals unauthorized access including operating systems, plugins, web browsers, and other software applications. 
8. Spoofing: Attackers can spoof emails or websites to appear as if they are from a trusted source and extract sensitive information from user activity.
9. Social Media: When users accept friend requests from unknown people and overshare information, attackers can leverage this information for phishing attacks and identity theft.
10.  Inside Threats: Even your own employees may create vulnerabilities by inadvertently leaking sensitive data or granting unauthorized access to systems. Making team members aware of potential cyber threats can reduce these incidences.

Our reliance on technology has created numerous opportunities for rapid growth and more efficient processes. However, it also creates vulnerabilities that must be mitigated to keep your organization’s valuable digital assets protected. To explore these mitigations, partner with a trusted cybersecurity provider who can help you navigate the world of digital threats and shield your company from its impact.‍