Cybersecurity is a set of processes, best practices, and technology solutions that help protect your critical systems and network against digital attacks. With the proliferation of data and more people working and connecting from virtually anywhere, malicious actors have responded by developing sophisticated methods to gain access to resources and steal data, sabotage businesses, or extort money.
The number of attacks grows every year, and attackers develop new methods to avoid detection. An effective cybersecurity program includes people, processes, and technology solutions that, together, reduce the risk of business disruption, financial losses, and reputational damage due to attacks.
Types of cybersecurity threats
A cybersecurity threat is a deliberate attempt to gain access to an individual’s or organization’s system. Attack methods used by malicious actors are constantly evolving to avoid detection and exploit new vulnerabilities, but they rely on some common methods you can protect yourself against.
Malware
Malware is a generic term for any malicious software, including worms, ransomware, spyware, and viruses. This type of software is designed to damage computers or networks by altering or deleting files, extracting confidential data such as passwords and account numbers, or sending malicious emails or traffic. Malware can be installed by an attacker who has access to the network; however, individuals often inadvertently deploy malware on devices or the company network after clicking a bad link or downloading an infected attachment.
Phishing
Phishing is a type of social engineering that uses emails, text messages, or mailboxes that appear to be from a trusted source to convince people to share confidential information or click an unknown link. Some phishing campaigns are sent to a large number of people in the hope that one of them will click. Other campaigns, known as spear phishing, are more focused and targeted at a single person. For example, someone may pose as a job applicant to get a recruiter to download an infected resume.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a form of extortion that uses malware to encrypt files, making them inaccessible. In general, attackers obtain data during a ransomware attack and threaten to publish it if they do not receive payment. In exchange for a decryption key, victims must pay a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency. Not all decryption keys work, so payment is not a guarantee that files will be recovered.
Insider threats
In an insider threat, people who already have access to certain systems, such as employees, service providers, or customers, breach security or cause some financial loss. In some cases, the damage is unintentional, such as when an employee accidentally posts confidential information to a personal cloud account. However, some insider threats are malicious.
Social engineering
In social engineering, attackers exploit people’s trust to trick them into providing account information or downloading malware. In this type of attack, malicious actors pose as a well-known brand, coworker, or friend and use psychological techniques, such as creating a sense of urgency, to get victims to do what they want.
Advanced persistent threat
In an advanced persistent threat, attackers gain access to systems but remain undetected for a long period. Competitors probe the target company’s systems and steal data without triggering defensive countermeasures.
Why is cybersecurity important?
Today, the world is more connected than ever. The global economy depends on communication between people in different time zones and their access to important information from virtually anywhere. Cybersecurity increases productivity and enables innovation by giving people the confidence to work and socialize online. The right solutions and processes allow businesses and governments to leverage technology to improve how they communicate and deliver services without increasing the risk of attacks.
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