SoundCloud is one of the largest cloud-based music streaming platforms in the world, connecting millions of listeners and creators across the globe. The company has more than 130 million monthly users and hosts over 250 million audio tracks.

Headquartered in Berlin, with offices in London, Los Angeles, and New York, SoundCloud operates in over 190 countries. Each region brings unique markets and localization needs, requiring a flexible, secure solution to keep teams connected and protected.

With SoundCloud expanding globally, their marketing team needed a reliable business VPN with broad location coverage. The company chose NordLayer to provide its marketing and developer teams with an easy setup, strong connectivity, and seamless protection.

The challenge: failing VPN connections and limited geographic coverage

SoundCloud faced several challenges with VPN reliability and geographical coverage. The company was looking for an easy-to-use solution that could provide stable, secure VPN connections in specific markets for localization and marketing purposes. Rafał Kamiński, IT Director at SoundCloud explains:

To find the right fit, SoundCloud evaluated several VPN tools, focusing on strong security credentials, ease of use, and simple deployment for non-technical users. After shortlisting and testing a few options, they selected NordLayer. It stood out as a reliable, easy-to-use, and budget-friendly solution that met all their requirements.

How NordLayer helped SoundCloud

By switching to NordLayer, SoundCloud simplified VPN use for employees, improved global connectivity, and saved time and resources. What started with just one team quickly expanded to around 90 users across departments.

Key benefit 1: Fast deployment across teams

SoundCloud’s IT team deployed NordLayer in less than a day. With bulk user uploads and simple installation on MacBooks, the setup was effortless. Most users needed only a short tutorial and could log in instantly via Google SSO.

Key benefit 2: VPN-based, reliable geo-access for global workflows

Some teams, like the designers in Berlin, needed to access vendor servers that only accepted U.S. IP addresses. With NordLayer, they could switch VPN locations in seconds and connect instantly, bypassing location restrictions without manual workarounds.

Key benefit 3: Reduced workload and operational costs

By removing the need for internal VPN infrastructure, international travel, or manual system setup, NordLayer helped SoundCloud save both time and money. IT teams could focus on strategic tasks instead of troubleshooting VPN usage.

Key benefit 4: Smooth scaling of VPN access across departments

Adoption started small with the marketing team, then expanded organically as more employees saw the benefits. Today, nearly 90 users rely on NordLayer’s Business VPN to stay connected securely and easily.

Key benefit 5: Easy user management with SSO integration

With NordLayer, managing users is straightforward. IT manually creates and deactivates accounts, while Google SSO enables secure, one-click login, which is easy even for non-technical users.

Results: 95% of admin time saved

• 95% admin time saved
  NordLayer eliminates the need for manual VPN setups or cloud configurations, enabling instant, secure access to remote systems.
• Ease of NordLayer’s use

• Seamless operations and a reliable, secure VPN connection
  Teams can now quickly switch locations to access region-specific content.

Why NordLayer works for SoundCloud

SoundCloud has been using NordLayer for five years now. With employees working remotely or across multiple global locations, SoundCloud needed a flexible Business VPN solution that did not require heavy admin work. NordLayer made a perfect fit.

Pro cybersecurity tips from SoundCloud

Conclusion

SoundCloud switched to NordLayer’s Business VPN, which provided secure, reliable connectivity and saved the company many hours of IT work.

NordLayer also allows users to easily change IP addresses to access region-restricted servers, which is critical for teams working with vendors or platforms based in other countries.

Does your business need secure and reliable connections? NordLayer provides fast deployment, flexible plans, and strong data security.

Visit NordLayer to find the best plan for your needs.

Today’s industry depends on automated control systems to maximize efficiency and enable flexible production. However, modern cyber attackers understand this dependence and have evolved many techniques to compromise and damage Industrial Control Systems (ICS).

This blog will explore how ICS fits into the cybersecurity landscape. We will learn about the threats ICS systems face, discuss best practices to mitigate cyber threats, and ensure smooth industrial operations.

ICS and OT: Definition

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT) are critical concepts in modern industry. However, the two approaches are slightly different, and understanding these variations is important when protecting ICS deployments.

Operational technology is a subset of industrial technology that monitors machinery and networks across enterprises. OT checks that production or logistics facilities are running smoothly and safely, including physical efficiency, environmental conditions, and cybersecurity factors.

Industrial Control Systems are a subset of OT that manage processes within industrial settings (including cybersecurity). Components of ICS include:

• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA): Collects data from industrial sensors and delivers this information to centralized security centers.
• Distributed Control Systems (DCS): DCS handles complex industrial settings. For example, companies may integrate monitoring across chemical processing plants or oil refineries. Systems employ distributed sensors to improve efficiency and resiliency.
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): PLCs govern automated industrial processes. They allow technicians to automate production and monitoring functions, including threat data collection, alerts, and incident responses.

Why is cybersecurity important for ICS?

Industrial control systems are fundamental to modern industry. They control production lines that manufacture essential consumer goods, manage power plants and refineries, and help maintain and extend critical infrastructure.

However, the expansion of ICS systems has brought new cybersecurity risks. Cybercriminals now seek to damage vital industries via targeted cyber-attacks, often focusing on ICS technology to achieve maximum impact. As a result, Industrial Control Systems cybersecurity is becoming critically important.

Think about the risks of not securing the ICS network infrastructure. Cyber threats could damage machinery and compromise the physical safety of employees. For instance, in the 2010s, a malware agent called TRITON hit industrial safety systems across the Middle East.

Even worse, attackers could harm entire populations. One attack documented by Verizon targeted water company logic controllers, aiming to contaminate water supplies with harmful chemicals. The attack failed but remains possible.

In most cases, attackers harm companies financially, not physically. ICS attacks often damage productivity by taking plants and equipment offline. For instance, a 2019 attack against Norsk Hydro facilities eventually cost the company over $50 million.

Given these numbers and the consequences of attacks, securing ICS systems should be a cybersecurity priority for all industrial organizations.

Understanding ICS security risks

Industrial cybersecurity starts with awareness of the risks faced by Industrial Control Systems. As ICS/OT becomes more aligned with IT, manufacturers face many critical risks, many of which are evolving and becoming more severe.

Common ICS vulnerabilities include:

• Use of legacy systems: Industrial organizations are often slow to update software, which lags behind other technology. Unpatched operating systems and firmware invite bad actors to exploit weak spots. This problem is doubled if vendors no longer support legacy systems. In that situation, companies have no one to advise them or supply updates.
• Default settings: Companies often install industrial equipment or IoT devices without changing the default settings. Attackers can quickly access ICS systems via default passwords, compromising an entire industrial environment.
• Lack of encryption: ICS systems rely on commands to operate switches and manage processes. However, cyber attackers accessing this traffic can hijack industrial systems and control production equipment. Encryption solves this problem by making commands unintelligible to outsiders.
• Risks related to remote access: Vendors and IT staff may access critical systems remotely to manage settings and monitor performance. This represents a vulnerability if companies fail to verify connections via robust access control measures.

Who exploits ICS vulnerabilities? Understanding the threat landscape

Many threat actors exploit these common ICS vulnerabilities. For example, companies without robust access controls, segmentation, and authentication are easy targets for insider threats. Insiders can obtain credentials and mount attacks or supply information to malicious outsiders.

However, many attacks originate overseas. So-called nation-state attacks involve state-backed cybercriminals. The US-created Stuxnet worm, which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, is a great example, but nation-state attacks also emerged from Russia, China, North Korea, and Israel.

Then there are shady criminal collectives. In 2024, ransomware groups hitting ICS targets surged by 60%, and attacks rose by 87%. Industrial targets are attractive because companies can’t afford to lose production time. For instance, Colonial Pipeline paid ransomware attackers $4.4 million in 2021, and smaller payments happen daily.

Finally, third-party accounts can expose companies to supply chain risks without proper vetting and security assessments. If a vendor suffers a cyber-attack, the effects can cascade to factories that use their products.

What happens when ICS attacks occur?

Whatever threat actor is involved, ICS attacks can be devastating. The most obvious consequences are financial. As noted above, attackers may demand huge ransomware payments to unlock systems. However, ICS attack risks extend beyond ransom payments.

On a practical level, ICS attacks disrupt industrial production as SCADA manipulation causes production lines to behave erratically and halt. DDoS attacks overload and damage machinery, potentially raising fire risks.

Critical infrastructure networks become unreliable and require detailed assessment, which can be a headache for utilities like electricity or water providers. These problems are more severe if attackers disrupt monitoring technology by delivering false readings.

Safety systems may break down or produce false alarms. Physical failure can harm employees, customers, and the environment. When that happens, regulatory compliance violations are almost guaranteed, and reputational harm is never far behind.

ICS security best practices

Cyber threats against critical systems are becoming more sophisticated and damaging. Attackers tailor their methods to specific companies and locations. They research legacy systems, industrial architecture, and security measures to detect seemingly minor vulnerabilities.

In this context, all industrial organizations should strengthen their ICS cybersecurity posture. Let’s explore some best practices to achieve this goal.

Network segmentation

Segmenting ICS environments is an essential part of cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems. This is because network segmentation divides industrial networks into areas with access permissions assigned to specific teams and employees. Security teams can monitor ICS devices and spot suspicious activity, ensuring only authorized users can access configurations or data flows.

Network segmentation can also help restrict the blast radius of successful attacks. It can, for example, prevent malicious malware from spreading in the network. This is especially helpful in mitigating denial-of-service attacks that flood industrial networks with traffic.

Ideally, companies should use cloud firewalls to implement network segmentation. Cloud firewalls enforce access controls to your ICS devices. You can facilitate smooth access for employees with a legitimate reason to change ICS settings and exclude everyone else.

Training employees

Cutting-edge security tools are useless if employees fail to follow security policies. For instance, companies must educate employees about the importance of MFA and password security. Enforce device security policies, allowing only approved work devices to connect to the ICS network.

Additionally, connect phishing risks with ICS attacks. Employees should know how to identify phishing emails and avoid malicious software infections.

Regularly patch and update software

As we discussed earlier, legacy systems are common failure points in cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems. Companies let control software become obsolete. Businesses must provide regular patches to mitigate exploits and stay ahead of malicious actors.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Robust access controls prevent unauthorized access, even if attackers obtain user names and passwords. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires unique one-time credentials in addition to passwords. This helps block untrusted users at the network edge.

MFA is even more effective with strengthened password security. ICS users should regularly change their passwords and use strong, unique passwords (with no reference to personal information).

Password managers can help by providing a simple interface for credentials management. Integrate tools like NordPass with your ICS security measures to enforce password policies consistently and minimize credential theft risks.

Secure Remote Access

ICS is usually a remote technology. Engineers rarely control equipment on-site and depend on connections between external networks and ICS devices. This opens the door to hijacking and credential theft attacks. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)help solve this problem.

VPNs help secure company data by creating an encrypted connection for employees to access the network remotely. Business VPN ensures that remote access to critical systems is protected, reducing the risk of cyber-attacks.

Harness the latest threat intelligence

Many ICS attacks originate from organized criminal collectives and nation-states. This level of organization makes attacks more powerful, but has a positive side: targets can research active threats and apply proactive security measures.

Leverage threat detection and intelligence to outpace ICS attackers. Solutions like NordStellar actively monitor current threats and detect leaked credentials on the Dark Web. With this knowledge, security teams can detect critical threats and remedy exploits before attacks occur.

What are the differences between ICS and SCADA systems?

Before we finish, it’s important to clarify how ICS and SCADA systems differ. As mentioned earlier, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition is a monitoring system that collects data from industrial sensors.

SCADA is most commonly associated with distributed industrial settings. For example, oil pipelines need thousands of SCADA sensors to monitor structural integrity, check employee safety, and spot potential leaks.

ICS is an umbrella term referring to systems that monitor and control industrial environments. SCADA is an element of most ICS deployments, but there is more to ICS than data gathering. ICS is a control model. ICS devices analyze and use data to manage industrial processes.

How can NordLayer help secure ICS systems?

ICS cybersecurity is critically important in the modern economy. Power suppliers, manufacturers, logistics companies, and all industrial organizations face severe and growing cybersecurity risks. Expert assistance is often essential, which is where NordLayer can help.

NordLayer’s cybersecurity for manufacturing solutions help mitigate ICS risks and prevent damaging cyber-attacks.

Our access control solutions regulate access to ICS assets, blocking unauthorized actors and allowing seamless employee access. The cloud firewall allows granular network segmentation, shrinking the attack surface. Threat detection tools monitor your network, while our VPN enables safe remote access to all ICS devices.

Advanced security tools make it possible to secure all types of industrial environments. To learn more, contact the NordLayer team today.

MediBillMD is a service-based company that provides end-to-end revenue cycle management for clinics and healthcare providers. They manage the billing of claims and the reimbursement process. They also handle:

• Credentialing — verifying providers’ qualifications and enrolling them with payer
• Authorization scrubbing — checking claims for errors before submission, reducing rejections and delays

Here’s a simplified version of the revenue cycle they manage:

1. A patient visits a clinic and sees a doctor
2. The doctor generates a claim and sends it to the insurance payer
3. The insurance payer processes the claim and reimburses the doctor

MediBillMD handles the billing and collection tasks, so clinics can focus on patient care. They are experts at ensuring providers get paid for services rendered.

The challenge: secure remote access to PHI

Alex Walker, Assistant VP Business Development and Sales, explains:

MediBillMD’s main office is in Dallas, Texas. Their operations team works primarily overseas. They needed:

• A Server with a dedicated IP to provide a fixed U.S. IP address.
• A secure VPN solution that enforces HIPAA compliance.

They turned to NordLayer to fulfill these requirements.

Step 1. Deploy NordLayer in 3 minutes

MediBillMD had tried another solution that didn’t work well. They switched to NordLayer because of user-friendly management, strong support, and familiarity with Nord’s products.

Deployment was straightforward:

1. Log in to NordLayer.
2. Send an invitation to each user.
3. The user clicks the link to download the NordLayer app.
4. The app installs automatically.
5. They’re ready to connect.

Step 2. Set up a Server with a dedicated IP

MediBillMD’s teams must access U.S.-based websites and EMRs from other regions. Some websites block non-U.S. traffic. The dedicated U.S. IP solves that.

When employees begin work, they automatically connect to the NordLayer VPN to reach EMRs and billing websites. Without the VPN, they can’t access any resources at all.

MediBillMD also has a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with each clinic. This ensures that PHI can be accessed without storing data locally. By using the dedicated IP, each clinic knows exactly where MediBillMD’s requests come from, and no PHI gets saved on local systems.

Step 3. Enable Always On VPN

MediBillMD enforces an Always On VPN policy:

• Users’ devices start up with NordLayer connected.
• If NordLayer disconnects, internet access is blocked.

This approach eliminates accidental data exposure and keeps PHI protected at all times.

Step 4. Add extra security with DNS Filtering

MediBillMD blocks certain sites by using DNS filtering. They can tailor these policies to ensure employees don’t accidentally access risky domains.

Results: healthcare services enabled

• All remote employees secured. The team can safely access the U.S.-based resources.
• No bandwidth loss. The VPN runs smoothly without speed drops.
• Always On VPN. Employees remain connected, ensuring continuous compliance.
• EMRs remain in the U.S. No local data storage, aligning with HIPAA.
• Easy scaling. Adding new users takes only a few clicks.

Why NordLayer works for MediBillMD

MediBillMD values an all-in-one cybersecurity solution. They don’t want multiple vendors for separate tasks. NordLayer meets those needs:

• Scalability. New users can be added instantly.
• Future expansion. As MediBillMD grows, they can adopt network segmentation and advanced analytics.
• HIPAA-friendly. Combined with EMR-based security features (like two-factor authentication), NordLayer keeps PHI access locked down.

They plan to add more dashboards for HIPAA audits in the future. For now, they focus on a smaller volume of analytics. As they expand, they’ll integrate more features.

Pro cybersecurity tips

Organizations handling PHI must follow strict security rules to stay HIPAA-compliant. These practices help prevent breaches and block unauthorized access. While designed for healthcare, they also benefit other industries managing sensitive data.

1. Adopt a clear desk policy
   Always lock your computer when leaving your workstation, even for a minute. This protects PHI from unauthorized access and helps meet privacy and security standards.
2. Protect data when sending attachments
   Encrypt files with a password and email that password separately. Never include any patient identifiers (e.g., name, member ID, insurance details) in the email body. This reduces the risk of exposing sensitive information.
3. Enforce least privilege
   Give access only to those who need it. Critical passwords stay with management, so unnecessary personnel can’t view or handle sensitive data. This keeps systems locked down and HIPAA-compliant.

Alex Walker, Assistant VP Business Development and Sales @MediBillMD

Conclusion: future-ready HIPAA compliance

MediBillMD needs a dedicated U.S. IP to serve their remote workforce and U.S. clients. Here’s what they did:

• Deployed a Server with a dedicated IP so employees can access U.S. EMRs.
• Enabled Always On VPN to keep data secure 24/7.
• Used DNS Filtering to block risky or unneeded websites.
• Applied least privilege principles, with network segmentation planned for the future.
• Prepared for growth: Adding new users is simple, and everything else is built into NordLayer.

For healthcare companies like MediBillMD, an all-in-one solution helps maintain compliance, boost security, and simplify IT.

A Server with a dedicated IP starts at $40 per month. Other security features come in the Core NordLayer plan.

We live in a world where it’s easy to send a quick work email at the airport lounge or finish design tasks in neighborhood coffee shops after hours. Remote work is great in theory. However, if we don’t understand public Wi-Fi risks, working remotely can lead to cybersecurity disasters.

Public Wi-Fi networks are often a network security blind spot. Users sometimes drop their guard, exposing online accounts and security credentials that should remain locked down. That’s why robust public Wi-Fi security is essential for business.

This article addresses Wi-Fi security, exploring critical risks, mitigation strategies, and employee best practices for public Wi-Fi users.

Key takeaways

• Many public Wi-Fi networks lack adequate security measures such as encryption. “Evil Twin” attacks complicate the issue by creating fake hotspots that appear legitimate. Users must be vigilant and aware to protect their online security.
• Using free Wi-Fi is extremely risky. Hackers use public Wi-Fi connections to monitor targets, extract credentials, deploy malware, and mount identity theft attacks. They can also spread phishing emails, hijack sessions, and divert users to fake websites.
• Protect work devices on public Wi-Fi by enforcing VPNs, malware scanning, MFA, and threat intelligence. Unsecured devices should never connect to insecure Wi-Fi networks.
• Best practices for employees include data encryption, using a VPN and firewall combination, and learning how to verify that they are using a secure network. Employees should avoid sensitive tasks on Wi-Fi networks, especially those involving financial data.

What makes public Wi-Fi networks risky?

Around 60% of us regularly use hotel or airport Wi-Fi to send emails and collaborate with colleagues. Wi-Fi liberates employees to work wherever they are. However, this freedom brings cybersecurity risks. If you exchange sensitive data or files via public networks, data loss is always a possibility.

Why is this? The problem is that many public Wi-Fi networks lack security measures to prevent hijacking and protect users from criminal activity.

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks often lack password protection and authentication or rely on default passwords that attackers can easily guess. They also use unencrypted plain text, allowing data to flow openly from user devices to the internet.

Moreover, companies that fail to secure their Wi-Fi networks are also vulnerable to spoofing (so-called “Evil Twin” attacks).

In Evil Twin attacks, criminals create a fake public Wi-Fi hotspot that resembles the real thing. For instance, they might create an access point called “Airport_StarbucksWiFi.” The fake hotspot looks normal but allows threat actors to distribute malware and hijack connections.

Evil Twin attacks are more likely when businesses outsource Wi-Fi networks to IT partners. Airports regularly outsource connectivity, losing the ability to police internet traffic and crack down on copycat hotspots. Cybercriminals leap into that accountability gap, often without detection.

As a Wi-Fi user, identifying fake nodes or poor security measures is not simple. Most of the time, we want to log on smoothly and quickly without worrying about data security. Unfortunately, that’s a mistake.

Unsafe Wi-Fi exposes everything users do online, and we must remain vigilant.

In one study, researchers monitored 11 unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots around Nara, Japan. Over 150 hours, they gathered unencrypted photos, documents, emails, and credentials. All of the harvested data was in plain text, ready to use for whatever purpose attackers desired.

Common dangers of free Wi-Fi networks

Public Wi-Fi networks are dangerous services. However, you can use them safely if you take action to mitigate critical public WiFi risks. Mitigation starts with understanding how attackers use Wi-Fi and how threats operate.

Man-in-the-Middle attacks

The Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks involve attackers placing themselves between user devices and the public internet. Fake public Wi-Fi networks are perfectly adapted for this attack method.

Criminals controlling a public Wi-Fi hotspot use sniffing tools to monitor data and harvest unencrypted credentials from users on the same network. They can mount session hijacking attacks to execute financial transactions or redirect users to malicious websites.

Malware distribution

Unsecured networks enable malware distribution in several ways. For instance, attackers can use compromised Wi-Fi servers to redirect network users to fake websites and deliver malicious downloads.

Attackers can also send phishing emails directly to users or leverage software exploits to implant spyware tools. The bottom line is that using unsecured public Wi-Fi connections offers an open door for malware attacks.

Identity and credential theft

Both MitM attacks and malware can extract user credentials and other confidential information. Attackers use this information to mount secondary attacks. For example, they might use login credentials to apply for loans or gain access to business networks. They can also sell extracted data on dark web marketplaces.

The trouble with identity theft attacks is that they are hard to trace. Victims do not know criminals are using their login credentials until it’s too late. That’s why we recommend that Wi-Fi users regularly request a dark web scan to check for leaked emails and login details.

Business email compromise

In business email compromise attacks, criminals pose as legitimate contacts and persuade victims to transfer money or confidential information.

Unsecured Wi-Fi allows attackers to extract your email address and monitor email contents. Attackers can learn who you are and create persuasive phishing emails to suit their strategy.

Alternatively, hackers could hijack your business email account via compromised Wi-Fi connections. They can assume your corporate identity, using it to email colleagues, clients, and bosses. This technique builds false trust, enabling criminals to arrange payments or steal data without detection.

How much can security incidents cost companies

Using public Wi-Fi without protective measures is risky. But how risky is it from a financial and reputational perspective?

The answer is, very risky. Companies that neglect public Wi-Fi safety run unacceptable risks with potentially drastic consequences. Most significantly, a single insecure Wi-Fi connection can lead to enterprise-wide data breaches.

According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach reached $4.88 million in 2024—a 10 percent increase from the previous year. 66% of consumers lose trust in companies that suffer data breaches, and 75% consider avoiding their products.

Using public Wi-Fi amplifies this critical business risk. Statista reports that 25% of those using cafe Wi-Fi networks reported identity compromise attacks. Another survey found that 18% of Wi-Fi users reported experiencing cybersecurity incidents linked to public networks.

Even worse, 45% of respondents admitted to making financial transactions via public Wi-Fi and 47% failed to verify the legitimacy of Wi-Fi hotspots. So while public Wi-Fi is risky, users often underestimate the hazards and are liable to put data at risk.

Ways to stay safe on public Wi-Fi

Identity theft and data breach attacks are costly, but employees often need flexible internet access—especially when traveling. Companies must balance flexible working practices with robust cybersecurity. That way, businesses can enjoy the benefits of public Wi-Fi and neutralize the negatives.

Let’s start with some security fundamentals to strengthen your security posture and protect users wherever they access the internet.

• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)—VPNs encrypt connections and assign anonymous IP addresses to user devices. With a Business VPN installed, employees access network assets via a secure connection. Even snoopers in control of Wi-Fi nodes can’t easily decrypt web traffic. Integrate VPN usage into your remote work policies. Require employees to use an approved business VPN on all work devices.
• Scan downloads for malicious content—Criminals use unprotected Wi-Fi networks to divert users to fake websites and seed malicious downloads. Guard against this risk with Malware Protection tools that scan incoming files and identify malicious software.
• Implement real-time malware protection—It’s also wise to use continuous threat scanning tools. Malware can infect any device via drive-by downloads or email attachments. Real-time malware scanning detects these threats before they steal data or damage assets.
• Leverage advanced threat intelligence—Threat intelligence provides up-to-date knowledge about active threat actors and attack techniques. Advanced knowledge makes it easier to mitigate risks and apply suitable Wi-Fi security measures.
• Secure all user accounts with multi-factor authentication (MFA)—Attackers may obtain user IDs or passwords via packet sniffing or malware. However, if you use MFA for network logins, criminals won’t be able to access critical assets easily.

Best practices for employees using public Wi-Fi

The recommendations above will help you manage public Wi-Fi risks, but they aren’t the end of the story. Wi-Fi security is fundamentally about safe user behavior and training. Security-aware employees are far less likely to fall for Evil Twin attacks or phishing scams.

With that in mind, here are some best practices that employees should follow when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks:

Learn how to recognize fake Wi-Fi networks

Training should focus on educating employees to understand public Wi-Fi security risks and identify fake networks. Educate staff to be alert to the risk of using free Wi-Fi networks, and require users to verify the hotspot with the staff at hotels or coffee shops before connecting.

Turn off auto-connect settings

Device users often enable auto-connect at home and forget that it applies elsewhere. However, devices may automatically connect with unsafe networks. Disable this feature and require manual logins for each public Wi-Fi internet connection.

Encrypt sensitive information on devices

If users regularly work remotely, require the encryption of sensitive data in specific folders. Ban the storage of work documents in plain text files, and consider requiring end-to-end email encryption for work-related file transfers.

Enable VPNs and firewall protection

As noted earlier, business VPNs bring public Wi-Fi users within your security perimeter. Combine robust VPN encryption with approved device firewalls to block most threats before they compromise data.

Don’t use public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities

Attackers can’t steal financial credentials if you don’t type them into browsers. Tell staff to avoid sending payments via public Wi-Fi or discussing financial matters via insecure connections. The same applies to collaborating on confidential projects. If privacy is critical, use cellular hotspots or reliable Wi-Fi connections.

Require regular updates

Patch management manages the risks related to outdated operating systems and internet-facing applications. Remember: attackers look for WiFi security exploits to access devices and business networks. Make sure every critical app is up-to-date and protected against known vulnerabilities.

How NordLayer can help

Avoiding public Wi-Fi risks is not just about training. NordLayer’s security platform reinforces employee knowledge by providing the tools to safeguard data and counter cyber threats.

For example, our Business VPN applies encryption and IP address anonymization to all users when they connect to the company network. Encryption locks down the content in transit of user devices, while the Always-On VPN feature ensures complete coverage. Your internal network remains invisible to attackers; sensitive data is always off-limits.

Our Download Protection tools screen downloads for malware threats. If Man-in-the-Middle attacks divert users to fake download sites, our tools detect threats before they execute malicious code. Real-time malware protection operates in the background, ensuring a seamless user experience.

NordLayer also leverages global threat intelligence to counter emerging threats and criminal actors. Our threat intelligence solution detects attacks early based on signatures and unusual behavior. Security teams enjoy network-wide visibility via real-time internet traffic monitoring.

Companies that allow employees to use unsecured public Wi-Fi networks should expect internet security issues sooner rather than later. However, NordLayer will help you strike a strategic balance between flexible work and cybersecurity. Contact our team to reduce public Wi-Fi risks without compromising employee performance.

Frequently asked questions

What information can hackers steal while browsing on public networks?

Hackers can steal any data passing across an unsecured Wi-Fi network connection. This includes email contents and metadata, search queries, file transfers, and login credentials for network portals, social media accounts, or financial services.

Stealing data stored on user devices is harder but also possible. Attackers can deploy malware to extract files from hard drives or connected devices. In short, any information on your device is at risk when you use unsecured free WiFi connections.

What are the biggest risks when using public WiFi networks?

Public WiFi use carries many cybersecurity risks. The biggest risk is the extraction of login credentials and other sensitive information. Attackers can sniff credentials from active connections and use this information to access network resources.

Public Wi-Fi users also risk malware infections from fake websites or direct deployment. Attackers can distribute phishing emails or pop-up alerts to users on the same network. They can also use session hijacking techniques to control applications and compromise network security.

How does the use of a VPN help you stay protected?

Virtual private networks protect public Wi-Fi use by encrypting data and assigning anonymous IP addresses. Encryption conceals the data you send over free wifi connections. Attackers cannot see what you type or the emails you send and tend to shift focus to easier targets instead.

Effective digital marketing is vital for businesses today, but so is protecting it. However, the rapid expansion of this field also exposes companies to increasing cybersecurity threats. Data breaches, phishing attacks, and malicious ads can jeopardize sensitive information, disrupt digital marketing campaigns, and damage a company’s reputation.

In 2023, cybercrime damages were estimated at $8 trillion globally and are expected to rise to $10.5 trillion annually this year. Marketing platforms are frequent targets due to their access to customer data and advertising networks.

As cybersecurity threats are here to stay, marketers must prioritize cybersecurity to ensure the safety of their campaigns, data, and reputation. Ensuring robust cybersecurity measures in digital marketing is no longer optional—it is essential.

Why cybersecurity is important in digital marketing

As businesses continue to invest heavily in digital marketing, securing these efforts becomes crucial. Without proper cybersecurity measures, brands risk losing sensitive data, damaging their reputation, and experiencing financial losses. Here’s why cyber security should be a top priority if the organization engages in many digital marketing activities:

Protecting customer data

Digital marketers handle vast amounts of personal data, including customer names, email addresses, and payment details. This makes them a prime target for cybercriminals who seek to exploit vulnerabilities in marketing platforms. A single breach can expose thousands—or even millions—of records, leading to financial and legal consequences. Implementing operational security measures helps protect this sensitive information and build customer trust.

Maintaining brand reputation

A security breach can significantly damage a brand’s reputation. When customer data is compromised, trust is lost, which can lead to decreased customer loyalty, negative publicity, and revenue loss. Consumers expect brands to safeguard their personal information, and a failure to do so can have lasting repercussions. Cyber security measures are essential to protect sensitive information and maintain the brand’s credibility.

Ensuring business continuity

Cyber-attacks can disrupt websites, analytics tools, and digital marketing platforms, leading to downtime and financial losses. Marketing teams drive traffic to their websites for conversions, and any disruption to the website can derail key initiatives. If a website crashes, marketers will feel significant turbulence, as their campaigns rely heavily on seamless access to e-commerce stores or SaaS products. Strong security measures can help businesses ensure seamless operations and avoid costly interruptions.

Compliance and regulations

Laws such as GDPR and CCPA require businesses to secure customer information and respect privacy. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines, legal battles, and reputational damage. Digital marketers should collaborate closely with infosec teams to align marketing practices with legal requirements, ensuring both compliance and consumer protection.

Main cyber threats in digital marketing

The digital marketing field is full of opportunities—but also risks. While attackers may target vulnerabilities in digital marketing platforms, we have limited control over those weaknesses. Cybercriminals often aim to gain access to platforms containing sensitive customer information by stealing credentials or guessing login details. Focusing on these areas allows us to take proactive measures to protect data and mitigate risks.

Phishing attacks

Phishing is one of the most common threats. Cybercriminals use fake emails, messages, and even social media ads to trick marketers into revealing login credentials or downloading malicious attachments. These phishing attacks often appear as legitimate requests from trusted sources, making them difficult to detect. Once attackers gain access to accounts, they can manipulate marketing assets, hijack accounts, send fraudulent emails, and compromise customer information.

Data breaches

Marketing teams rely on CRM systems, email lists, and customer databases to manage relationships and target audiences effectively. Unfortunately, these platforms are prime targets for attackers. A data breach can expose customer information, financial records, and internal business data, leading to financial losses, regulatory penalties, and reputational harm.

Account takeover attacks

In these attacks, cybercriminals steal credentials to gain unauthorized access to your accounts, such as PPC platforms or social media profiles. Once they have control, they can misuse your budget or damage your brand reputation by deleting content and impersonating you.

This type of attack can go unnoticed until significant harm has been done. To prevent them, implement strong authentication measures, use complex passwords, and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) options.

Website and social media hijacking

Unauthorized access to a company’s website or social media accounts can lead to misinformation, fraudulent promotions, and reputational damage. Bad actors can post misleading content, redirect visitors to malicious sites, or delete valuable digital assets. Enforcing strict access controls and monitoring login activity can help prevent such incidents.

Click fraud

Bots and automated scripts inflate ad metrics by generating fake clicks, leading to wasted ad spend and distorting campaign results. Click fraud can drain digital marketing budgets while providing no real engagement or conversions. Marketers should leverage fraud detection tools to identify suspicious activity and mitigate financial losses.

DDoS Attacks

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks can overwhelm a brand’s website, CRM systems, or advertising networks by flooding them with excessive traffic. This results in website downtime, disrupted marketing campaigns, and lost revenue. A well-orchestrated DDoS attack can prevent users from accessing online stores, landing pages, and promotional materials, directly impacting customer engagement and sales.

Recognizing these cybersecurity threats helps marketers take proactive steps to secure their campaigns, ensuring both data integrity and customer trust.

Email marketing threats and how to mitigate them

Email campaigns are powerful tools for engaging customers, nurturing leads, and driving sales. However, they are also one of the most targeted channels for cyber threats, as attackers exploit the trust between brands and their audiences.

One of the biggest risks in email marketing is phishing, where cybercriminals send fraudulent messages that appear to come from a trusted brand. These emails often contain malicious links or attachments designed to steal credentials, infect devices with malware, or trick recipients into making unauthorized transactions.

Business Email Compromise (BEC) is another serious threat, where attackers hijack or spoof official company emails to send fake invoices or payment requests. Additionally, email spoofing—where attackers forge sender information—can mislead recipients into believing that fraudulent messages are legitimate, leading to scams that damage trust in a brand.

To mitigate these risks, businesses should implement authentication protocols like two-factor authentication, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, which help verify sender identities and prevent spoofing. Secure email gateways can filter out phishing attempts and malware before they reach inboxes, reducing the chances of a breach.

Marketers should also be trained to recognize suspicious emails, avoid clicking unknown links, and report potential scams. Furthermore, encrypting data and monitoring for brand impersonation can help protect both businesses and their audiences. By prioritizing email security, digital marketers can maintain trust, safeguard sensitive information, and prevent costly cyber incidents.

Best cybersecurity practices for digital marketers

From securing confidential data to preventing fraudulent activities, following cybersecurity best practices keeps your marketing campaigns safe and your brand reputation strong. Here are some key measures every marketer should adopt:

1. Implement layered authentication measures

Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) or two-factor authentication (2FA) significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access to digital marketing platforms. These measures require an additional layer of verification beyond just a password, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to infiltrate accounts.

Additionally, check if your platform supports IP allowlisting, which adds another layer of security by restricting access to specific IP addresses. Effective identity access management, combined with these authentication methods, has been shown to prevent over 50% of potential breaches, showcasing its critical role in protecting sensitive information.

2. Use strong, unique passwords

While MFA provides an extra layer of security, it is not a replacement for strong passwords. Weak or reused passwords remain one of the most exploited vulnerabilities in cyber-attacks. Digital marketers should use complex, unique passwords for each account and change them regularly. Additionally, consider using Single Sign-On (SSO) methods whenever available, as they eliminate the need for traditional email and password combinations—if there’s no password created, it cannot be stolen.

A password manager can also help securely store and manage credentials, reducing the risk of compromised accounts. Encouraging employees to adopt strong password policies protects not only digital marketing data but also the broader business infrastructure.

3. Secure marketing platforms and data

Today, most tools are web-based, which means traditional software updates are less relevant. Instead, it’s crucial to focus on the smart selection of tools. Marketers often get mesmerized by features, capabilities, and pricing, but they must also consider important security factors.

When choosing a platform, check for security certifications, the option to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), and other security features. Sometimes, it’s necessary to compromise on advanced capabilities in favor of tools that prioritize customer data security over flashy functionalities. This approach ensures that sensitive information remains protected against potential threats.

4. Use enterprise browsers

Enterprise browsers like Chrome Enterprise, Edge for Business, and the upcoming NordLayer’s Enterprise Browser offer built-in security features such as malware protection, phishing prevention, and sandboxing, significantly reducing cyber risks for marketing teams. For IT administrators, these browsers enable policy enforcement, extension management, and data loss prevention (DLP), ensuring company-wide security compliance.

5. Monitor and analyze network traffic

Using security tools such as NordLayer’s network visibility solutions helps detect unauthorized access and anomalies within the network. While marketers typically focus on campaign performance, continuous network monitoring is essential for IT and security teams. It enables them to identify suspicious activity, detect potential breaches early, and take preventive action before serious damage occurs. This proactive approach ensures that marketing data remains secure and protected from cyber threats.

6. Educate teams on cybersecurity

Training marketers to recognize phishing attacks and cybersecurity threats can prevent potential breaches. Many cybersecurity firms offer training programs tailored for digital marketing teams, helping employees stay informed about possible security risks. Awareness and vigilance play a key role in reducing cyber threats.

7. Limit access to sensitive data

Only grant necessary permissions to team members handling digital marketing campaigns. Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) strengthens cyber security by restricting access based on job responsibilities.

Marketing managers should collaborate with the IT and security teams to inform them about new sensitive data locations and ensure that appropriate network segmentation strategies are implemented. By minimizing the number of people with access to confidential data, businesses can reduce the likelihood of insider threats and accidental exposure.

8. Use a secure VPN and Cloud Firewall

A business VPN encrypts internet connections, keeping remote teams and public Wi-Fi users secure. It’s also widely used in marketing for testing ads in different regions. However, it’s important to use the VPN at all times, regardless of specific marketing needs, to enhance overall security. Pairing it with a Firewall-as-a-Service, such as NordLayer’s Cloud Firewall, further strengthens protection by blocking malicious traffic and controlling access to marketing tools.

A cloud firewall ensures that only authorized teams and departments can access specific environments, safeguarding sensitive information such as future campaign plans, customer data, and commercial secrets. By restricting access to only those who need it, businesses can prevent unauthorized exposure and maintain the confidentiality of critical marketing assets. It’s essential for marketers to collaborate with the IT team to ensure proper configuration and management of these security measures.

9. Secure your email workflows

Use authenticated email protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), scan outbound content for risks, and secure your subscriber databases. Educating your team and regularly auditing your email marketing tools can significantly reduce security risks while maintaining trust with your audience.

10. Monitor ad campaigns for fraud

Regularly reviewing ad performance and using fraud detection tools can help identify click fraud and bot traffic, protecting your ad spend. Marketers should work with trusted advertising platforms that offer built-in fraud prevention mechanisms to ensure ad budgets are used effectively.

Strengthen your cybersecurity digital marketing with NordLayer

To protect digital marketing strategies from cybersecurity threats, NordLayer offers comprehensive security solutions that enhance operational security measures:

• Business VPN: Ensures encrypted internet connections, protecting personal data from cyber threats.
• Cloud Firewall: Provides secure access control to marketing platforms and protects sensitive data from unauthorized users.
• Password management: Securely stores and manages credentials, reducing the risk of compromised accounts.
• MFA & IP allowlisting: Enforces security measures before users connect to sensitive environments.

By implementing NordLayer’s security solutions, businesses can safeguard data stored in digital marketing tools, protect customer information, and maintain their company’s reputation. Learn more about e-commerce cybersecurity and retail cybersecurity to strengthen your cybersecurity framework today.

Cybersecurity in digital marketing is no longer an afterthought—it’s a necessity. As cyber threats continue to grow, businesses must remain proactive in implementing strong security measures. Taking the right precautions ensures the long-term success of marketing efforts while protecting customers and brands from potential security risks.

Once upon a time, taking your smartphone abroad was an expensive activity due to the global roaming charges levied by cellphone networks. Fortunately, eSIMs solve this annoying problem.

Digital SIM cards enable instant carrier switches and localized data packages that do away with roaming fees, which is a cheaper, more efficient way to travel with a smartphone. The question is, which eSIM provider should you choose?

This blog will compare Saily and Airalo, two leading eSIM merchants. Both offer smart connectivity that standard cellphone providers cannot match. Let’s discover which one meets your traveling needs.

What is Saily?

Created by Nord Security in 2024, Saily is an exciting new eSIM app that builds on the expertise that created NordVPN and NordLayer. Saily gives smartphone users freedom about how they use their phones worldwide. It will help block ads and secure your browsing with DNS filtering while choosing from data plans to suit anyone’s needs.

What is Airalo?

Airalo is an established eSIM provider with over 10 million global customers. Founded to provide cross-border data connectivity and work around roaming restrictions, Airalo offers data packs for more than 200 destinations. Customers download the app, choose their package, and benefit from instant data, the moment they arrive.

Saily vs. Airalo: a comprehensive comparison

Saily and Airalo provide similar services. Both vendors work in the eSIM space, filling the gap left by traditional telecom providers. However, beyond that fundamental similarity, some significant differences might sway your purchasing decision.

Disclaimer: The information about eSIM features in this comparison table below was last verified on eSIM providers’ official websites as of April 8, 2025. On the same date, Trustpilot ratings were also checked on Saily’s and Airalo’s Trustpilot pages. Since this information is subject to change, we recommend visiting respective websites for the latest details when making a purchase.

eSIM plans

Saily majors on flexible plans, giving customers maximum choice about data amounts and plan durations. Plan sizes vary from 1 GB to 100 GB, and durations range from one week to a year. Travelers can choose an eSIM that matches their travel plans. If you’re jetting into Thailand for a week or relocating to Brazil for a year, there’s a plan for you.

Airalo provides a choice of local, regional, and global eSIM packages. Customers can save money with an eSIM for a single country or spend more for regional flexibility. Saily is equally flexible, offering eSIMs that automatically switch carriers as you travel across borders. For example, there’s no need to juggle national SIMs as you travel around Europe.

Airalo is less flexible about plan durations. Customers can choose from one-day, 7-day, or 15-day packages for most countries (365 and 180-day passes are available with global coverage). Customers may need to recharge their data regularly if they aren’t sure how long they will be in a country.

Both Airalo and Saily provide instant connectivity. Customers can get started immediately, provided they have the right eSIM for their location.

Global coverage

Saily and Airalo operate globally, with an impressive range of countries and regions. Wherever you intend to travel, you can confidently expect data coverage.

Both vendors offer plans for over 200 countries and territories. Travelers intending to visit North Korea may be out of luck, as Saily and Airalo are not available there. Otherwise, both eSim providers have your back.

Pricing

Global coverage and flexible plans are great, but not if they come at an unacceptable price. Luckily, both Airalo and Saily offer affordable prices for their eSIM services.

Firstly, the good news. eSIMs from both providers are much cheaper than comparable roaming plans from cellphone companies. However, our price comparison finds Saily is slightly more affordable than Airalo. These differences can be significant for particular destinations.

The table below shows sample prices for some of the most popular countries.

Disclaimer: The prices shown below refer to one week, 1 GB packages and include the cheapest plans, last verified on eSIM providers’ official websites as of April 8, 2025. Since prices may change, we recommend checking the providers’ websites, especially at checkout, for the most up-to-date pricing information before making a purchase.

The prices above refer to national plans, but what about global eSIM packages? Again, Saily is the more affordable option. Global 20 GB, 365-day plans with Airalo cost $69, while an identical plan with Saily costs $66.90.

Speed and performance

Whether you are traveling for work or pleasure, speed and performance are not optional extras. Reliable connectivity allows you to work productively without disruption. And when you’re relaxing, nobody likes broken streams or sluggish download times.

Both Saily and Airalo rely on local partners to provide internet connectivity, so this comparison does not directly reflect the performance of either eSIM provider. Nevertheless, the choice of partner influences local speeds. But is this the case with either company?

In real-world tests, both eSIM providers perform well. Local partners often deliver 5G connectivity, which feels fast wherever you use it. There are no significant issues with reliability, outside extremely remote regions.

Ease of use

With Saily, users pick a plan and download the app. The plan automatically activates when visitors touch down. You can also buy a plan and wait up to 30 days before activating it, giving users space to sort out travel plans and avoid the pre-flight rush.

The Airalo activation process is virtually identical. Users choose their preferred plan and make a payment. They then download the app, install the eSIM, and activate the product when needed. Unlike Saily, Airalo involves scanning a QR code. If you aren’t comfortable with that, look at Saily first.

The Airalo app is easy to use but marginally more cluttered than Saily. Even so, you should have few problems locating the ideal eSIM.

Customer support

While Airalo and Saily are reliable eSIM vendors, unexpected downtime is always a possibility. After all, both companies rely on in-country networks to deliver connectivity. The question is, how well do they respond when issues arise?

Both companies claim to offer comprehensive customer support. For instance, Airalo provides customer support options via all major social media platforms. You can also reach support staff by email if needed.

However, there’s a catch. Trustpilot reviews mention sluggish and low-quality responses from the Airalo team. Some reviewers mention problems obtaining data connectivity in emergencies. That’s not a good look for an eSIM provider. In contrast, Saily’s reviews show a more positive reception overall, though occasional complaints still arise.

Feedback for Saily’s customer support tends to be positive. Customers regularly report swift resolutions when problems arise, including refunds for imperfect experiences. Saily provides a 24/7 live chat function via the app. Expect automated help initially, although human assistance is on hand to field emergency queries. Saily recognizes that eSIM customers rely on connectivity and respond rapidly when connectivity fails.

Online reputation

Online reviews aren’t everything when purchasing online, but it’s wise to consider feedback. So, where do Saily and Airalo stand in the eSIM discussion?

Saily’s 4-star Trustpilot rating is pretty good for an eSim provider. Reviewers regularly applaud the app’s simplicity and the willingness of customer support staff to resolve connection issues quickly. Some customers experience performance problems, but, as mentioned earlier, variation is unavoidable when dealing with third-party networks.

Airalo has a less favorable Trustpilot rating. Customers like the simple setup process and appealing prices. Many reviewers also highlight the strong global coverage. However, reviewers report issues with eSIMs not working in some countries and sluggish support. So, this is an area where Saily wins out.

Extra features

Both companies understand that customers want more than simple connectivity. You’ll find plenty of extras that enhance the user experience and even save on future purchases.

One of the extra benefits of using a Saily eSIM is enhanced smartphone security. That’s because Saily doesn’t just provide affordable data connectivity. Users can also turn on the adblocker to help shut out annoying pop-ups that drain data and reduce speeds.

There’s also a web protection feature that helps block malicious downloads and tracking cookies. Both of these services tend to deliver faster speeds. More importantly, they can also help safeguard user privacy, a useful feature if you travel in countries known for surveillance activities.

Saily draws on NordVPN’s expertise to switch locations seamlessly. If you want to access your subscribed US TV shows in Italy while traveling, switch to US data providers, and the app will assign you a virtual location back home to your paid subscription.

Airalo has some perks as well (although security is not one of them). Customers can easily keep track of data usage in the app and monitor top-ups to avoid surprises. Customers can earn $3 off their next purchase by referring a friend, while regular purchasers earn cashback (Airmoney) as they buy more data.

Even so, Saily matches many of these features. For instance, Saily pays users $5 when they refer friends to the eSIM service. Users also receive automatic updates when they hit 80% of their data allowance, enabling seamless top-ups.

Overall, both vendors go beyond the norm. At the moment, Saily’s security add-ons place it ahead of Airalo.

Saily vs. Airalo: which one to choose?

Companies like Saily and Airalo are revolutionizing global travel. Internet connectivity used to be an expensive luxury when moving between countries. Now, eSIMs make surfing the web affordable, fast, and secure. There are almost no boundaries to global roaming.

Both Saily and Airalo are reliable vendors for your next eSIM purchase. Expect instant connectivity, flexible data allowances, and lower costs. However, Saily stands out with stronger customer support, 24/7 live chat, and a higher Trustpilot score. Airalo offers wide coverage, but reviews point to slow responses and setup issues. Both apps are intuitive and easy to navigate, and topping up data feels perfectly natural from the start.

Both Airalo and Saily offer coverage in 200+ countries. You’ll almost certainly benefit from an Airalo eSIM compared with traditional cellphone roaming. However, a couple of factors elevate Saily above Airalo for travelers.

Firstly, Saily is usually slightly cheaper than Airalo. In some countries, Saily’s eSIMs are significantly less expensive for short and medium-term packages. For instance, a 1GB 7-day eSIM for Thailand costs $2.99 with Saily but $4.50 with Airalo. Travelers to Brazil pay $39.99 with Saily for 30-day 20GB packages, or $42 with Airalo. So, on price alone, Saily may be a better option for upcoming trips.

Additionally, Saily is the better option for security-conscious travelers. Saily’s app reflects Nord Security’s expertise. Users benefit from ad-blocking and web protection, making it safer to communicate or stream your favorite paid home content while traveling.

Disclaimer: The prices shown above were last verified on the eSIM providers’ official websites as of April 17, 2025. And this article is for informational purposes and compares Saily and Airalo’s eSIM business-to-consumer services. Please note that if you are interested in purchasing Saily for business purposes, the pricing and offerings may vary to better suit your organization’s needs.

ChatGPT is transforming enterprise workflows, but its rapid adoption raises serious security concerns. While artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots streamline tasks and boost efficiency, they also introduce new risks—such as handling sensitive data, generating misleading content, and unknowingly enabling cyber threats. With 74% of breaches involving social engineering, attackers increasingly exploit AI-generated interactions to deceive users.

As artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT become more advanced, enterprises must be proactive in securing their use of AI. This article will answer the question: “Is ChatGPT safe?”, explore real-world incidents, and outline best practices to keep you away from risks.

The advancing role of AI in business security

As businesses integrate AI chatbots into customer support, internal operations, and even cybersecurity processes, the technology becomes both an asset and a target. AI-based technologies can strengthen security by detecting threats, automating compliance, and improving fraud detection. But, they can also introduce risks if misconfigured or maliciously exploited.

For example, AI-driven security tools can analyze vast amounts of data to detect anomalies, helping prevent breaches before they occur. However, bad actors also use AI to automate cyber-attacks, generate convincing phishing emails, and bypass traditional security measures. The challenge for enterprises is to ensure that AI strengthens security rather than becomes an entry point for attackers.

By understanding both the advantages and vulnerabilities of ChatGPT adoption, organizations can implement the right strategies to harness its power safely.

Key ChatGPT security risks

As AI adoption accelerates in the enterprise space, so do the security risks associated with tools like ChatGPT. Understanding these risks is crucial for businesses to implement effective safeguards.

1. Exposure of sensitive data

One of the greatest risks of using AI chatbots is the accidental exposure of sensitive data. Employees may input confidential information, customer records, or proprietary strategies into the chatbot without realizing that OpenAI or third-party providers might store or analyze this data. This can lead to compliance violations and unintended data leaks.

2. Social engineering attacks

Threat actors can use ChatGPT to craft highly convincing phishing emails or impersonate legitimate users in real-time conversations. Cybercriminals may use AI-generated content to trick company employees into revealing login credentials, financial details, or other sensitive data.

3. Data breaches and unauthorized access

Since ChatGPT interacts with users and processes large amounts of information. If APIs and integrations aren’t properly secured, organizations can be exposed to data breaches. If an attacker gains access to stored chatbot interactions, they could retrieve valuable internal data.

4. Data poisoning and AI manipulation

Attackers can attempt data poisoning—feeding malicious or misleading information into AI models to alter their behavior. If enterprises rely on AI-generated insights, manipulated data could lead to false business decisions or even reputational damage.

5. Malicious code generation

Cybercriminals can exploit ChatGPT’s ability to generate code by using it to create malware, ransomware, or exploits. While OpenAI has implemented safeguards, threat actors may still find ways to bypass these restrictions. In fact, purpose-built malicious AI tools have already emerged, designed specifically for generating harmful code without ethical limitations.

6. Regulatory and compliance risks

Industries such as healthcare, finance, and legal services are subject to strict data privacy laws like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA. Enterprises using AI tools must ensure that chatbot interactions do not violate these regulations, particularly when handling personal or financial data.

7. Risks of Large Language Models (LLMs)

ChatGPT runs on a Large Language Model (LLM), an advanced AI system trained on vast amounts of text data to generate human-like responses. It can unintentionally produce misleading information or fabricate sources due to their open-ended nature. They are also vulnerable to prompt injections, where malicious inputs are used to manipulate the model’s responses.

By recognizing these security threats, organizations can take a proactive approach to lowering AI-related risks. Whether securing sensitive data, preventing unauthorized access, or addressing compliance challenges, businesses must remain aware of security threats.

ChatGPT’s security features: Safeguards and limitations

While ChatGPT security risks are a growing concern for enterprises, OpenAI has implemented several safeguards to mitigate potential threats. These include content filtering, prompt moderation, and ethical use policies designed to prevent malicious applications such as generating harmful content, phishing emails, or malware. Additionally, OpenAI continuously refines its model to reduce bias, misinformation, and unintended data leakage.

However, these safeguards have limitations. Threat actors test ways to bypass restrictions, using indirect prompts or fragmented queries to elicit restricted information. ChatGPT also lacks full context awareness. It cannot verify the accuracy of its outputs or detect when users manipulate its responses. While OpenAI does not retain chat history for training, enterprises must still assume that any data entered could be processed externally. This makes strict data governance policies a must.

Despite these measures, organizations can’t solely rely on ChatGPT’s security features to safeguard sensitive information. Implementing enterprise-grade security controls, such as access restrictions, API security, and AI monitoring solutions, remains essential in preventing unauthorized data exposure or AI-driven cyber threats.

Real-world examples of ChatGPT-related threats

AI-powered tools like ChatGPT are already shaping business operations, but their rapid adoption has led to security incidents that highlight potential risks. From accidental data leaks to AI-enhanced cybercrime, enterprises have faced real-world consequences when using these tools without proper safeguards.

The following cases highlight how weak ChatGPT security can expose sensitive information or even allow malicious actors to exploit it.

Samsung’s data leak

In 2023, Samsung Electronics faced a significant security incident when employees inadvertently leaked confidential company information through ChatGPT. Engineers from Samsung’s semiconductor division used ChatGPT to help debug and optimize source code. Unknowingly, they entered sensitive data, including proprietary source code and internal meeting notes, into the AI tool.

Since ChatGPT retains user inputs to refine its responses, this action risked exposing Samsung’s trade secrets to external parties. This event shows why companies need stringent data-handling policies and employee training on how to use AI tools in corporate environments.

AI-powered phishing campaigns

Cybersecurity researchers have observed that AI-generated phishing emails are not only more grammatically accurate but also more convincing, making them harder to detect. Moreover, AI is now used to craft deepfake voice scams. For instance, 2025 predictions warn of AI-driven phishing kits bypassing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and mimicking trusted voices via voice cloning.

A study highlighted by Harvard Business Review revealed that 60 % of participants were deceived by AI-crafted phishing messages, a success rate comparable to those created by people. This trend highlights the escalating challenge enterprises face in protecting employees from such deceptive tactics. ​

Fake customer support bots

Scammers have begun deploying AI-driven chatbots that impersonate real customer service representatives. These fraudulent bots engage users in real-time conversations, persuading them to hand over sensitive information such as passwords or payment details.

For instance, reports indicate that these AI chatbots can convincingly mimic the communication styles of reputable companies, leading unsuspecting customers to trust and interact with them.

This exploitation of AI technology shows why businesses must authenticate their customer communication channels and educate consumers recognize legitimate support interactions.

Best practices for safely using ChatGPT in enterprises

As real-world incidents show, organizations must recognize that while AI improves efficiency, it also requires thoughtful management to prevent misuse. To minimize risks, enterprises should adopt proactive security measures that ensure AI-powered tools are used safely.

The following best practices can help businesses leverage AI’s benefits while protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access, cyber threats, and compliance violations.

1. Implement strict data policies

Based on the recent mimecast cybersecurity report, human error remains the main cause of data breaches and cyber incidents. Employees may unknowingly expose sensitive information or interact with AI-generated responses containing malicious code, increasing the risk of security compromises.

To mitigate this, organizations should integrate automated Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools to detect and block unauthorized data inputs into AI systems. Regular training, policy reinforcement, and security audits will help ensure compliance and minimize accidental data leaks.

2. Enable access controls and monitoring

Limit ChatGPT usage to authorized personnel by integrating it with Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC) and enterprise authentication systems. Implement logging mechanisms to track AI interactions, helping detect anomalies or potential data leaks. Regularly review access logs to ensure compliance with security policies and swiftly address unauthorized activities.

In addition, consider enablin gmulti-factor authentication (MFA) for high-privilege users to further restrict access to AI tools. By combining access controls with real-time monitoring, enterprises can mitigate insider threats and ensure AI usage aligns with security best practices.

3. Use AI detection tools

Deploy AI-driven security solutions to detect and mitigate threats like AI-generated phishing emails, cyber-attacks, or malicious chatbot activities. Advanced threat detection tools can flag suspicious patterns, such as unusual chatbot queries or high-risk prompts, to prevent potential cyber risks before they escalate.

These tools can be integrated with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms to provide real-time alerts on suspicious AI interactions. Additionally, setting up behavioral analytics can help identify unauthorized attempts to manipulate ChatGPT for malicious purposes, adding an extra layer of protection against AI-enabled threats.

4. Regularly update AI security settings

Ensure that all chatbot integrations comply with industry security standards, including ISO 27001, SOC 2, or GDPR, where applicable. Apply security patches and updates to address vulnerabilities and protect against threats. Conduct routine security assessments to identify weaknesses in chatbot configurations and AI-driven workflows.

Organizations should also perform penetration testing on AI integrations to uncover potential security gaps before they can be exploited. Establishing a structured incident response plan specific to AI security will further enhance the organization’s ability to mitigate risks and react swiftly to potential breaches.

5. Restrict external API access

If integrating ChatGPT into enterprise applications, secure API endpoints using authentication tokens, IP allowlisting, and encryption to prevent unauthorized access and data exfiltration. Implement rate limiting and anomaly detection to identify potential abuse or credential stuffing attacks targeting AI-powered APIs.

Additionally, establish a least privilege access model, ensuring that APIs only provide the minimum necessary data to function. Regularly rotate API keys and monitor unauthorized access attempts. This can further strengthen defenses against API-related threats.

6. Train employees on social engineering risks

People are the first line of defense. Conduct cybersecurity awareness programs to help employees recognize AI-generated phishing emails, deepfake scams, and impersonation tactics. Use simulated phishing exercises and real-world case studies to build awareness.

Employees should also be trained to identify signs of malicious code embedded in chatbot responses or AI-generated links. Encourage a Zero Trust mindset, where verification is prioritized over assumption in all AI-assisted communications.

By adopting these best practices, enterprises can strike a balance between AI-driven efficiency and robust security. Proactive governance, continuous monitoring, and employee awareness are key to using AI safely without compromising sensitive information.

How NordLayer supports secure enterprise environments

While NordLayer doesn’t directly address AI-specific risks, but it plays a crucial role in protecting the broader network environment where AI tools like ChatGPT are used.

Solutions like Secure Web Gateway, Cloud Firewall, and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) help safeguard against phishing, malicious code delivery, and unauthorized access—common threats that can be amplified by AI-driven tools.

By enforcing strong access policies and maintaining network visibility, NordLayer helps organizations stay secure and compliant while exploring AI technologies.

Why choose NordLayer?

• Secure network infrastructure: Keeps your data safe when accessing or integrating AI tools
• Zero Trust security: Ensures only authorized users access critical resources
• Threat intelligence: Detects and mitigates phishing, malware, and AI-driven social engineering attacks
• Compliance-ready solutions: Helps organizations meet NIS2, CIS Controls, HIPAA, and other key industry frameworks

Conclusion

AI-powered tools like ChatGPT offer numerous advantages for enterprises but also introduce significant security risks. From data leaks and cyber-attacks to regulatory concerns, organizations must take proactive measures to safeguard their operations.

By following best practices and using network security solutions like NordLayer, businesses can securely integrate AI chatbots while minimizing potential threats.

The gaming industry is booming—and it’s easy to see why. With exciting innovations in online gaming and global player engagement soaring, revenues keep climbing. Experts estimate the industry will hit over $300 billion in annual revenue by 2028. That’s more than double its value back in 2019.

As gaming continues to grow, cybercriminals see opportunities too. Online gaming platforms handle enormous amounts of sensitive information, from payment details to login credentials and personal player data. With so much valuable information stored digitally, gaming companies have become prime targets for cyber threats.

Now more than ever, cybersecurity in gaming isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a fundamental business concern. Game developers and gaming companies must invest in strong security measures to protect data, maintain player trust, and secure their financial futures.

The biggest cybersecurity threats to gaming companies

The variety and frequency of cyber threats are increasing rapidly, presenting serious challenges for gaming companies. Attackers constantly refine their tactics, searching for new ways to breach defenses and compromise gaming accounts. Let’s break down the biggest threats the gaming industry faces today.

DDoS attacks and service disruption

One common threat is distributed denial of service attacks—or simply, DDoS attacks. These cyber-attacks flood gaming servers with excessive traffic, forcing them offline.

For example, in 2020, Blizzard Entertainment faced severe disruptions during major tournaments due to relentless DDoS attacks. In April 2025, they experienced a DDoS attack again. These disruptions don’t just frustrate gamers—they also lead to significant financial losses for gaming companies.

Credential stuffing and account takeovers

Many players reuse passwords across different online gaming platforms, making gaming accounts easy prey for attackers. Cybercriminals launch brute force attacks using automated tools that systematically try millions of username and password combinations.

In 2019, Epic Games had to warn Fortnite players after attackers successfully compromised millions of accounts. Securing player accounts with multi-factor authentication (MFA) significantly reduces this threat.

Phishing scams and social engineering

Attackers frequently use clever social engineering tactics, especially phishing scams, to trick gamers into revealing their login credentials or other sensitive information. Fake promotions offering in-game rewards or currency entice players to click malicious links. Falling victim may expose sensitive data or financial details to cybercriminals.

Ransomware attacks on game developers

Ransomware—malicious software designed to encrypt data and hold it hostage—also threatens the gaming industry. In 2021, CD Projekt Red suffered a massive ransomware attack, halting game development and causing serious financial and reputational damage. Companies need strong backup plans and endpoint protection to proactively guard against ransomware.

Cheating software as malware carriers

Illegal cheat programs often come bundled with hidden malware, infecting thousands of gaming devices without the user’s knowledge. Games like Call of Duty have seen cheats used to install spyware and other malicious programs, exposing players to identity theft and fraud. The gaming industry must educate players about these hidden risks.

Supply chain vulnerabilities

The modern gaming ecosystem depends on third-party providers and external tools for game developers. Unfortunately, these outside tools can introduce hidden vulnerabilities. The SolarWinds breach showed how attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in supply chains and impact industries like online gaming.

Insider threats to gaming companies

Sometimes threats come from within the organization itself. Employees or contractors with privileged access may accidentally or deliberately cause security breaches. Zynga once faced a situation where former employees stole proprietary game data, threatening both the company’s intellectual property and its reputation.

Why cybersecurity is critical for gaming businesses

Cybersecurity isn’t just about avoiding threats—it directly contributes to a gaming company’s overall success and profitability. Here’s why robust cybersecurity practices are essential for the gaming industry.

Protecting revenue streams

Downtime is costly. Every minute gaming platforms remain offline, companies lose potential revenue.

DDoS attacks interrupting major tournaments or game launches can be devastating. Strong security measures, including VPNs and real-time DDoS mitigation, keep gaming services stable and protect revenue streams.

Maintaining brand reputation

The gaming industry depends on player trust. Serious security breaches can permanently damage a company’s brand. Strong cybersecurity practices prevent these disasters, preserving consumer trust and loyalty.

Enhancing player experience

Players want secure, fair, and uninterrupted gaming experiences. Malware infections, account theft, or cheating disrupt the fun, driving players away. Implementing effective cybersecurity—such as endpoint protection and proactive anti-cheat measures—maintains a positive gaming environment, encouraging player retention.

Avoiding regulatory fines

Globally, laws like GDPR impose strict penalties for mishandling sensitive data—fines can reach up to 4% of annual revenue. Compliance with data protection regulations isn’t just smart—it’s mandatory. The gaming industry must adopt stringent cybersecurity practices to stay compliant and avoid expensive penalties.

Attracting investments and partnerships

Investors and partners favor companies with secure, well-managed cybersecurity frameworks. Demonstrating a commitment to protecting data and infrastructure enhances credibility. Adopting principles like Zero Trust further strengthens security and makes companies more attractive to potential investors and partners.

Best practices for cybersecurity in the gaming industry

With cyber threats constantly evolving, gaming companies need comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. Here are some proven best practices every gaming company should adopt:

Protecting user data and privacy

Gamers trust companies to protect their personal data. Implement robust measures such as:

• Data encryption: Encrypt sensitive data using strong standards like AES-256 and TLS.
• Secure payment gateways: Comply with PCI DSS standards to securely process payments.
• DNS filtering and threat prevention: Block phishing and malicious sites at the network level.

Preventing account takeovers

Protecting gaming accounts is crucial for player retention and security. Account theft can permanently drive loyal players away—preventing it ensures your gaming community thrives.

• Multi factor authentication (MFA): MFA prevents unauthorized access even if login credentials are compromised.
• Player education: Inform players about phishing, social engineering, and the importance of strong, unique passwords.

Maintaining service availability

Reliable gaming services build player loyalty and satisfaction. Just one prolonged service interruption can damage your reputation—stable services keep your players happy and engaged.

• DDoS mitigation: Implement real-time traffic monitoring to neutralize attacks quickly.
• Cloud security: Regularly audit cloud infrastructure to prevent vulnerabilities.
• Cloud firewall and VPN gateways: Use strong perimeter defenses and encrypted VPN connections to secure remote gameplay, especially during high-traffic events.

Protecting against malware and ransomware

Even a single malware infection can halt game development, so defensive measures are your best line of protection. Proactively defend your infrastructure against malware:

• Endpoint protection: Deploy antivirus and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions across every gaming device.
• Regular backups: Store backups separately to quickly recover after ransomware attacks.
• System updates and patches: Regularly update software and security configurations to eliminate vulnerabilities.

Minimizing insider and supply chain risks

Trusting third-party providers blindly is risky. Vigilant security keeps your game development pipeline secure. Protect against threats from insiders and third-party providers:

• Least privilege principle: Limit access rights to necessary functions, reducing potential internal risks.
• Network segmentation: Separate sensitive areas to contain threats.
• Vendor security assessments: Regularly audit third-party providers for secure coding and compliance practices.
• Zero Trust architecture: Continuously verify all users and devices, preventing unauthorized lateral movements within networks.

Meeting compliance and regulatory requirements

Complying with regulatory standards like GDPR, COPPA, and PCI DSS is crucial for gaming companies. Strict compliance helps avoid costly fines and maintains player trust. Companies should clearly document data handling practices to ensure transparency. Regular compliance audits and risk assessments are essential. It’s important to continuously encrypt payment details and sensitive player data. Monitoring regulatory changes closely helps avoid unexpected compliance issues. Holding third-party vendors to consistent data protection standards strengthens overall security. Ultimately, transparency and strict compliance build long-term credibility with players and regulators.

Emerging cybersecurity trends in the gaming industry

Technology advances quickly, and cybercriminals continuously evolve their methods. This makes cybersecurity an ongoing challenge for the gaming industry.

Artificial intelligence is becoming both a weapon and a defense. Attackers use AI-driven tools to evade traditional security measures. Gaming companies respond with real-time analytics to rapidly spot these threats. Blockchain technology provides secure and transparent transactions, safeguarding digital assets from theft. Automated threat intelligence platforms help gaming companies swiftly identify cyber threats. Bug bounty programs and regular penetration testing proactively uncover vulnerabilities. These measures keep gaming platforms secure and resilient.

Enhancing gaming cybersecurity with NordLayer

NordLayer provides specialized cybersecurity solutions designed for the gaming industry. Its comprehensive offerings include:

• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) features
• Secure VPN with NordLynx (based on WireGuard) and Site-to-Site connections
• Advanced network segmentation
• User identity management with popular identity providers like Okta and Google
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG) features
• Real-time network visibility and monitoring

For instance, Eldorado Games successfully leveraged NordLayer’s solutions to protect its remote workforce, secure critical data, and maintain smooth processes for game developers.

To learn more, explore the detailed Eldorado Games case study or check our resource on cybersecurity in software development. NordLayer helps the gaming industry effectively safeguard its operations, secure gaming platforms, and deliver reliable gaming experiences that players trust and enjoy.

As patient data becomes a prime target for data thieves, healthcare organizations are scrambling to counter numerous critical threats. Medical devices are now a cybersecurity frontier.

The medical devices we rely on to keep us healthy can fall victim to ransomware, identity theft, and DDoS botnets. Meanwhile, strict privacy regulations punish companies that don’t take data security seriously.

Healthcare providers, device manufacturers, insurers, and third-party service providers are all part of the healthcare cybersecurity challenge. This article will explore how to secure medical devices and safeguard patient safety in an increasingly dangerous environment.

Key takeaways

• Proactive approaches are vital when securing medical devices. Companies must assess risks, monitor threats, and fix vulnerabilities before attacks occur.
• Critical medical device risks include remote hacking, ransomware, data breaches, unpatched vulnerabilities, insider threats, and botnet attacks.
• Regulatory compliance is essential. Device manufacturers must meet FDA standards, while users should comply with HIPAA and GDPR. NIST and ISO frameworks provide a roadmap to compliance.
• Device security best practices include inventorying devices, segmentation, vendor collaboration, monitoring threats, and applying regular updates.
• Medical device security is evolving. Expect advances in AI and machine learning to detect threats while 5G delivers speed and reliability improvements. New technology also enables the deployment of Zero Trust concepts to verify every device activity.

Why proactive cybersecurity is essential for patient safety

When we think about patient safety, medical competence, affordable care, and safe hospitals all come to mind. Cybersecurity risks aren’t always a top priority until data breaches expose private information to malicious actors.

However, Protected Health Information (PHI) breaches cause serious harm. Data thieves can use confidential details to steal identities or blackmail individuals. Data tampering can falsify records and lead to improper treatments, while information about health conditions can influence the decisions of employers or insurers.

The bottom line is that health data should always be secure. This includes data from medical devices like heart rate trackers, diabetes monitors, and wearable technology. These devices gather confidential data about the patient’s condition. They must also operate reliably – without downtime caused by cyberattacks.

Protecting medical devices demands a proactive cybersecurity approach. Security teams must assess each security risk and fix vulnerabilities before cyberattacks occur. Reactive security is too late. Healthcare providers need robust medical device cybersecurity systems that anticipate threats.

The cybersecurity risks medical devices face

Many people are not familiar with medical device cybersecurity risks. Let’s dive a bit deeper and explore how cyber criminals target consumer and professional healthcare devices.

Remote hacking

Many medical devices depend on network connectivity to transmit data, but these networks are not always secure. Hospital and home networks are vulnerable to remote hacking via unpatched software or weak passwords.

Criminals with unauthorized network access can theoretically control medical devices, adjusting dosages or pacemaker settings. That’s a terrifying prospect for professionals and patients.

Ransomware attacks

Medical devices, like all devices connected to the external internet, are vulnerable to ransomware infections. A quick exploration of the top ransomware attacks in 2024 shows that the infection risk is severe and growing.

These attacks deploy malicious software which encrypts devices and prevents legitimate access. This can have dangerous care implications if ransomware affects heart rate monitors or scanning equipment, although criminals usually relent when targets make crypto payments.

However, even if healthcare organizations make payments they may lose the data held by medical devices. Ransomware is a triple threat: affecting financial health, compromising critical systems, and exposing patient data.

Data breaches

Ransomware is not the only data breach risk linked to medical device cybersecurity. Cyber attackers may target monitoring tools and apps, gaining access to medical histories and current treatment programs.

Information about treatment is extremely valuable in the wrong hands. Criminals use it to launch insurance fraud scams, craft targeted phishing attacks, and even extract blackmail payments.

Exploits due to unpatched vulnerabilities

Medical device manufacturers may not update firmware or apps to address cybersecurity risks. This is a common issue with IoT technology that opens the door to exploit attacks leveraging outdated software.

Even worse, manufacturers often use proprietary software that is hard to update independently. And they sometimes delay patches due to complexity issues and concerns about compromising device functionality.

Healthcare providers often neglect updates in medical device cybersecurity strategies. However, when a single unpatched scanner can act as a network gateway, updating devices should be a priority.

Insider threats

Accidental errors and malicious employee activity can also compromise medical device security. For example, disgruntled staffers could use external drives to install malware on hospital systems or steal patient data for illegal purposes.

Negligent activity is equally damaging. Staff may ignore security protocols by sharing passwords, failing to encrypt laptops, or misusing physical access controls.

Botnet activity

Botnets pool large numbers of connected devices for criminal activities. For instance, bad actors could install malware on medical devices and use their computing power to mine cryptocurrency.

Lax medical device security also exposes healthcare organizations to DDoS attacks where attackers flood medical networks with traffic. These attacks take devices offline, disrupt care, and compromise security systems, opening the way to secondary attacks.

Medical device cybersecurity: What the regulations say

Governments have reacted to the growth in cyber threats against medical devices, passing many regulations to enforce data security. Organizations in the health sector must understand relevant regulations and use them to design security strategies.

FDA regulations for medical device manufacturers

Firstly, medical device manufacturers must comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. The FDA regulates the safety of anything that “diagnoses, cures, mitigates, treats, or prevents [a] disease or condition.” In practice, FDA rules cover most medical devices.

Specifically, section 524B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires medical device manufacturers to:

• Create a plan to monitor and address medical device security risks (including exploits)
• Ensure devices are “cybersecure” and provide post-market patches as appropriate
• Submit a software bill of materials to the FDA detailing firmware and other components of medical device software

HIPAA and GDPR rules on safeguarding patient data

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regulate how medical devices protect patient data.

HIPAA requires healthcare providers to protect data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The law also suggests encrypting data on medical devices, controls on accessing patient data, and comprehensive audit logs.

GDPR protects patient privacy. It requires organizations to gain consent before using medical devices to gather data and the anonymization of patient data. Like HIPAA, GDPR’s “privacy-by-design” model encourages encryption and data minimization (only collecting essential medical data).

Both HIPAA and GDPR levy significant penalties for data breaches. Device security is a core aspect of both frameworks.

For instance, the University of Rochester Medical Center received a $3 million fine from the Department of Health and Human Services for losing a hard drive containing protected health data. In 2015, the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center was penalized for failing to secure a CT scanner workstation.

NIST cybersecurity frameworks

The National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) offers cybersecurity guidelines for device manufacturers and users. While not enforceable by law, NIST’s cybersecurity framework explains how to:

• Create secure and interoperable medical networks
• Manage cybersecurity risks when storing medical data in the cloud
• Apply quality control procedures in device manufacturing
• Secure network communications within health settings
• Ensure security measures meet the needs of healthcare professionals

ISO/IEC 80001: Managing device security risks

Similarly, ISO/IEC 80001 sets out an IT risk management framework for medical devices and is a valuable complement to NIST documents.

ISO recommends collaboration between device vendors and end users to assess and mitigate security risks. Device users should assess cybersecurity risks before deploying devices and apply continuous risk assessment throughout the product lifecycle. The risk management process includes proactively identifying and mitigating emerging data security threats.

The ISO approach works well because it balances cybersecurity standards with patient safety and performance. Systems should meet user needs while securing data and complying with relevant regulations.

Best practices for securing medical devices

The size of compliance penalties and the reputational harm caused by data breaches make cybersecurity solutions essential. But how should you secure medical devices against cybersecurity threats?

Security solutions vary between medical contexts. However, here are some general best practices for cybersecurity in medical devices:

Understand your device landscape

The number of medical devices used by a healthcare provider can rapidly grow, especially when patients take monitoring devices home. Every device is a potential endpoint and security risk. Each device needs security protection.

Start by creating a comprehensive device inventory. Create processes to update and audit the inventory, bringing all devices under your security umbrella.

Inventory software and hardware

Medical devices must be physically secure, with measures to prevent theft and unauthorized access. However, cybersecurity measures must also secure device firmware. Log current software versions and use automated tools to update medical device software as needed.

Check for end-of-life devices as well. Medical devices become obsolete as new technology appears. Older versions often create security risks and require prompt replacement.

Carry out a comprehensive risk assessment

When you have an accurate inventory, it’s vital to assess the risks posed by cyber threats. In this context, third-party risk assessment makes sense.

Cybersecurity experts with medical device experience understand the threats faced by healthcare organizations, how to prioritize risks, and suitable mitigation options.

Secure sensitive assets with network segmentation

Segmentation creates barriers between network assets. Placing sensitive data within protected segments ensures that attackers cannot access patient records if they gain access to devices.

Additionally, access controls and multi-factor authentication should protect patient information. Users should not be able to access protected information with just a username and password combination.

Work closely with vendors to understand device security

When sourcing medical devices, ask vendors to disclose security features and potential vulnerabilities. Consult vendors to execute a risk assessment for new devices and request a software bill of materials. This assists IT teams when securing device software and makes it easier to manage updates.

Monitor devices and detect threats

Apply intrusion detection systems (IDS) across all medical devices. Deploy continuous monitoring to detect malware or malicious user activity, and feed security alerts into a streamlined incident response plan.

The future of medical device cybersecurity

Medical device security is a dynamic field. Technology is evolving rapidly as medical internet-of-things (MIoT) devices proliferate, providing new ways to detect and counter cyber threats.

For instance, AI and machine learning can analyze network activity to track anomalies and identify attacks at an early stage. Speed increases offered by 5G connectivity supplement AI, enabling real-time activity tracking and reliable data transmission.

Our models for thinking about medical device security are also changing. Forward-thinking healthcare organizations now focus on Zero Trust concepts. Devices request verification for each user action and limit user capabilities according to least-privilege principles.

AI, 5G, and Zero Trust approaches are part of tomorrow’s cybersecurity toolkit. These technologies also reflect a trend toward enhanced collaboration between vendors, users, and regulators.

Work with NordLayer to secure your medical devices

Companies benefit from cloud-connected medical devices to learn about patients and deliver personalized treatment. But, as we’ve seen, medical devices bring security risks. Healthcare cybersecurity solutions are critical.

NordLayer can help you secure devices and serve patients securely and efficiently. Prevent unauthorized access with Identity and Access Management solutions and transfer data safely via Secure Remote Access. Conceal data in transit from attackers via AES 256 or ChaCha20 encryption, monitor 2FA adoption, and Share Gateway access in a centralized Control Panel dashboard.

Balance medical technology, ease of use, and cybersecurity. Contact the NordLayer team and solve your medical device security worries.

Data breaches happen when criminals bypass network security measures and steal data that should remain private. When that happens, they can sell the data on the Dark Web or use it in identity theft attacks or targeted phishing campaigns.

Unfortunately, mitigating data breaches is far from simple. Attackers have many weapons, from phishing and ransomware to exploits, SQL injection, and insider threats. Every attack technique demands a response, as one loose end can leave an entire network exposed.

This article will introduce the critical types of data breaches and mitigation measures to secure your data.

Key takeaways

• Data breaches are extremely costly. The average data breach costs $4.88 million, while reputational harm can be permanent. Mitigation measures are critically important.
• Phishing is the most common data breach type. Phishers rely on human error and lack of knowledge to encourage unsafe behavior. Dark web scanning and employee training are effective responses.
• Ransomware locks data and devices, enabling data theft by attackers. Companies need robust malware protection to avoid infection. File scanning is an essential mitigation measure.
• Insider threats and physical theft can also expose data. Encrypt sensitive data to counter thieves and monitor user activity to detect malicious insiders.
• Other data breach causes include SQL injection, man-in-the-middle attacks, supply chain attacks, cloud misconfiguration, and weak passwords. Each attack requires attention and mitigation actions.
• Specialist data security tools can help you avoid costly breaches. Implement dark web scans to detect compromised data and use business VPNs to block infiltrators.

Phishing attacks: The most common type of data breach

Phishers use persuasion and deception to obtain confidential information from their victims, and they often succeed. According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Report, 68% of data breaches start with human error.

All organizations are vulnerable to social engineering attacks. If your employees use email and share information online, phishing is a critical data breach risk.

The most common form of phishing involves using fake emails that resemble messages from trusted sources. Recipients download malware-infected attachments, which harvest data from their devices. Alternatively, they might click links to fake websites where phony data entry forms request sensitive data.

However, email phishing is not the only variety. Phishers might use SMS messages, phone calls, or video messages (vishing) to achieve their aims.

Whatever method attackers use, the outcome is similar. Victims unwittingly provide personal details, financial information, or login credentials. Criminals use that data to launch identity theft attacks or steal data after accessing private network assets.

Detecting phished credentials before attackers use them

Phishers are challenging adversaries, but companies can strengthen their defenses with dark web scanning.

Criminals use underground marketplaces on the Dark Web to sell stolen credentials and personal information. Criminal groups then use that data in targeted attacks, including large-scale data theft.

Dark web scanners monitor underground marketplaces and provide early warnings about data theft. Victims learn rapidly if their credentials are available for sale. This creates a critical window to reset passwords and secure user accounts before data breaches arise.

We recommend working with expert partners to track your data on the Dark Web. A Dark Web scan for leaked emails and credentials can identify risks and give you time to block phishing attacks.

In addition to dark web scanning, organizations must arrange employee training so employees can understand phishing risks. Most phishing attacks succeed due to human error. Regular training exercises refresh employee knowledge and help users identify risky attachments or links.

Ransomware cyber-attacks

Ransomware is malicious software that locks devices and encrypts data until victims pay a ransom.

Early ransomware attacks focused on financial gain, but this is changing. Attackers routinely steal data if the ransom is not paid. However, data loss is still possible when victims pay in full. The bottom line is that ransomware attacks always put customer data at risk.

For example, the US health company Change Healthcare suffered a ransomware attack in early 2024 by the ALPHV/Blackcat group. Attackers did not just extract a $22 million ransom payment; they stole 4TB of patient data in a so-called “exit scam.”

In total, around 190 million individuals were affected by a single malware infection. Companies need robust defensive measures to secure data and prevent similar incidents.

Reducing ransomware risk with automated malware detection

Best practices to prevent malware attacks include using up-to-date intrusion detection systems and malware scanners. Companies should encrypt confidential information and train staff to avoid phishing emails.

However, it pays to adopt a defense-in-depth with download protection. Companies rely on file transfers from internal and external sources. Any file could carry ransomware agents, making accurate file scanning essential across all devices and endpoints.

Scanning tools ensure malware protection by allowing harmless traffic and identifying high-risk files. A focused approach avoids false alarms, allowing security teams to concentrate on critical ransomware risks.

Insider threats

Insider threats come from individuals or groups inside your organization or partner companies. These data breach threats are hard to detect. Insiders tend to possess legitimate credentials and have high trust levels. If they choose to extract and sell data, security teams may not know until it is too late.

There are two main types of insider threats. The most common variety is accidental data exposure via human error. For instance. employees may expose personal records in public places or share data with outsiders.

Deliberate data theft is less common but potentially more destructive. Unhappy employees with access to business databases could extract client data for sale to competitors or sell the information to criminal collectives.

Businesses must guard against both insider threat types to fine-tune their data breach strategy. Effective security measures include:

• Using Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools. DLP monitors the status of critical data, logging access patterns and user actions. These tools can prevent unsafe transfers or request additional credentials to protect sensitive data.
• Training employees. Staff need to know what data exposure means and how to safely handle information.
• Managing privileges. Apply the principle of least privilege to limit access to data, and remove network access immediately when staff leave the organization.

Third-party breaches

Anyone with legitimate credentials can launch data theft attacks. This includes trusted third parties, who are often subject to supply chain attacks.

For example, the 2019 SolarWinds attack injected the Orion performance monitoring software with malware. When SolarWinds distributed Orion updates, the malicious code executed, exposing the data of 18,000 customers.

Attackers effectively turn third-party tools into backdoors. Until the supplier patches the vulnerability, criminals can extract data from compromised customers. In the SolarWinds case, hackers lurked for months on client networks, monitoring activity and stealing sensitive information.

Defending against third-party risks is tough. However, companies can manage risks with robust third-party security assessments, limiting vendor privileges, and integrating supply chain attacks into incident response plans.

Weak passwords

User credentials are a critical vulnerability when preventing data breaches. Breaches often happen when employees reuse the same password or rely on similar passwords for each account. In these cases, unauthorized individuals gain access by guessing access credentials—often based on stolen data.

However, criminals don’t need prior knowledge of user behavior. They can use brute force attacks to guess passwords. Alternatively, they might use phishing techniques to persuade users to enter their passwords into fake login portals.

There are many ways to work around password and user name login systems. Moreover, successful attackers appear trustworthy, creating a window of opportunity to extract sensitive information.

Robust network security measures are essential. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for network access, which requires strong, regularly changed passwords. Threat detection systems should also monitor endpoints to detect multiple failed logins, which are often the signature of credential-stuffing attacks.

Unpatched vulnerabilities lead to preventable data breaches

Unpatched software and outdated systems are tempting targets for data thieves. The 2024 Verizon Data Breach Report found that exploits account for 14% of known data breaches. However, while that number sounds low, exploit attacks rose 180% in the previous year. As Verizon puts it, we are experiencing an “exploitation boom.”

The Equifax data breach shows how damaging exploits can be. In 2017, the credit rating giant suffered one of history’s largest breaches following an attack on outdated Apache Struts 2 servers. A simple vulnerability led to massive data breach costs, including a $425 million settlement and free credit monitoring for 150 million victims of the breach.

Keep confidential data safe by implementing a proactive patch management strategy. Automate patch delivery where possible, and audit updates to ensure internet-facing apps and devices are current. Threat intelligence can also help by alerting security teams to emerging exploits.

Cloud misconfigurations and data security failures

In today’s digital economy, about 60% of corporate data resides in the cloud. This makes cloud platforms common targets for data thieves. It also means that companies need secure cloud configurations to block unauthorized access.

For example, cloud storage buckets containing confidential information should never be directly accessible from the public internet. Encryption and segmentation should separate sensitive data from external actors, with robust access controls. However, misconfigurations can leave data buckets exposed.

Companies may secure data but forget about access management tools—making it easy to gain access and move between cloud resources. Sometimes, IT teams don’t remove obsolete cloud deployments, raising exploit risks.

Cloud security is vital. Implement MFA and attribute-based identity verification to block threat actors. Ensure critical data remains secure and isolated from the public internet, and encrypt data in transit and at rest on cloud platforms.

Physical device theft

All of the talk about exploits and ransomware attacks can be deceptive. While digital data breaches are common, physical security breaches are just as important. Companies can’t focus all of their energy on cybersecurity and forget about physical devices.

Physical data breaches involve unauthorized individuals gaining access to private network devices. Criminals might break into data centers or offices and steal devices or access applications on-site. However, data theft can also happen when employees lose work laptops or smartphones in public places.

This type of attack is common in the healthcare sector. In 2018, thieves stole the laptop of a Coplin Health Systems employee from their automobile. The device was not encrypted, allowing attackers to harvest data from 43,000 patients.

Nothing had changed by 2024, when criminals stole a TimeDoc employee’s laptop on public transport. While the device was password-protected, patient data was not encrypted.

What can you do to avoid similar incidents? Take robust security measures regarding using laptops outside work. Encrypt all sensitive data and require 2FA or MFA for work devices. That way, thieves usually won’t be able to access and sell client data.

SQL injection

SQL injection attacks target website code, allowing criminals to access application backends and confidential databases.

These types of data breaches rely on poor code management and data entry forms that fail to sanitize user inputs. Instead of blocking malicious SQL queries, forms allow attackers to bypass authentication processes or even retrieve all user records.

For example, in 2023 the ResumeLooters collective mounted SQL attacks on 65 employment websites, looting data for sale on Chinese Telegram groups. Both Sony and Marriott Hotels have also fallen victim to SQL injection in recent years, suffering significant data breaches.

Avoid similar breaches by improving your data security practices. Filter database inputs and separate databases from initial login portals. Ensure you sanitize every query to identify malicious inputs, and audit code regularly to ensure ongoing protection.

Man-in-the-Middle attacks

Our final cause of data breaches places attackers between victims and internet resources. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks intercept traffic without the victim’s knowledge, allowing them to monitor data transfers and conversations.

Attackers can track online activity, or use keyloggers to harvest login credentials and credit card numbers. They can also redirect users to fake websites that resemble trusted originals but actually contain malicious data entry forms.

MITM attacks are commonly associated with remote work. Attackers create fake Wi-Fi hotspots that seem legitimate and linked to an actual location. Connecting to these hotspots allows attackers to seize control, compromising data transfers from remote devices.

Cut Man-in-the-Middle attack risks with VPN protection

The good news about Man-in-the-Middle attacks is that encryption makes them much less effective. Attackers cannot easily understand encrypted traffic and tend to move on to other targets.

We advise using a Business VPN to encrypt web traffic at all times. Business VPNs encrypt traffic on cloud platforms and on-premises networks, while also protecting remote connections. This significantly cuts the risk of eavesdroppers using MitM techniques.

You can also strengthen security measures with Always On VPN functionality. This feature applies VPN coverage to all internet connections and cuts connectivity if the VPN drops. There are no vulnerable moments. Encryption applies consistently, across all network devices.

The real impact and cost of a data breach

The list above shows there are many ways to carry out data breaches. But what are the real-world costs of these techniques, and do they justify investing in advanced security measures? In our opinion, the stats below prove that the benefits of security easily outweigh the financial costs:

• The average cost of a data breach in 2024 was $4.88 million—up 10% from 2023 [IBM]
• In 2025, the average cost of an insider threat attack is $17.4 million, up from $16.2 million in 2023 [Ponemon]
• Exploit attacks increased by 180% from 2023-2024 [Verizon]
• Companies suffering data breaches see their sales growth fall by 3.2% and lose 1.1% of their market value [NBER]
• 60% of consumers won’t do business with companies that suffer data breaches [Chain Store Age]

How NordLayer can help with data breach prevention

Data is everything in the modern economy, where businesses rise or fall based on their capacity to collect and analyze information. However, as data becomes more valuable, it also becomes a bigger target. Data breach risks require streamlined security solutions.

That’s where NordLayer comes in.

Our Business VPN encrypts network connections, shielding data from eavesdroppers and unauthorized infiltrators—cutting Man-in-the-Middle attack risks. Meanwhile, dark web scanning tools check underground marketplaces for compromised data, enabling proactive strategies before attacks occur.

NordLayer also helps defend against phishing and malware threats. DNS filtering tools block access to malicious websites, while Download Protection detects and prevents accidental malware downloads.

To mitigate insider risks, NordLayer enables network segmentation through Cloud Firewall features, which contain potential threats within isolated environments. Zero Trust policies ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive data.

Want to strengthen your data breach defenses? Contact the NordLayer team today. We’ll help you upgrade your data security and keep sensitive information safe.