Today, there are several different types of cyber security threats due to advancements in technology. Threats can now travel across computer networks with the simple click of a button. Fraudsters are now targeting big businesses that hold vast amounts of information. These businesses are now aware that their data is now under threat, leading to so many customers becoming victims of fraud and theft. The ‘cyber security market‘ is growing and will continue to do so. That’s why more and more cyber security threats will occur.
Recommendation: try to use VPN when you go online to protect yourself.
Main Cybersecurity Threats
● Phishing
Phishing is one of the most common cyber security threats out there. It occurs when a criminal pretends to be someone else to extract important information such as a password. These identities tend to be of different types, such as someone who is typically trusted, like an IT support representative or even your bank. The criminal will send out emails that are disguised with false links, which will eventually lead the user to a fraudulent website that is used to get personal information. Phishing has become so successful because many people tend to give away private information without hesitation.
● Ransomware
Ransomware falls among the top cybersecurity threats. A criminal will encrypt all the files of an individual or business to make them unavailable for the rightful user. This person or business will then be asked to pay a ransom fee in order to get their data back which is usually done through bitcoins, debit cards, and other forms of payment.
Ransomware has become one of the most dangerous cyber security threats because it’s able to leave an individual, business, or even government at ransom.
● Identity Theft
The increasing rate of Cyber security threats and vulnerabilities is due to Identity theft occurring when a criminal can get hold of someone else’s identification information. This can range from their social security number, and credit card information to even medical data, which the criminal can use for their benefit. The criminal could use this to purchase goods or even apply for loans under your name without you knowing. Identity theft has become one of the biggest cyber security threats because it can cause several issues for the victim due to their financial information being at risk.
● Malware
Malware is software that was originally designed to help with computer tasks but has been known to be used for criminal issues. This can range from backdoor Trojans or even ransomware which have become some of the most dangerous types of malware being used today. Backdoor Trojans will allow a person access to a system without them knowing due to the Trojan running in the background of their computer.
● Malicious Insiders
Malicious insiders can be considered among the biggest cyber security threats because an individual working for a company purposely gives out private information to criminals. This could be an employee or even someone with access to the company, such as a contractor. Most of these crimes are committed for financial gain. Usually, social engineering is used to extract the data. This can lead every employee to face the consequences or even face legal action due to violating a Company’s Confidentiality. One way to stop malicious insiders is to implement Privileged Access Management (PAM) for cybersecurity, which enforces policies and restricts unauthorized access to company resources.
● Privilege Misuse
Privilege misuse can be very dangerous as it’s when a privileged user is found to abuse their access rights to cause several issues such as vandalism or even theft of data. This can include modifying source code, hacking into systems, and even deleting sensitive information. With such regard, it is considered to be the most convenient cyber security threat for the person. Privileged users have access to a system that means they can cause a lot of damage which is why this should be monitored at all times.
● Data Tampering
Data tampering is the new Cybersecurity threat. It functions when an individual changes data with the use of the software. This usually occurs because they want to modify their performance metrics, which will affect their position, bonuses, and even potential termination. Although this isn’t as harmful as other types of cyber security threats, being able to tamper with data can have major consequences.
Further Reading About Cybersecurity
- Best practices for more secure passwords
- How can a blind data company keep information secure
- The growing threat of smartphone security breaches
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