As the world evolves in technology, the need for cybersecurity increases. Cybersecurity plays a significant role in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of data online. Businesses, individuals, and even government bodies depend on Cybersecurity To protect their interests online.
What is CyberSecurity?
Cybersecurity involves protecting online data and technological devices from unauthorised access. It is always used to ensure the provision of valid information, maintain confidentiality, and expose threats. The online space is packed with cyber criminals lurking and waiting for opportunities to prey on exposed data, hence the need to ensure that strong cybersecurity measures are enforced at all times.
What Are Cybersecurity Threats?
Cybersecurity threats are categorized as harmful acts performed by hackers or cybercriminals whose aim is to take important data that can cause severe damage to the affected device or system. Some cyber threats are incredibly severe, while some are not so serious, depending on where the threat comes from and its intent. Some common cyber threats include;
- Malware: This is the most popular cyber threat amongst others. Malware refers to malicious software. Malware is a computer program created solely to cause harm to a system.
- Phishing is also a common cyber threat mainly used by fraudsters. It is a type of social engineering attack used to manipulate unsuspecting people into downloading harmful software or clicking on links that can give cyber criminals access to their computer systems or mobile devices. Victims may also mistakenly send money to the fraudsters and make other mistakes.
- AI attacks: While artificial intelligence has brought about many innovations and played many positive roles in shaping the modern world, it has also brought about some disadvantages. One of the most significant ones is an AI attack. This threat involves using AI tools to create fake documents, emails, applications, and other things designed to mislead people.
- Ransomware: Ransomware is Malware that collects people’s sensitive data and blackmails them into paying ransom to the attackers.
Where Cyber Threats Come From
Cybersecurity threats come from various sources. Here are some of the significant sources of cybersecurity threats;
Criminal Organisations
Criminal organizations are the most popular sources of cyber threats. Most of these organizations have professional hackers who can bypass the security system of any site or device. Most of these cyber criminals are highly trained and have in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity. Sometimes, all they have to do is choose the right unblocked browser, which gives them access to bypass any security filter with ease. The reason for their attacks is mostly money-related.
Terrorist Organisations
There have been various cases of terrorists conducting cyber attacks on nations. The online world is connected to various sectors, if not all, of a nation. Bridging a nation’s cybersecurity can weaken its economy, harm its citizens, destroy infrastructure, and cause many other damages. Most terrorist groups are now venturing into cyber attacks, seeing as they can cause severe damage to a nation with them.
Insiders
This threat source is overlooked chiefly, mainly based on the built trust over the years. Malicious or rogue employees or partners can be found in any organisation. Insiders are one of the worst threat sources as they have authorised access to all the organisation’s essential data.
Nations
Nations can launch cyber attacks on organizations to cause damage or prevent specific actions or activities. These nations are mostly either fighting against threats within or are at war. Most nations are gradually embracing cyber attacks and steadily using them against suspected enemies.
Precautions Against Cybersecurity Threats
- Strong Passwords
Using strong passwords can help prevent cyber threats. This precaution enhances cybersecurity and blocks access to unauthorised people. Using many letters with numbers and special characters included in them can help increase the strength of your passwords. The stronger your passwords, the harder it is for cyber criminals to access your device.
- Secured Networks
Always ensure that you access only secured networks. Using unsecured networks places your device or computer systems under strong cybersecurity threats.
- Alertness
This comes in handy for phishing threats. Always observe any email or link that pops up on your device before opening it. Some of these links, downloads, or emails are harmful and can expose the critical data on your device to fraudsters
- Trusted firewall and anti-virus software
Use strong and trusted firewalls and anti-virus software to prevent threats from attacking your computer system or device. A firewall, as the name implies, serves as a barrier that stops cyber attacks. Anti-virus software, on the other hand, clears every form of threat from your computer system or device.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is essential for businesses and nations to prevent cyber threats. Important and sensitive data in the wrong hands can cause major damage to the affected party, hence the need to stay protected at all times.
