The Average Cost to Buy Access to a Compromised Company

The last thing any company needs to deal with is a massive cybersecurity breach resulting in millions of dollars of lost data. Worse than that, reputational damage alone can be even more difficult to recover from. However, many companies fail to take adequate security measures as they believe the cost of “breaking into” companies is so high that few people are capable.

However, a person doesn’t need to actually break into a company in order to compromise the systems. Nowadays, hackers can simply purchase access to a company that has already been compromised for whatever nefarious purposes they may have in mind. Learn the average cost of buying into a compromised company, plus beneficial cybersecurity tips to protect your organization.

What is a Compromised Company?

First and foremost, it’s impossible to know if your company fits the criteria of a compromised company if you don’t know what a compromised company actually is. From an IT standpoint, a compromised company is any which has networks that have been successfully accessed by non-authorized users, whether it is known or unknown, for the purpose of stealing data, financial gain, or other illegal purposes.

How Expensive is it to Buy into a Compromised Company?

As mentioned, one of the main reasons many businesses overlook implementing cybersecurity measures is because they believe breaking into company systems is too difficult for the average hacker. While this may be true, the average cost to buy access to a compromised company is only around $1,000, meaning not every person needs to have the skills required to hack into a company. Rather, a person with malicious intent only needs around $1,000, and they will potentially be given access to your entire systems.

4 Cybersecurity Tips to Keep Your Company Safe

Considering that the cost of purchasing a compromised company is exceedingly low, all companies should place a priority on enhancing existing cybersecurity. To do this, make use of the four following security tips:

1. Make Use of Dual-Factor Authentication

Dual-factor authentication has become widely used by many companies around the world, and for good reason. This form of authentication requires a person who is trying to gain systems access to utilize two forms of identity verification. A common method is a standard user login with a password, along with a rotating multi-digit code that changes every minute and is on a person’s personal or work device.

2. Train Employees in Best Practices for Cybersecurity

A businesses’ employees are the first line of defense against cybersecurity attacks which is why ensuring they recognize the signs of an attack is so important. Implement mandatory cybersecurity training and touch on common topics such as phishing attacks, spam mail, and the importance of only using approved communication channels.

3. Scan Networks on a Regular Basis

A common misconception about cyberattacks is that a business will know right away when one occurs. In truth, however, it’s possible that a business could have its systems compromised for months without ever realizing it while a hacker slowly siphons data or sells off access to that data. Utilize anti-virus software, firewalls, or Threat Intelligence Monitoring which to help prevent and spot potential security risks right when they appear.

4. Change Security Strategies Regularly

In addition to utilizing dual-factor authentication, also be sure to change up security strategies on a regular basis. Whether it is forcing employees to change their password or reinput their password after a certain number of days or even adjusting cybersecurity network structures, making things different can throw off cyberattackers.

Enhance the Security of Your Organization

Recovering from a major cyberattack can take years, and even smaller cyberattacks can have long-lasting implications for any business. That is why using the above cybersecurity tips is so important, regardless of the size of an organization. To that end, if your business is in the Columbus, Cleveland, or Akron area and needs help setting up cybersecurity services, don’t hesitate to contact us at Warwick as soon as possible.