Did you know that a report published by the University of Maryland hackers attached every 39 seconds, on average 2,244 times a day? What’s more, the average cost of a data breach is $3.92 million as of 2019, according to security intelligence.
With the increase in data breaches, more and more companies have opted to incorporate cybersecurity solutions into their day-to-day operations to increase efficiency. If you, too, are considering investing in this solution, here’s everything you need to know about Cybersecurity!
What is Cyber Security?
In simple words, Cyber Security refers to the technologies, methods, and practices created to guard networks, devices, apps, and data from any cyber-attacks.
Today, people use the Internet to promote and market products in many forms, interact with their consumers and retailers, and execute financial transactions. Due to this, hackers and cybercriminals utilize the Internet as a weapon to increase malware and carry out cyber attacks. Many of these digital attacks are directed at obtaining, modifying, or destroying sensitive information, extracting money from victims, or disrupting normal business operations.
Cybersecurity intends to defend the computers, networks, and software programs from these types of cyberattacks.
Types of Cybersecurity
Cyber Security is divided into the following types:
1.Information Security
Information security tries to protect the users’ individual information from illegal access, identity theft.
It preserves the secrecy of data and hardware that handles, reserves, and transmits that data.
Examples of Information security is to incorporate User Authentication and Cryptography.
2.Network Security
Network security strives to protect the usability, sincerity, and safety of a network, linked components, and data shared across the web.
When a network is guarded, possible threats get barred from entering or expanding on that network.
Examples of Network Security involves Antivirus and Antispyware programs.
3.Application Security
Application security intends to defend software applications from vulnerabilities that happen due to the flaws in application design, construction, installation, upgrade, or sustaining phases.
Types of Cybersecurity Threats
There are several various types of cybersecurity threats, some of the most typical kinds of risks are listed below:
Viruses
Viruses are a kind of malware programs that are specifically designed to cause harm to the victims’ computer.
Viruses can self-replicate below the right conditions and can affect a computer system without the consent or awareness of the user.
It has two essential characteristics, the capability to replicate itself and the ability to connect itself to another computer file.
A virus can damage files and seize private information like credit card details of the user and transfer them back to the hacker.
Viruses cannot survive on its own, i.e., without a host program; it usually is present as a dependent on another program.
Piggybacking on another program enables the virus to outwit users into downloading and performing it.
When a virus-infected program is done, the virus also gets affected.
Once executed, the malware virus produces two primary purposes simultaneously: Replicate and Infect.
The virus gains control of the host computer and starts searching for other programs on the same or different disks that are currently uninfected.
When it gets one, it then replicates itself into the uninfected program.
After replicating itself into many copies and spoiling other uninfected programs, the host program reverts to its original form.
When the host program gets eliminated by the user, the virus also will stop replicating.
Since all these actions happen in the background, the user will be unaware of the virus.
A few viruses will continue to be active in the system memory even after the user dismissed the host program.
This kind of virus will linger in system memory until the computer is switched OFF.
The next time the user starts his computer system, he/she may unknowingly execute one of the infected applications on the computer.
When the virus remains alive in the system memory, it may transfer the payload.
The payload can be anything from removing files or reducing down the computer speed.
It could change data files, harm, or destroy data files and programs.
Identity Theft
When it comes to identity theft, this threat includes the stealing of private data of the victims from social media websites such as Facebook, Instagram, etc. and utilizing that info to create a picture of the victims.
If enough sensitive data is collected, it could enable the cybercriminal to represent you in some way.
In some instances, hackers might steal the bank details of the victims and apply it for their gain.
Password Attacks
It is a kind of cybersecurity threat which requires effort by hackers to decode the passwords of the user.
With the aid of a hacking tool, hackers might enter multiple passwords to decode the victim’s account credentials and obtain access.
Hackers may further perform password attacks on a computer login screen to get access to a victim’s computer and the data saved in it.
Spyware and Keyloggers
Malware like spyware can spy on the computing ways of the victims.
Some malware such as keyloggers can register the victims’ keystrokes, which include their passwords, PINs, and credit card details.
Keyloggers and spyware programs access the victims’ system when they download and install good software from a suspicious website.
Spyware and keyloggers collect user information, passwords, browsing history, etc., and then sends them to its originators (hackers) who may trade or share this personal information with third parties.
Hackers may further use that information to withdraw money from the victim’s bank accounts.
Adware
Adware is a collection of malware that is identified to generate these pop-ups.
If a user sees strange pop-up messages on their computer screen, it is most expected to be a malware attack.
The primary purpose of adware is to obtain permissions that will then enable them to install added malicious software.
If the user downloads that extra software, it might then either remove or steal your data.
A few of these pop-up messages can also be practiced to attack your computer screen with undesired information such as ads.
Trojans
Trojans are a kind of malware programs that mask themselves as safe or useful software.
Trojans can produce a class of malicious actions on the victims’ computer, including downloading malicious applications, removing or stealing files, and giving hackers illegal way to the victims’ computers.
Ransomware
Ransomware is an assortment of malware which bolts or encrypts the victim’s computer and demands money for decrypting the computer.
The main reason for all ransomware attacks is generally monetary.
Unlike various other types of cyberattacks, ransomware attacks inform the victim about the exploit, and it further gives directions on how to recover from it (usually, it needs the payment for recovery).
To bypass a crackdown by law implementation, hackers who are responsible for the ransomware attacks typically demand payments in virtual money, such as Bitcoins.
Browser Hijacker
A few malicious software like the Browser Hijacker redirects the victims’ browser to particular websites that are selected by the hacker or to a site that repays the hacker based on the number of hits it receives.
In unusual cases of scareware viruses, the whole root drive of the victims and all of their subdirectories will be covered.
It might also report their private information and forward it to the hacker.
Zero-Day Attacks
Zero-day attacks are sent out using zero-day malware.
This zero-day malware uses a previously undiscovered vulnerability that has not been addressed or patched.
As the zero-day vulnerability is not known previously, the zero-day exploits usually occur without the approval of the users as there will be no patches open at the time of infection.
Phishing Emails
Phishing emails are designed to steal private user information such as user login credentials and credit card details.
It is a kind of social engineering attack applied by hackers wherein the user is fooled into clicking malicious attachments or links that download malware.
Considering phishing attacks use harmless emails or software, it becomes challenging for the users to discover them.
Phishing emails are usually used for stealing personal information from the users, whereas spam emails are frequently used to swamp the Internet with various copies of the same message.
This is an effort to force the information on computer users who would not usually choose to accept it.
Where do Cybersecurity Threats Originate?
There are several different ways by which cyberthreats affects a victim’s computer; some of the most popular methods are listed below:
Suspicious Websites
Hackers use genuine software and websites to attract users into downloading malware.
The trick of free money or games tempts some users.
Also, people who do not visit these suspicious sites are inclined to enticing links being hidden on their computers.
Malware that arises from these sites may move around the Internet and reach an innocent user’s computer redirecting their browsing exposure to these sites.
Peer to Peer File Sharing
Peer to Peer (P2P) file-sharing networks is one of the most common ways to share movies, games, music, and additional files online.
In a standard P2P network, members make a portion of their computing sources available to other network members.
In reality, file sharing over a P2P network enables computer users to share files straight from the computers of each other.
P2P file sharing is also a very regularly used process for distributing malware and executing other malicious deeds.
Torrent Downloads and Phishing Emails
Are you trying to find a great movie that is still in theaters?
Perhaps you want a complimentary copy of the latest PC Game.
Torrent sites are utilized by computer-savvy users that have malware extraction in their everyday agenda.
Keygens, Cracks, Serial Coders, all of these may be what you need, but do not be shocked when you are infected.
In many cases, the file you are downloading can be a rogue malware installer formulated by a savvy programmer.
Email is the breeding area for various malware.
If you receive and open a phishing email that is sent with an attachment, it immediately collects data within your email, virtually your address book.
It will instantly send similar phishing emails to all of the contacts in your address book, expanding the problem.
Why is Cybersecurity Important?
The notorious cyberattacks, such as GoldenEye and WannaCry ransomware attacks, have disabled numerous organizations and forced many to shut down their services.
In the viewing of these advanced cyber attacks and security holes, Cybersecurity has taken the limelight among organizations of all sizes.
New alternatives. New tactics. Cyber threats remain to grow.
Not only have we noticed an expansion in cyber attacks on businesses and people, but the level of sophistication in those cyberattacks has also expanded, as well.
In the times to come, there will also be more high-level cyber attacks using the latest technologies, victims, and purposes.
There will be a dramatic increase in the availability of Ransomware-as-a-Service and Malware-as-a-Service on the mysterious web.
It will enable anyone, no matter their professional knowledge, and swiftly initiate a cyber attack.
Nonetheless, owing to the number of damages created by cyberattacks in the past, organizations are aware of the threats of cyberattacks. Hence, they are demanding for better cybersecurity measures amidst their activities.
This will work as a motivation for cybercriminals to up their game by staging different and more sophisticated attacks in the future.
Wide-ranging safety vulnerabilities, faster and more advanced cyber attacks are all making it very hard for security experts to counter those threats.
Therefore, there should be a decent cybersecurity plan in a position to stop cyberattacks from creating any damage.
The Comodo Cybersecurity is an international innovator of cybersecurity resolutions, giving unique cybersecurity solutions that cater to the requirement of organizations of all areas.
Cyber Security, on the whole, is a pretty broad term but is based on three fundamental concepts identified as “The CIA Triad.”
It consists of three terms, Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. It is created to supervise the organization with the plans of Cyber Security in the field of Information security.
Cybersecurity is something that affects people on both individuals as well as mass level. Take the time to gain, at least, basic knowledge about security. Help your children, parents, and grandparents — they are very vulnerable. Take time to ensure your safety in the cyber world.
As we are more and more reliant on technology in our world each day — we need to take precautions and look for stronger solutions to ensure cybersecurity for everyone.