Hackers use various methods to gain unauthorized access to secured networks, and business servers are attractive targets.
Through weak passwords that can easily be cracked via brute force attacks(new window), security vulnerabilities that can be exploited, and other means, cybercriminals will take any opportunity to gain unauthorized server access. This can lead to stolen data and other consequences.
In this article, we explain what unauthorized access is, how it can happen, and ways to secure your business.
- What is unauthorized access?
- Common causes of unauthorized access
- Best ways to prevent unauthorized access
- Stay protected from unauthorized access with Proton VPN for Business
What is unauthorized access?
Unauthorized access happens when an individual or group enters a network, server, or computer system without permission. There are several ways this can happen, such as hackers using stolen login information to bypass security measures or someone physically entering a workplace to steal data.
Unauthorized access methods aren’t limited to cybercriminals, as employees can unintentionally breach controlled systems or leak data by falling for phishing attacks or having a weak password(new window).
Simple human errors and sophisticated cyberattacks can cause unauthorized access, and the consequences can be severe: data breaches(new window), financial losses, ransomware(new window), system failures, and damage to an organization’s reputation.
With this in mind, using cybersecurity(new window) best practices and putting reliable security measures in place can help prevent unauthorized access from happening in the first place.
Common causes of unauthorized access
Unauthorized access occurs through a variety of ways, and is generally caused by someone seeking to gain sensitive information in businesses they don’t have permission to see. However, blame also falls on weak security measures within a business. Many common causes have affected companies big and small.
Weak passwords
Commonly used passwords that are easily guessable, such as 123456 or password123, make it simple for threat actors to take over an employee’s account and search for unauthorized data. If a server network doesn’t limit the number of login attempts, attackers can use a brute force attack or dictionary attack(new window) to guess passwords until they find one that works. A weak password is also susceptible to password spraying attacks(new window), especially if an employee uses the same password for multiple online accounts. If successful, data breaches will occur, and the consequences can be as severe as the 2024 AT&T breach(new window) that exposed as many as 73 million people’s data.
Phishing attacks
Phishing(new window) is a widely used method to trick people into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware(new window) on their devices, and both can lead to unauthorized server access. By sending an official-looking message (often emails) to employees, hackers can pretend to be a colleague looking for private documents or mislead someone into clicking a link to a malicious website or infected attachment that can break into a system. Moreover, phishing scams can prompt a ransomware attack, similar to the 2021 Colonial Pipeline(new window) incident.
Zero-day exploits
If a company’s network suffers from a software vulnerability and it isn’t identified or fixed through updates, cybercriminals can take advantage of such zero-day exploits(new window) to compromise a system and gain unauthorized access. This allows attackers to leak company data, sell it on the dark web, or inject damaging code into a system.
Weak network security
Corporate networks with weak security measures, such as a lack of encryption, network monitoring, or VPN configurations, can cause man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks(new window). Threat actors use this to eavesdrop on communications, where they can steal sensitive information, trick employees into taking action, and even modify communications exchanged between people on the network. Without proper safety measures on business networks, there’s a risk of unauthorized access.
Best ways to prevent unauthorized access
Given the diversity of methods used to gain unauthorized access to business servers, using several security practices is essential to enhance your company’s privacy.
1. Create a strong password standard
By using strong passwords(new window) for all employee accounts, ones that should be at least 16 characters long(new window), hackers will have a hard time trying to figure out credentials. It can be tricky to come up with a complex password, but a password generator(new window) can help. It creates a random assortment of letters, numbers, and symbols, which can take thousands (or billions) of years to crack using brute force methods.
2. Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
Instead of only using one-factor authentication, which involves a username and password to access an account, two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to further prove the identity of someone accessing the account. It makes it harder for an attacker to gain unauthorized access, as it requires time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs) that are generally available on an account owner’s physical device, such as your phone or a 2FA security key(new window). Even if an attacker steals a password, they won’t be able to get into the account without the account owner’s smartphone.
3. Raise security awareness
Human error is one of the biggest factors in unauthorized access, so giving employees mandatory security awareness training can help reduce the risk of many unauthorized access methods. Giving a better understanding of how to spot different kinds of cyberattacks, such as phishing, ransomware, and more, can stop human errors that lead to unauthorized access from happening at all levels.
4. Update software regularly
Performing regular software updates on systems can fix security vulnerabilities and offer protection against malware threats, reducing the risk of threat actors taking advantage of any security holes that can be exploited. This prevents private information from a business being stolen and raises defenses against any new cyber threats.
5. Use a secure network
Networks are key for all businesses, as they support private connections between computers, laptops, smartphones, servers, and other devices to help communication and data flow. Whether on a local area network or the internet, network security(new window) is vital in keeping this network free from unauthorized access. Implementing a VPN like Proton VPN and using dedicated IP addresses(new window) and servers can enhance a business network’s security and privacy. (See below to learn how.)
6. Monitor network activity
Using Network Access Control (NAC) can help a business manage access to its network, making sure only employees and computers with the right clearance can access private information within the network. NAC solutions will enable a business to keep an eye out for any suspicious behavior on the network, uncovering unauthorized access to devices, servers, or any sensitive data before it causes further problems.
Stay protected from unauthorized access with Proton VPN for Business
At Proton, we believe in an internet where privacy is a priority, and Proton VPN for Business offers unique features to ensure businesses are safe from unauthorized access methods. Proton VPN offers an easy-to-use, multi-layered solution to address many security needs:
- Proton VPN blocks cyber threats and encrypts data(new window) using battle-tested AES-256 or ChaCha20 algorithms, making it nearly impossible for hackers to break. By encrypting internet traffic, the data you transmit over the internet is inaccessible to anyone monitoring your local network, including your internet service provider. This also provides an additional layer of privacy on public WiFi, such as at airports and coffee shops.
- Proton VPN offers controls to limit access only to devices and networks you trust. This enables you to restrict access to network assets on a need-to-know basis.
- You can configure private gateways to create network segmentation and isolation.
- Proton VPN also offers NetShield protection against malware. So you’ll be safe from malicious websites and unwanted ads.
Additionally, Proton VPN’s dedicated IP addresses, anti-censorship measures, and global server network make it easy for employees to access company resources from anywhere in the world, all while denying access to those without authorization.
With additional features such as VPN Accelerator(new window) and Alternative Routing(new window), you can expect fast and reliable connections, even in restrictive environments such as government censorship.
Give your business the protection it deserves by creating a Proton VPN for Business account today.
