With the growing prevalence of cybercrime, it’s not a surprise why more and more businesses outsource IT services in Atlanta. After all, third-party providers are equipped with the relevant tools and skills needed to combat digital threats.
Back then, only sophisticated and advanced hackers could write code for viruses and worms so the threats weren’t that widespread. But today, even amateurs can hack into networks and systems using existing codes. These are script kiddies. They don’t need the expertise to create havoc, not when they can easily exploit codes they either stole or bought.
The Buyers
If there’s a demand, there’s surely business for it, and malware programs are no exceptions. Experienced hackers create codes, and if the price is right, sell them to script kiddies. In turn, these script kiddies do everything from bringing down a website for fun or leaking sensitive information for profit or leverage.
The fact that codes can be bought is a sign that threats can come from anywhere. This makes it challenging for security teams to track the source of attacks, simply because they have to cast a wider net.
The Sellers
Currently, the most prominent sellers are the Shadow Brokers. They first broke out in the summer of 2016 when they leaked information from no less than the National Security Agency. The data included hacking tools, zero-day exploits, and other vulnerabilities that target antivirus software and enterprise firewalls. No one really knows who these people are— theories range from ex-NSA employees to Soviet spies, but the proof is yet to surface. Whoever they may be, they started their first auction in August 2016. The highest bidder would get access to security vulnerabilities that render even the most fortified systems weak and susceptible.
They weren’t just talk, that’s for sure. In May 2017, the WannaCry virus infected more than 300,000 systems worldwide. This virus exploited the ETERNALBLUE Windows vulnerability which was included in the fifth auction the Shadow Brokers held in April 2017.
Then in September 2017, the Shadow Brokers announced that the NSA exploit called UNITEDRAKE would be released to their paid subscribers. The exploit allows the remote monitoring of and recording in systems running Windows OS. Providers of IT services in Atlanta and elsewhere are on the lookout for what’s to come.
The Future
It’s only a matter of time before a virus designed for UNITEDRAKE will be unleashed. And after that, more exploits will follow along with more viruses. So, what is your company doing to protect itself?
It’s hard to fight this on your own. What you need is a provider that specializes in managed IT security in Atlanta to keep your operating systems and software applications updated and patched. They will also monitor networks and implement intrusion detection systems 24/7 to ensure suspicious activities are addressed and reported right away. It’s expensive for businesses to devote infrastructure and staff for these tasks, which is why outsourcing is the practical approach.
The Provider
The need is imperative, but don’t just settle for any provider of IT services in Atlanta. Look for a provider that specifically offers managed security. Nobody handles complex online threats better than a specialist like us at MIS Solutions. Contact us today to get more information on how we can protect your company.