Bricking is one of the latest tactics used by cybercriminals to cripple a company, preventing its normal daily operation and causing horrendous problems for business owners and their clients.
Read this guide to learn more about bricking, including how to prevent it and why cyber insurance coverage is so critical for your organisation.
What is bricking in cyber security?
In cyber security, bricking refers to an attack in which a cybercriminal renders a computer or other electronic device completely useless, effectively turning it into a useless brick.
Bricking attacks occur when the hacker accesses the device’s operating system or firmware and makes changes that stop it from working. They are devastating for businesses because they cause massive downtime and productivity losses.
Examples of bricking
One example of bricking attacks includes the use of malware by cybercriminals to change the firmware of point-of-sale systems, routers and other devices.
Another example is a ransomware attack, where the attacker encrypts a company’s data and threatens to brick the system if a ransom is not paid.
In some cases, bricking attacks are carried out by people with physical access to a device, such as by maliciously altering the BIOS settings or destroying hardware components.
Is bricking reversible?
Yes, in some cases, the effects of a bricking attack can be reversed, provided the device’s firmware or operating system can be reinstalled or reset to its original state.
However, that’s not always possible, and in some cases, the damage to the device is permanent.
What businesses are vulnerable to bricking?
Basically, any businesses that use electronic devices or rely on technology in some way are vulnerable to bricking attacks. From small firms using point-of-sale systems to large corporations that rely on complex computer networks, cybercriminals will target any business using firmware or an operating system.
For that reason, it’s crucial that businesses take a proactive approach to cyber security. Part of that approach is having the right cyber insurance coverage to mitigate the potential damage a bricking attack could cause.
How can you protect your business from a cyber attack like bricking?
You can take positive steps to protect your company from bricking cyber attacks by getting proactive:
- Implement strong security measures, such as firewalls and antivirus software
- Regularly update software and firmware, and train your employees on safe computing practices
- Take out comprehensive cyber insurance coverage that includes protection against bricking
Essentially, don’t take the “it won’t happen to me” approach. Take action now to keep your business systems safe and protected from this modern crime.
Why is coverage for bricking important in cyber insurance?
Coverage for bricking is important in cyber insurance because it can help protect your business from the potential financial losses associated with this type of cyber attack.
Disabled hardware typically causes significant downtime and lost productivity, resulting in lost income for your business. In addition, repairing or replacing damaged devices is usually pretty costly.
Cyber insurance coverage can cover these costs and give business owners and their clients priceless peace of mind. However, it’s important to note that not all cyber insurance policies include coverage for bricking. Here at Stanmore Insurance, our team of experts will map out your insurance policy and ensure that it meets your business’s specific needs.
How will your business be protected with cyber insurance in place?
Cyber insurance coverage can help protect your business from the potential damage caused by a bricking attack.
The right policy covers the costs of restoring or replacing damaged devices and compensates you for any lost income and other expenses resulting from the attack.
That can include:
- The costs of hiring experts to recover any lost data and restore your systems.
- Covering any legal fees or regulatory fines incurred by the attack.
Cyber insurance can also give you access to breach response teams and PR firms to help manage the fallout from a successful bricking attack.
Overall, having cyber insurance in place gives you and your clients peace of mind, knowing that your business is fully protected in the event of a malicious cyber attack.
Cyber coverage with Stanmore Insurance
These days, any business of any size that has an online presence could potentially fall victim to a bricking attack.
Bricking occurs when a cybercriminal gains access to the device’s firmware or operating system and changes it to stop it from working. A successful bricking attack effectively renders hardware totally useless, turning it into a brick. That’s expensive, sometimes irreversible, and can cause costly downtime and productivity loss.
Fortunately, a comprehensive cyber insurance policy covers your business for cyber attacks, including bricking. Call our team today for expert, no-obligation advice on the best policy to keep your business protected.