VI - How Hackers Exploit Weaknesses in Your Business Network & How to Avoid Being a Victim

From TIPS, AND INSIGHTS TO HELP NAVIGATE THE DIGITAL WORLD SECURELY

In a previous article (Essential Cybersecurity Tips for Beginners)¹ we have learned how understanding the basics of cybersecurity can help protect your personal information, financial assets, and digital identity.

 

In this article, we'll review common attack vectors, how lateral movement works in cyberattacks, and how advanced solutions like ARCHANGEL 2.0 Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) by PT SYDECO can help prevent unauthorized code execution and secure your network.

 

I - Common Attack Vectors: Phishing, Malware, and Privilege Escalation

 

1. Phishing Attacks

 

Phishing is one of the most common and effective attack vectors. Hackers use deceptive emails, messages, or websites to trick employees into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials or financial data. Once hackers gain access to a user’s account, they can infiltrate the network and cause significant damage.

 

How to Avoid Being a Victim:

 

• Employee Training: Regularly train employees to recognize phishing attempts. Conduct simulated phishing exercises to test their awareness.
• Email Filtering: Use advanced email filtering solutions to detect and block phishing emails before they reach employees’ inboxes.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA to add an extra layer of security, even if credentials are compromised.

 

2. Malware Infections

 

Malware, including ransomware, spyware, and trojans, is designed to infiltrate systems and cause harm. Malware can be delivered through malicious email attachments, infected websites, or even USB drives. Once inside the network, malware can steal data, encrypt files, or provide hackers with remote access.

 

How to Avoid Being a Victim:

 

• Endpoint Protection: Deploy robust antivirus and anti-malware solutions on all devices connected to the network.
• Regular Updates: Keep all software and systems up to date with the latest security patches to close vulnerabilities that malware exploits.
• Network Segmentation: Use micro-segmentation to isolate critical systems and limit the spread of malware.

 

3. Privilege Escalation

 

Privilege escalation occurs when hackers gain access to a low-level user account and then exploit vulnerabilities to gain higher-level privileges, such as administrative access. This allows them to control the network, install malicious software, or exfiltrate sensitive data.

 

How to Avoid Being a Victim:

 

• Least Privilege Principle: Ensure that users only have access to the resources necessary for their roles. Limit administrative privileges to a select few.
• Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of user accounts and permissions to identify and rectify any unnecessary privileges.
• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Implement IDS to monitor for unusual activity that could indicate privilege escalation attempts.

 

II - How Lateral Movement Works in Cyberattacks

 

Lateral movement refers to the techniques hackers use to move through a network after gaining initial access. Once inside, hackers can exploit weak points to access other systems, escalate privileges, and ultimately achieve their goals, such as stealing data or deploying ransomware.

 

Steps in Lateral Movement:

 

1.     Initial Compromise: Hackers gain access to a single device or user account, often through phishing or malware.

2.     Reconnaissance: They gather information about the network, such as IP addresses, user accounts, and shared resources.

3.     Exploitation: Hackers exploit vulnerabilities or weak credentials to move to other devices or systems.

4.     Persistence: They establish a foothold by creating backdoors or installing malware to maintain access.

5.     Exfiltration or Damage: Finally, hackers steal data, deploy ransomware, or cause other forms of damage.

 

How to Prevent Lateral Movement:

 

• Micro-Segmentation: Divide the network into smaller, isolated segments to limit the spread of attacks. Each segment should have its own security controls.
• Zero Trust Architecture: Implement a Zero Trust model, where no user or device is trusted by default, even if they are inside the network.
• Network Monitoring: Continuously monitor network traffic for unusual activity that could indicate lateral movement.

 

III - How ARCHANGEL 2.0 NGFW Prevents Unauthorized Code Execution

ARCHANGEL 2.0 Next Generation Firewall by PT SYDECO is a cutting-edge solution designed to protect businesses from sophisticated cyber threats. Here’s how it addresses the challenges of unauthorized code execution and lateral movement:

 

1. Zero Trust and Micro-Segmentation

 

ARCHANGEL 2.0 enforces a Zero Trust model, ensuring that no user or device is trusted by default. Combined with micro-segmentation, it isolates each part of the network, preventing hackers from moving laterally even if they gain access to one segment.

 

2. Advanced Malware Detection

 

The firewall includes advanced malware detection capabilities that identify and block malicious code before it can execute. This prevents malware from infiltrating the network and causing damage.

 

3. Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)

 

ARCHANGEL 2.0’s Intrusion Prevention System monitors network traffic in real-time, detecting and blocking suspicious activity that could indicate an attempted exploit or lateral movement.

 

4. Application Control

 

With its comprehensive dashboard, ARCHANGEL 2.0 allows security managers to monitor and control applications running on the network. This ensures that only authorized applications can execute, reducing the risk of unauthorized code execution.

 

5. Automatic Updates

 

The firewall automatically updates its threat database and security rules, ensuring that it is always equipped to defend against the latest threats.

 

6. Home Intrusion Detection Server (HIDS)

 

ARCHANGEL 2.0 includes a Home Intrusion Detection Server that monitors internal network activity, providing early warning of any suspicious behavior that could indicate a breach or lateral movement.

 

Conclusion

 

Hackers are constantly looking for weaknesses in business networks, but with the right strategies and tools, you can significantly reduce your risk. By understanding common attack vectors like phishing, malware, and privilege escalation, and by implementing advanced solutions like ARCHANGEL 2.0 NGFW, you can protect your network from unauthorized code execution and lateral movement.

 

PT SYDECO’s ARCHANGEL 2.0 offers a comprehensive defense system that combines Zero Trust, micro-segmentation, and advanced threat detection to keep your business secure in an increasingly dangerous digital world. Stay vigilant, educate your employees, and invest in robust cybersecurity solutions to safeguard your network from evolving threats.

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PT SYDECO
Jl. Gabus Raya 21, Minomartani, Ngaglik, Sleman
Yogyakarta 55581, Indonesia
Tel: (+62) 274 880-827
Website | Email: sydeco.indonesia@yahoo.com | info@sydecloud.com

 

1. https://patricien.blogspot.com/2025/02/essential-cybersecurity-tips-for.html

 

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