Threats of Business Information Systems

Use of the internet by businesses have made the business grow and reach their markets easily, but at the same time, it has given rise to vulnerabilities and new challenges that pose a risk to the businesses systems. Their networks have suffered from frequent cyber-attacks and infiltration in some ways resulting in loss of data and crucial business information landing into unauthorised hands. In this article, we discuss some of the threats facing business information systems today.

1. Unauthorised Access

This is the most common threat faced by businesses today. The computer systems are in danger of unauthorised access to confidential business data, and unwanted intruders and hackers have become skilled and equipped with the latest technological tools to infiltrate secure computers and disable them.

2. Computer Viruses

Some malicious people have developed nasty software to access computers without the knowledge of the users deliberately. This software can duplicate itself and continue spreading to the company’s computer network. The virus causes adverse effects on the performance of the systems and slows down business processes.

3. Theft

Organisations face risks of loss of important software and data leading to significant loss of business and organisational effectiveness. Theft is mainly divided into three categories, physical theft where malicious employees can steal physical computer hardware or any valuable they can get their hands on, data theft and identity theft.

4. Sabotage

This is purposeful damage to information systems. It is done through insiders within the organisation and who know to cause a maximum interruption on the business information systems. They destroy infrastructure, change data, and delete software or plant logic bombs and viruses to the computer systems.

5. Vandalism

This is deliberately damaging software and hardware causing threat to information system security. This is done with the aim of temporarily denying access to some organisation resources which affects the business or even shuts down the systems paralysing the normal operations of the business leading to losses.

The above threats can cause serious consequences to the business operations hence the need for the business to put in place measures to mitigate through these risks and threats. Hackers can gain unauthorised access to the systems by finding weaknesses in the security put in place by the organisation. Undertaking Ethical hacking course can help through several ways such as:

• Looking for weaknesses in IT systems using knowledge and tools of criminal hackers to identify loopholes and vulnerabilities and come up with solutions on how the organisation can improve on their security.
• I am exposing security flaws using tactical thinking, human psychology and skills in computer networking.
• Hacking into security cameras as well as observing employee login information to test security protocols on how server rooms are accessed and try to see if employees can release their credentials to hackers.

Through this, the business can realise improved disaster protocol and recovery methods as well as discovering new ways to train employees on how to improve on the company security programs.

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