Cyber threats aim to disrupt, harm and damage computer software systems and information. Cybercriminals carry out these attacks to steal important data, often for malicious purposes. Methods of attack are continuing to evolve, and the tactics used by cybercriminals are forever multiplying, with corporations struggling to combat the issue. The severity of cyberattacks and the consequences they can bring should not be underestimated.Cybersecurityis important in guarding private information and protecting individuals and organizations from threats.
Vast amounts of money are spent on cybersecurity every year. This figure is expected to grow as different methods of cyber threats emerge and advance. As the industry soars, plenty of people are wondering how to become a cybersecurity specialist. Some jobs in the field include solutions architect, application developer, information security analyst and network engineer. For those interested in working in cybersecurity,St. Bonaventure University offers aMaster of Science in Cybersecurity.
Since the pandemic, there has been an increase in remote working. Cyber criminals have used this to exploit misaligned networks as companies transfer from in-person to remote working environments. 2020 saw the biggestjump in malware attacks yet, with an increase of 358% compared to 2019. Research has shown that since then, global cyberattacks have grownby 125% through the year 2021. In addition to the pandemic, the Russian war in Ukraine has had a monumental impact on cybercrime, making it far more unpredictable and dangerous than before.
Types of cyber threats
Malware
Malware is the name for pieces of code that have been planted into the networks of a device to cause damage. It comes in various forms but is always performed to harm the victim and benefit the hacker. A few types of malware, such as spyware,are designed to assess the movements of an infected device. There is also adware, a kind of malicious software that installs itself onto devices and displays unwanted adverts and pop-ups. Viruses cling to documents, script files and programs, spreading quickly and as far as possible.
Social engineering
Social engineering techniques aim to manipulate people into handing over sensitive data. The targeted person may be encouraged to download harmful links or provide personal details. Phishing is the most common form of social engineering and involves messages thatpretend to be from a trusted source. Spam messages can be sent by email or during social media chats and contain instructions and demands, such as attempting to gain access to someone’s login details. Sometimes, cybercriminals only need a few pieces of information to access multiple accounts and networks.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a form of malware that prevents people from accessing their data by encrypting the files. Cybercriminals threaten to release data or demand money in exchange for returning a device’s functionality. Once the device has been tampered with, typically, an on-screen notification will pop up. The ransom and instructions on how to make the payment are explained. Payment is commonly requested in the form of cryptocurrency. However, there is no guarantee that data will be retrieved after paying a ransom, and it is not recommended that people support criminal groups and encourage illegal activity. In addition, by responding to cybercriminals, the victims could become easy targets for further cyberattacks in the future.
Internal error
Most data breaches are caused by human error. Thiscould involve downloading an attachment with a virus or not using a strong password. These incidences of human error could be skill-based errors or decision-based errors. Skill-based errors can be small mistakes when carrying out a familiar task. Decision-based errors involve making a faulty decision. This could be due to a lack of knowledge or information.
It is important for organizations tounderstand the psychology behind human error so that mistakes can be prevented and data leaks avoided. Cyber threats can present themselves in numerous ways, and it is vital that companies effectively educate their staff on how to recognize them and, more importantly, how to avoid them in the first place. Security awareness training can raise alertnessamong employees.
Distributed denial-of-service
Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) isa cyberattackthat severely disrupts a server, increasing the amount of internet traffic within that server and its surrounding infrastructure. The most obvious sign of a DDoS attack would be the server becoming increasingly slow or unavailable. DDoS attacks typically target online shopping sites, organizations providing online services and online casinos.
There is a capacity limit to how many requests a network source can handle simultaneously. The service response of a site under cyberattack will likely undergo great stress and be unable to perform its usual functions to the degree it is designed to. Those using the site may find their requests handled slowly or ignored entirely.
Cybersecurity
Individuals and organizations can use cybersecurityto guard against the risk of attack. Maintaining effective cybersecurity against evolving cybercrime is a challenge for all organizations. Security risks are changing, and an adaptive and proactive approach is needed. There are many benefits to having cybersecurity practices, including protection for data and networks and prevention of unauthorized user access. The main function of cybersecurity is to protect the devices being used. It is also about protecting the personal information stored on devices and online. People use their devices for online shopping, banking, email and social media, and it is essential to prevent cyber criminals from accessing private information.
Here are some examples of cybersecurity.
Network security
Most organizations need at least basic network security awareness, regardless of the size of their organization. Hardware technologies can beused to maintain the privacy and accessibility of a device. Authorized users can access network resources, but cyber criminals are blocked. Network security involves virus and antivirus software, access control, network analytics, application security, firewalls, encryption and network-related security.
Application security
Application security is the process of adding, developing and testing security features to prevent weaknesses such as unauthorized threats. Developers code applications to minimizevulnerabilities within an application’s software. The different types of application security include encryption, logging, authentication, authorization and application security testing.
Cloud security
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote working has taken the world by storm. As a result, there has been a growingneed for the cloud, as it allows employers to share important data and information with their staff, regardless of where they are in the world. Though it provides many benefits, the cloud alsocreatesmore room for vulnerabilities to cyber threats because of its third-party nature. Strategies to protect data within the cloud include firewalls and penetration testing.
End-user education
To avoid unnecessary mistakes from within an organization, training should be provided to build security awareness and prevent cyber threats. For example, staff can be taught how to recognize scam emails and avoid using unfamiliar USB devices. As the online landscape continues to expand, end-user education will become progressively more important in cybersecurity.
Critical infrastructure security
Critical infrastructure security (CIS) gives continuity to providedservices. This infrastructure consists of systems or assets essential for producing essential economic and social functions. CIS protects computer systems that are made to maintain the ongoing functionality of society, such as national security, public safety and economic wealth. For guidance, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has assembled a cybersecurity structure to assist organizations, whilethe US Department of Homeland Security(DHS) also gives advice and direction.
Mobile security
Computers and larger devices are no longer necessary for using social media, emails or online banking due to the portable nature of smartphones. Although smartphones offer convenience, they are more susceptible to cyber threats. Using Wi-Fi hotspots that donot have a virtual private network (VPN) increases the risk of cyberattacks on mobile devices. Cybercriminals can manipulate users into connecting to unsecured hotspots, making it far easier to accesspersonal or corporate information.
How to combat a cyberattack
In the event of a cyberattack, those running businesses should have an emergency plan in place. Several things can be done to combat such a situation. Here is a look at some examples.
Carry outan audit
An audit involves conducting a risk assessment of vulnerabilities within databases and identifying exactly where the weaknesses lie. The risk assessment should outline potential damages that could be caused to the business and how to manage them after that.
Develop a response plan
The threat of a cyberattack is always there, so having a solid response plan in place is paramount for any organization. The plan should outline what to do if there is a data breach, ransomware attack or the loss of important information. The legal implications should be listed, and affected customers must be informed. The sturdiest response plans include preparation, detection, investigation, containment, eradication and recovery.
Conduct emergency drills
Every staff member working in an office building knows what to do in the event of a fire; leave all your belongings and evacuate immediately. The same theory should be applied to cyberattacks. Running emergency drills is a viable way of ensuring staff members know what to do in real-case scenarios. It also gives senior management insight into what steps must be implemented to establish the business’s smooth recovery.
Employees are the most vulnerable to the threat of social engineering. Cybercriminals can imitate organizations and people to an uncanny degree, making them tricky to spot. The workplace should provide thorough training on how to avoid falling victim to social engineering attacks. As an example, password management is a good deterrent. Passwords should be changed frequently and never discussed or disclosed among colleagues. A strong security defense for emails is vital, with many anti-phishing tools available.
Individuals and cyber threats
While organizations can afford a strong cybersecurity team and easy access to resources, the average person is left to protect their own devices, often without basic cybersecurity knowledge. Should an individual fall victim to an attack, they areless likely to be able to pick up the pieces afterward due to a potential lack of knowledge or support.
There are numerous ways in which individuals can protect their data. Cyber criminals frequently exploit the weaknesses in a person’s software to gain access to their data. Regular software updates should be carried out to avoid the risk of an attack. For example, a lost, unsecured or stolen cellphone is liable for data theft. To secure a mobile device, the user can install antivirus software, enable remote locking and set passwords for entry and application download.
Another area to be vigilant about is passwords. Many people have passwords linked to their identity, making it easier to remember but harder to avoid cyberattacks. In addition, the more someone reveals about their personal life on social media, the more likely they fall victim to cybercrime. Sharing the name of your first pet may seem mundane and innocent. However, it allows cybercriminals the perfect opportunity to guess passwords and access private data. Passwords must be complex, combining numbers, symbols and letters. Ideally, login details shouldalso vary from site to site.
Conclusion
There are many types of cyberthreats, and it is critical to have strong and effective cybersecurity to protect individuals and organizations. The increasing sophisticationof attack techniques means the demand for cybersecurity specialists will continue to grow.
