Common Cyber Threats: What You Need to Know (Without the Scare Tactics)
- Canary Cyber Solutions
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 3
If you run a small or medium-sized business, chances are you’ve heard about cyber threats in the news. But too often, cybersecurity gets presented in a way that’s full of fear, technical jargon, and worst-case scenarios. As someone who helps businesses like yours build smart, practical security strategies, I want to shift the focus.
Let’s talk about common cyber threats in plain language—what they are, how they work, and most importantly, what you can do to stay ahead of them. No panic required.
1. Phishing: The Classic Impersonation Game
What it is:
Phishing is when someone pretends to be someone else—like a vendor, coworker, or even your bank—to trick you into sharing sensitive info or clicking a bad link.
What it looks like: An email asking you to “reset your password” or “approve a wire transfer” that seems just a little off. Maybe the logo’s blurry or the sender’s email doesn’t look quite right.
How to stay ahead:
Train your team to pause and double-check before clicking
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) so even if a password gets stolen, the account stays protected
Confirm any requests involving money or sensitive data through a separate, known communication method
2. Ransomware: Holding Data Hostage
What it is:
Ransomware is software that locks up your files and demands payment to unlock them.
What it looks like:
One day you log in and can’t access your files. Instead, there’s a message demanding money to get your data back.
How to stay ahead:
Back up your files regularly—and test the backups
Keep your software up to date to patch known vulnerabilities
Avoid clicking unknown links or downloading attachments from unexpected emails
3. Business Email Compromise (BEC): Targeting the Human Factor
What it is:
This is a more targeted form of phishing where attackers try to fool someone into sending money or sensitive information by posing as an executive, supplier, or employee.
What it looks like:
An email from the “CEO” asking accounting to send a wire transfer—or from a “vendor” requesting a change in banking details.
How to stay ahead:
Always verify financial requests using a second method (like a phone call)
Train staff, especially in finance and HR, to recognize red flags
Use role-based access so only authorized team members can approve transactions
4. Malware: Sneaky and Silent
What it is:
Malware (short for “malicious software”) is a broad term for programs designed to cause harm—like viruses, spyware, or trojans.
What it looks like:
You might not notice it at first. Malware can slow down devices, steal data, or open a backdoor into your systems.
How to stay ahead:
Use reputable antivirus and endpoint protection software
Keep all systems and apps updated
Limit software installations to trusted, necessary programs
5. Credential Stuffing: Taking Advantage of Reused Passwords
What it is:
Attackers use leaked usernames and passwords from one site to try and log into others—counting on the fact that many people reuse the same credentials.
What it looks like:
Accounts getting accessed without any obvious phishing or malware—it just happens because someone used the same password on multiple sites.
How to stay ahead:
Encourage (or require) strong, unique passwords or passphrases
Use a password manager to keep track of them securely
Enable MFA wherever possible
6. Quishing: QR Codes with a Twist
What it is:
Quishing (QR phishing) is a newer threat that uses QR codes to trick users into visiting fake websites or downloading malicious content.
What it looks like:
A flyer, email, or poster with a QR code promising a discount, payment form, or account login. You scan it—and suddenly you’re on a site that looks legit but is designed to steal your info.
How to stay ahead:
Train employees not to scan QR codes from unknown sources or unexpected emails
Use company-approved tools to create and verify QR codes for business use
Remind staff that QR codes can hide malicious URLs, just like a link in an email
Final Thoughts
Cyber threats aren’t going away—but that doesn’t mean you have to live in fear. The key is understanding what’s out there, building good habits, and putting practical safeguards in place.
You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to stay aware, empower your team, and treat cybersecurity as part of how you do business day to day. One step at a time.
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