Entertainment Cybersecurity Series: Spyware

Part Five: Spyware- Entertainment Cybersecurity Issues

This is the fifth installment of TSE’s 5-Part Entertainment Cybersecurity Series dealing with risks to the entertainment industry. You can find the first four installments here:

1. Remote Work Cybersecurity Issues
2. Data Breach and Content Leaking Cybersecurity Issues
3. Ransomware Cybersecurity Issues
4. Third Party Risks Cybersecurity Issues

Spyware as an Entertainment Cybersecurity Threat

While the entertainment industry has rapidly increased its use of online infrastructure to create, market, distribute, and sell intellectual property, it is behind the curve on implementing robust cybersecurity policies and procedures as discussed in previous installments of this entertainment cybersecurity series. For example, surveys indicate that only 22% of music industry businesses have regular cybersecurity risk assessments.

This failure has led to a significant increase in spyware issues faced by the entertainment industry. Not only are entertainment gaming, booking, production, recording and streaming businesses tempting due to their relation to celebrities, but as technology advances, so do the tactics of cybercriminals seeking to infiltrate systems and compromise sensitive data.

In this article, you will gain a deeper understanding of spyware. I will cover its definition, common types of spyware, and how it can infiltrate company systems. By understanding it thoroughly, we can better equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent spyware from wreaking havoc within our industry.

What is Spyware?

Understanding what spyware is and how it can infiltrate your systems is crucial in developing effective strategies to prevent its damaging effects. Spyware is a type of malware, a general term used for any malicious software. In Part 3 of this series, we discussed another type of malware, ransomware.

Spyware is malware that secretly gathers information from a computing system and about a person’s or organization’s use of digital devices and sends it to a third party without the user’s consent. This type of software is designed to track a user’s online activities, capture sensitive information such as keystrokes, passwords or financial data, and even control the infected device remotely. Hackers can then use that information to access credentials of staff and gain access to customer and business data.

Spyware is a Big Threat to Entertainment and Music Businesses

I Already Read About Ransomware…

Why an article on spyware? While a previous article discussed Ransomware, one type of malware, spyware is even more pervasive and a bigger overall entertainment cybersecurity threat. Malware is so omnipresent in the IT ecosystem; it can’t be ignored.

In 2020, fifty percent of organizations reportedly dealt with a form of malware, which proceeded to spread from one part of their systems to another. In 2021, over sixty percent of organizations dealt with a form of malware that spread through their computer network. Today, malware is even more of a risk.

An understanding of two of the most prevalent and malicious types of malware, ransomware and spyware, is beneficial for entertainment cybersecurity reasons. This installment covers spyware. You can find the previous installment about ransomware by clicking the link found in the introduction of this article.

Types of Spyware

Spyware comes in various forms, each with its own unique set of capabilities and purposes. Examples include:

• Adware is software that stays on a device, watches what its users do, and either serves up malicious ads or sells the users’ data to advertisers and other bad actors.
• Infostealer Spyware gathers data from devices. It searches devices for particular information and messaging exchanges. Keyloggers are a kind of infostealer spyware. Keyloggers are also referred to as keystroke loggers. They log every keystroke a user makes on their compromised device and store the information in an encrypted log file. This spyware technique logs all of the keystrokes a user enters into their devices, including usernames, passwords, email addresses, and text messages.
• Roolkits, another type, functions by taking advantage of security flaws or gaining administrator access; thereby allowing hackers to gain a thorough understanding of a device. Rootkits are frequently difficult, if not impossible, to find.
• Red Shell spyware tracks a user’s online activities after installing itself on a device during the installation of infectious PC games. Developers typically use it to improve marketing campaigns and games themselves. System monitors keep tabs on what users do on their computers, recording keystrokes, social media and other website visits, and emails sent.
• Third-Party Cookies are really spyware allowing the tracking of user visits across multiple websites. Advertisers use them to serve “relevant” advertisements to each browser users. They are viewed as a privacy threat and were due to be phased out by web browser vendors. Google Chrome recently reversed this decision.
• Trojan Horse malware infiltrates a device through a false perception created by the spyware.

How Does Spyware Gain Access to a Device or Network?

Spyware can infiltrate a company’s IT network through various means, often exploiting vulnerabilities in software or tricking users into downloading malicious code. It can be distributed through phishing emails, infected websites, or bundled with legitimate software downloads. Once installed on a device, spyware operates silently in the background, collecting data and compromising the security of the device or network.

By gaining a deeper understanding of what spyware is, the different forms it can take, and how it gains access to systems, companies can better equip themselves to combat this pervasive threat and safeguard their networks and sensitive information. Preventing spyware from infiltrating a company’s systems requires a exhaustive approach that encompasses both technological solutions and employee awareness.

Preventing Spyware Cybersecurity Threats

Roughly 45% of music industry professionals do not feel that their entertainment cybersecurity budget reflects the increases they are seeing in cyber security risks. It’s essential to understand that the following recommendations can only be implemented with proper investment in an IT team or IT contractor. Without the help of a technology team, other employees can only go so far. By implementing the following preventative measures, organizations in the entertainment industry can mitigate the risk of spyware infections and protect their sensitive data.

1. Spyware Education for Staff

One of the most effective ways to prevent spyware attacks is to educate employees about spyware prevention. Training sessions should cover the basics of spyware, how it can compromise data security, and the common tactics used by cybercriminals to distribute spyware. Employees should be taught to recognize suspicious emails, links, and attachments, and instructed on the importance of following company policies regarding software downloads and updates. Training on browser use is also wise. Browsers must be updated immediately, and all employees and affiliates should go into their browser setting and mark “low privilege” as well as HTTPS-only or “secure connections”.

2. Firewalls and Antivirus

It is also wise to implant firewalls and antivirus programs. Firewalls act as a barrier between a company’s internal network and external threats, helping to block malicious traffic and prevent unauthorized access. Antivirus programs are essential for detecting and removing spyware from devices, providing an additional layer of defense against cyber threats. Organizations should invest in strong firewall solutions and regularly update their antivirus software to ensure optimal protection. A variety of companies provide these services. Nordlayer for Business is an example of a provider.

3. Software Updates

About 40% of the music industry has dealt with a distributed denial of service attack (DDoS). A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack occurs when multiple systems flood the bandwidth or resources of a targeted system, usually one or more web servers. It disrupts or denies access to legitimate users of a network. A DDoS attack uses more than one unique IP address or machines, often from thousands of hosts infected with malware.

Outdated software and unpatched vulnerabilities can create opportunities for spyware to exploit system weaknesses. Such vulnerabilities can allow the device to become infected and be a part of distributed denial-of-service attack.

Regular software updates and patch management can help prevent by fixing discovered vulnerabilities in the software. For a small entertainment company, this can be as simple as selecting “automatic updates” in all your browser settings.

To prevent security breaches, larger live entertainment companies should establish a comprehensive patch management strategy that includes regular updates for operating systems, applications, and security software. By staying up to date with software patches and updates, organizations in the live entertainment industry can minimize the risk of spyware infiltration and enhance their overall cybersecurity posture.

Monitoring and Response

Monitoring for cybersecurity threats and initiating a quick response are also essential steps for larger entertainment companies. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, monitoring systems for latest threats and developing a timely response process are crucial components of a comprehensive defense strategy against spyware at any entertainment company. By actively monitoring network traffic, having a well-defined incident response plan, and conducting regular security audits, organizations in the live entertainment industry can significantly reduce the risk of spyware entering their systems.

4. Monitoring

One of the first lines of defense against spyware is monitoring network traffic for any suspicious activity. Talk to your IT contractor about intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS). By utilizing IDS and IPS, IT teams can detect and block malicious traffic attempting to infiltrate the network. Real-time monitoring tools can provide insights into unusual patterns, unauthorized access attempts, and potential signs of spyware activity. Continuous monitoring allows for swift action to be taken to mitigate threats before they escalate.

5. Incident Response Plan

Furthermore, having a well-defined incident response plan is essential for effectively addressing spyware incidents. This plan should outline the steps to be taken in the event of a suspected or confirmed spyware attack, including isolating affected systems, conducting forensic analysis, and containing the spread of the infection. Clear communication channels and designated response roles are critical to ensure a coordinated and efficient response to mitigate the impact of spyware incidents.

6. Security Audits

Additionally, regular security audits are essential for identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the company’s network and defenses that could be exploited by those seeking to insert spyware. These audits should include comprehensive assessments of network configurations, access controls, software vulnerabilities, and employee compliance with cybersecurity policies. By conducting regular audits, organizations in the live entertainment industry can proactively address any security gaps and strengthen their defenses against spyware attacks.

In Conclusion

The threat of spyware is a constant cybersecurity threat for organizations in the music and entertainment industry. If a business is not careful, sensitive information can be stolen or compromised by malicious actors, including online attackers, organized crime, marketing organizations, and even trusted insiders. Combating spyware requires strong preventive measures and proactive surveillance strategies. intruders.

Training employees on spyware threat prevention develops an organizational climate that promotes awareness against cyber intruders. The installation of firewalls and antivirus programs are important to prevent spyware, including regular software updates and software patch management to minimize any loopholes in the cybersecurity system.

Furthermore, a comprehensive approach towards cybersecurity and spyware prevention, requires monitoring network traffic, developing an incident response plan, and carrying out routine security audits. Not only do these practices enable timely detection and response but also improve the overall security posture within the organization.

Effective entertainment cybersecurity protection from spyware and other malicious software requires education, technology, and vigilance. Implementing these measures will help to mitigate spyware as a security risk.

Understanding the cybersecurity threats faced by organizations in the music industry as discussed in this Entertainment Cybersecurity Series should help entertainment businesses be better positioned to prevent and address such threats.

Sources:

https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary

https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/strengthen-your-cybersecurity

https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/tip/Check-IT-List-How-to-prevent-spyware

https://us.norton.com/blog/malware/spyware

https://www.comparitech.com/antivirus/malware-statistics-facts/