Hackers always find a way to exploit vulnerabilities. Even if you’ve got the best in-house security team, using platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or One Drive can be the proprietors of an attack. Microsoft, Yahoo, and Dropbox are some of the giants that succumbed to hackers in the last few years.
Small businesses and organizations are waking up to the fact that cyberattackers can exploit them through content collaboration platforms. So, is there a way to make online file sharing secure?
How can file-sharing be dangerous in the first place?
File sharing platforms are the most efficient networks for hackers. Almost all employees have access to them, and multiple people can work on documents together. Hackers execute a cyber kill chain where one person makes a mistake or falls for a scam. As soon as one employee interacts with their malware, there’s nothing to stop them from taking over an entire organization.
Social engineering attacks are on a massive rise. We’re all sharing way too much information online. This makes it easy for cyber attackers to plan before they strike. You might receive a message from a relative asking you to vote for their daughter to get first place in a school talent show. Everything looks normal when you open the site, and you enter an email and password to participate in the voting. That’s all it takes.
How can hackers launch an attack?
Hackers know that most people use the same passwords everywhere, and they’ve now breached your email. They can directly upload a file to your company’s Drive folder and write a message telling everyone that an urgent problem occurred. People will download the file, and voila, the entire company has been compromised with malware.
The weakest link is always human error. An innocent trick with malicious intent can wreak havoc on a business, regardless of the in-house security levels. Malware, ransomware, and data theft are some of the possibilities that hackers can use. Days, even weeks, can go on before someone notices what happened, and most employees are unaware of the danger.
Why aren’t CCPs doing anything about it?
Content collaboration platforms always offer you to read their terms and conditions. In reality, everyone just checks the box and proceeds. Well, there you can read that some CCPs’ only line of defense is an antivirus. Whenever someone interacts with a file, it can be synchronized with a device or a specific user. This means that you can get hacked even if you’re not logged in because you’ll be downloading a file.
Now, many people would think of abandoning platforms like Dropbox or One Drive because both companies got hacked too. But, the main issue isn’t with the platforms. It’s in how people use them. They’re incredibly convenient, and people won’t give up the ease of use. Even if you started using USB sticks again, the same thing could happen.
One of the ways companies can protect their information is to add a system that scans files before they get uploaded. If a file passes a deep analysis for rogue code, malware, or anything suspicious, it can be allowed on the leading platform.
How to avoid getting hacked?
Since the weakest link is the user, it’s essential to know how not to get hacked. At the end of the day, you don’t want the entire company pointing their finger at you for causing such a massive mistake. Even if the company culture is perfect and no one says a thing, it’s still not a pleasant situation to be in.
The best way to be secure online is to use the fastest VPN. You’ll be immune to direct attacks from hackers because the VPN will hide your real IP address at all times. Plus, there are added features that block ads and scan files before you download them.
You won’t feel any changes in your browsing speed which means it’s the ideal solution. Spreading a security-centric culture inside the organization will minimize the risks of using CCPs. As the Navy SEALS say, a team is only as strong as the weakest member. The same thing is true about modern organizations defending their data from hackers.
