Cyber security professionals are continually safeguarding computer systems against many types of cyber attacks. Cyber assaults on organisations and private networks occur on a daily basis, and the variety of attacks has risen significantly. Former Cisco CEO John Chambers stated that “there are two categories of companies: those that have been hacked and those who are not yet aware that they have been hacked.”
There are numerous reasons for cyber attacks. The first is money. Cyber attackers may take a system offline and demand cash to reactivate it. Ransomware, a type of assault that demands money to restore services, is more sophisticated than ever.
Individuals are also targets of cyber assaults, owing to the fact that they save sensitive information on their mobile phones and access insecure public networks.
What Exactly Is a Cybersecurity Threat?
A cyber security threat is any potentially hostile attack that attempts to gain unauthorised access to data, disrupt digital activities, or damage information. Corporate spies, hacktivists, terrorist groups, hostile nation-states, criminal organisations, lone hackers, and disgruntled workers are all possible sources of cyber dangers.
Several high-profile cyber attacks in recent years have resulted in the exposure of critical data. For example, the Equifax data breach in 2017 exposed the personal information of over 143 million people, including birth dates, addresses, and Social Security numbers. Marriott International revealed in 2018 that hackers got access to its systems and stole the personal information of around 500 million customers. The failure of the organisation to develop, test, and retest technical measures like as encryption, authentication, and firewalls enabled the cyber security danger in both cases.
Cyber attackers can utilise sensitive data from an individual or an organisation to steal information or get access to financial accounts, among other potentially detrimental acts, As a result, Hire cyber security experts are essential for securing private data.
7 Types of Cyber Security Threats
Cyber security professionals should be familiar with the following types of cyber security risks.
1. Malware
Malware refers to harmful software such as spyware, ransomware, viruses, and worms. it is activated when a user clicks on a malicious link or attachment, resulting in the installation of hazardous software. if activated, can, according to Cisco,:
- Critical network components have restricted access (ransomware)
- Install additional malicious software.
- Obtain information covertly by sending data from the hard drive (spyware)
- Disrupt individual components, rendering the system unusable.
2. Emotet
Emotet is described by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) as “an advanced, modular banking Trojan that primarily serves as a downloader or dropper of other banking Trojans.” Emotet remains among the most expensive and damaging malware.”
3. Denial of Service
A denial of service (DoS) attack is a sort of cyber assault in which a computer or network is overloaded, preventing it from responding to requests. A distributed denial of service (DDoS) assault does the same thing, except it begins on a computer network. Cyber attackers generally use a flood attack to interrupt the “handshake” procedure and cause a denial of service (DoS). Several methods may be used, and some cyber attackers may leverage the downtime of a network to launch further assaults.
Botnets, also known as zombie systems, attack and overwhelm a target’s processing capacity. Botnets are dispersed around the globe and difficult to track down. Looking to Hire a Cyber Security Engineer for your business.
4. Man in the Middle
A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack occurs when hackers insert themselves into a two-party transaction. Cisco claims that after disrupting traffic, they can filter and collect data. When a visitor connects to an unprotected public Wi-Fi network, MITM attacks are prevalent. Attackers establish themselves between the visitor and the network before installing malware and stealing data.
5. Phishing
Phishing attacks employ faked communication, such as an email, to trick the receiver into opening it and following the instructions, such as inputting a credit card number. The goal, according to Cisco, is to “steal sensitive data such as credit card and login passwords or implant malware on the victim’s PC.”
6. SQL Injection
Structured Query Language (SQL) injection
- is a type of cyber attack
- in which malicious code
- is introduced into a SQL server.
It may be as simple as typing the malicious code into a vulnerable website’s search field.
7. Password Attacks
With the right password, a cyber attacker can obtain access to a wide range of information. According to Data Insider, social engineering is “a cyber attacker’s approach that relies mostly on human contact and typically comprises tricking individuals into violating basic security rules.” Accessing a password database or guessing a password are additional examples of password attacks.
Evolution of Cyber Security
As the internet and digitally dependent activities develop and adapt, so do cyber security practises. According to Secureworks, those interested in cyber security are focusing more on the two topics listed below.
The Internet of Things
Individual devices that link to the internet or other networks provide hackers with an entry point. According to Cytelligence, in 2019, hackers attacked smart home and internet of things (IoT) devices such as smart TVs, voice assistants, connected baby monitors, and cellphones more frequently. Hackers that successfully hack a connected house have access not only to users’ Wi-Fi passwords, but also to private data, such as medical records, bank statements, and website login information.
The Explosion of Data
Data storage on personal devices such as laptops and cellphones makes it easier for cyber attackers to get access to a network via a personal device. Cyber security specialists are constantly protecting computer systems from all sorts of cyber threats. Cyber assaults on organisations and private networks occur on a daily basis, and the variety of attacks has risen significantly.
As a result, businesses and government agencies require the highest level of cyber security to secure their data and operations. Understanding how to respond to the most recent developing cyber threats is critical for cyber security experts.
