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Pallet C e nt ral • July -Aug u st 2 0 24 43 E ach week, the majority of your business meetings likely focus on oense: How can we generate more revenue? How can we expand to new markets? How can we increase production? But in 2024, defense is the name of the game. Defending your business against cybersecurity threats has become a full- time operation. Reports predict that the cost of cybercrime could soar to $9.5 trillion by 2024, highlighting the escalating stakes of digital security. !e manufacturing sector, in particular, nds itself increasingly in the crosshairs, with one-fth of all cyber extortion campaigns targeting this industry. Notably, the deployment of backdoors in cyberattacks is prevalent, accounting for 28% of these threats and highlighting a critical vulnerability that businesses must address. With cyberattacks on the rise, it's clear that cybersecurity training for employees isn't just a competitive advantage; it's imperative for protecting company data and operations. !rough such training, employees can become the rst line of defense, capable of recognizing and mitigating potential threats before they escalate into costly breaches. Understanding Cyber Threats As cyber threats have evolved, they've grown not only in number but in complexity, adapting to the countermeasures put in place by cybersecurity experts. Today, businesses face a myriad of cyber threats, each capable of causing signicant damage. Phishing Aacks Phishing attacks manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in digital communications. !ese attacks are often the initial step in more complex cyber threats, serving as a gateway for attackers to gain unauthorized access to secure environments. Ransomware Ransomware attacks involve malicious software that encrypts a victim's data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid. !ese attacks, which caused $1 billion in damages in 2023 alone, can paralyze operations by locking critical data, resulting in signicant operational disruptions and nancial losses. Malware Malware, short for malicious software, includes viruses, worms, and Trojans, which are designed to inltrate and damage or disable systems. For industries like pallet manufacturing, where timely access to production schedules and inventory data is crucial, the impact of malware can be particularly severe. DDoS Aacks Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks overwhelm systems, servers, or networks with a ood of Internet trac, causing them to slow down or crash. !is type of attack disrupts operations and can be used as a smokescreen for other malicious activities within the network. Identy-Based Aacks Identity-based attacks exploit stolen or compromised user credentials to gain unauthorized access to systems. !ese attacks are especially challenging to detect because they involve attackers masquerading as legitimate users. Notably, 80% of all breaches involve compromised identities, and it can take up to 250 days to identify such attacks. Code Injecon Aacks Code injection attacks occur when an attacker exploits a vulnerability to insert malicious code into a program or application, which is then executed by the system. !ese attacks can aect web applications, databases, and other software systems, leading to data theft, loss of data integrity, and unauthorized access. IoT-Based Aacks IoT-based attacks exploit vulnerabilities in connected devices within the Internet of !ings network such as inadequate security congurations or outdated rmware. !ese attacks can result in unauthorized access, data breaches, and even the hijacking of devices to carry out further malicious activities or service disruptions. Examples of commonly targeted IoT devices include smart thermostats, wireless printers, home routers, and security cameras, each of which can become a potential entry point for cybercriminals if not properly secured. Employee Vulnerabilies Employees often represent the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain. Whether through negligent data handling or falling victim to sophisticated phishing scams, the human factor can often be a company's biggest vulnerability. !is is exacerbated in industries like pallet manufacturing, where the emphasis may traditionally be more on physical rather than digital security, leading to gaps in employee awareness and preparedness against cyber threats. By understanding these digital risks, manufacturing employees can greatly reduce cybersecurity threats. Common Cybersecurity Mistakes By Employees: 1. Weak Passwords Employees often use simple passwords like "password" or "123456", which can be easily cracked by cybercriminals. Training helps employees create strong, unique passwords. 2. Sharing Sensive Informaon Whether through text, email, or verbally, improperly sharing condential information can lead to breaches. Training teaches proper data protection and sharing protocols. 3. Lack of Mobile Security Awareness Mobile devices are prone to security breaches if not properly secured, especially when connected to multiple networks. Training covers securing mobile devices to protect sensitive data. 4. Not Reporng Security Incidents Delaying incident reports gives attackers

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