Organizations around the world are implementing their own ambitious sustainability goals as we collectively work to achieve the targets outlined in the 2030 climate and energy framework. While some have proudly carried the sustainability baton for many years, others are quickly catching up in the relay.
This acceleration coincides with a digital revolution, which frequently clashes with the desire to reduce our environmental footprint. Why? Because, as we become more reliant on digitization, we generate an increasing amount of data. Processing that data requires electricity, which, if not done efficiently, can result in a significant increase in energy consumption.
But what happens if that data isn’t secure? We frequently discuss the risks that a data breach poses to a business, but we rarely consider the environmental implications.
The risks of malware
Malware does not only endanger data security; it can also have a direct impact on sustainability initiatives and impede enterprise climate targets. Numerous attacks have a negative impact on the environment:
DDOS attacks
DDOS attacks use exorbitant amounts of energy. The attack frequently begins with a suspicious link or download that you unintentionally click on. Before you know it, you’ve created a botnet that’s rapidly sending bogus traffic to a server or website. The network can no longer function normally as it becomes inundated with malicious traffic. The malware quickly infects workstations, causing computers across the network to run at full capacity, sending increasing numbers of requests to the server. The server eventually goes into overdrive as it tries to handle the influx of data requests.
From a business standpoint, this means that services and operations may come to a halt. However, from an energy standpoint, it means that consumption levels will increase exponentially, undermining any efficiency measures that may have been in place.
Production line sabotage
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting production lines to gain access to a company’s network. This can be disastrous for a factory, rendering its entire output unfit for purpose. Malware can jeopardize the strict quality control procedures that ensure a product is produced safely and by industry standards.
An end-to-end solution
Organizations cannot afford any gaps in their cybersecurity given the widespread impact of a potential attack. End-to-end encryption, which allows you to manage the entire lifecycle of your security, is the most effective way to protect your business. To know more about how to safeguard your network from cybercriminals, contact Cegura Technologies.
