Hackers are getting more sophisticated at stealing what they want.
A new study has discovered that malware writers are coming up with ever more sophisticated methods of avoiding detection and stealing information from businesses.
Security organisation FireEye examined around 89 million malware events and found that advanced cyber attacks hit businesses 20 times an hour on average, meaning considerable data protection risks are faced every single day.
However, technology firms are most in danger of losing sensitive information, as they are attacked up to once a minute.
Even worse, these hacking events were routinely capable of getting around defence methods such as firewalls and anti-virus programs.
The most common way for hackers to steal information was using the tactic of ‘spear phishing’, which involves using file names that trick employees into thinking they are typical business documents, but initiate malware as soon as they are opened.
Another tactic was sending programs that begin as soon as the computer operator moves their mouse rather than switching on when they are sent to the machine.
Most of the malicious malware came via ZIP files, the poll discovered.
FireEye founder Ashar Aziz said: "This report provides an overview of how attacks have become much more advanced and successful at penetrating networks, regardless of industry. Enterprises must rethink their security infrastructure and reinforce their traditional defences with a new layer of security."
His colleague Zheng Bu agreed that firms are "sitting ducks" unless they do something to avoid attacks.
It comes after a poll by Deloitte found that many companies are overconfident about their resilience to cyber threats.
Getting in touch with Dajon Data Management to discuss bespoke ways of protecting sensitive information could be a good move for any company owners worried about hacking.
For instance, offsite document storage using the cloud could be one way of avoiding malware and ensuring everything stays safe.