Why Cyber Security Is So Important – Which Attacks Do I Need To Protect Myself From?
Our digital world is becoming more and more networked. And the more that happens, the more influential the topic of cyber security becomes. Cyber attacks are on the rise, and this is precisely why cybersecurity has to follow suit; in the best-case scenario, be one step ahead. That is why new solutions are needed. But what do they look like, which threats come via the Internet and what are the attackers pursuing with them?
According to an expert report, 7.9 billion data records fell victim to various cyber threats and attacks in the first nine months of 2020. Medical services, retailers, and public authorities were often affected by these attacks. Usually, it is about customer data, industrial espionage, and customer attacks. And that’s precisely why something needs to be done in terms of cybersecurity. It is already expected that spending on cybersecurity solutions worldwide will skyrocket by 2022.
It is not only surfers and computers in large companies that are often affected, but private individuals’ cell phones become victims of cyberattacks. Most of the time, only a smartphone repair will help to save the device’s software.
What Are The Motives For The Attack?
- They are attacking the privacy of individuals – stealing passwords, emptying bank accounts, or shopping at the victim’s expense.
- Cut off networked devices from private individuals – This results in Denial of Service attacks (DoS) that can cause telecommunications services to fail, etc.
- Spying on company secrets of extensive corporations/sabotage of machines – This results in approximate damage of around 50 billion euros per year, according to the constitution’s protection.
- State-sponsored attacks – can bring power grids or the entire Internet to a standstill in an entire country.
Typical Cyber Threats
The main cyber-attack threats include:
- Malicious software or malware – can harm the system or the user with any file or program. These include computer viruses, Trojans, worms, and also spyware.
- Ransomware Attacks – Are a particular type of malware, often called blackmail trojans. Data is often encrypted on a target system or even on a network to extort a ransom for decryption.
- Social engineering – works with carefully researched information from potential victims, e.g., to obtain sensitive information that is usually protected.
- Pishing – This is where fraudulent emails are sent that appear to come from a severe sender. The aim is also to obtain sensitive data.
Cyber Threat Examples
Cyber Threats that private individuals and companies should protect themselves against are:
- Dridex malware is a financial trojan capable of stealing passwords, bank accounts, and personal information to make fraudulent transactions.
- Romance Scamming – Hanging around in dating portals and chat rooms, faking great love to gain access to sensitive data.
- Emotet-Malware – In (Europol and BKA excavated the Emotet-Bot in 2020), A highly developed Trojan that can access data (including passwords) and load other malware.
Cyber Security Tips
Comprehensive cyber security should be a combination of the following areas:
- Application security
- Information security
- Network security
- Disaster recovery and business continuity planning
- Safe procedures in day-to-day business
- Training measures for end-users
These components should focus on the most significant known threats.
- The regular software and operating system updates
- Use of anti-virus software
- Use strong passwords
- No opening of email attachments from unknown people
- Do not use unsecured WLAN networks
Solid cyber security offers companies and private individuals protection against malware, phishing, social engineering, and blackmail attempts due to ransomware. In addition, it protects the company’s data and networks and prevents unauthorized users from entering. In the event of security incidents, recovery times are shorter, and it enormously strengthens the trust of customers, suppliers, and employees in the company.
Also Read: How Can Banks Improve Their Cybersecurity?
