In 2022, cyber security attacks are expected to get even more famous with the advent of some network-based ransomware. This is one of the reasons many people are now going for a master’s degree in cyber security right now. Cyber security attacks are mostly for some sort of gains, either economic purposes, edge over competitions, or even for political reasons. It has however become pertinent for businesses to be aware of these cyberattacks, their forms, and ways to prevent them.
Top 7 common cyber security threats
Internet of things
The connectivity of various systems and devices on the internet has made sourcing for information easier on the internet. However, this vast connection provided numerous access points for invaders to attack the system.
1 Top 7 common cyber security threats1.1 Internet of things1.2 Remote Work Attack1.3 Malware1.4 Cloud Vulnerability1.5 MiTM attack1.6 Password Attack1.7 Phishing
This method of attack is very common due to the increased production of IoT devices with low priority for embedded security in their operating systems.
Remote Work Attack
Ever since COVID-19, which has made remote jobs more popular, It has become easier for attackers to invade systems. This threat, however, would keep increasing with the increase in remote jobs. Within an organization’s security setup system, it is achievable to downplay the common cybersecurity risks through the use of some protective mechanisms, such as; firewall system, employee awareness, stringent policies, and some other random methods. However, when employees are working remotely, ensuring cybersecurity measures that cover all systems proves to be difficult.
Malware
This includes various types of attacks that use the susceptibility of a system to breach the security systems either via malicious links or attachments which are used to install dangerous software or files into the system. This malware includes viruses, spyware, and ransomware.
Viruses: They attack systems by attaching themselves to the initiation sequence and then rapidly replicating themselves. They can also attach themselves to a code system or file, thereby forming couriers of viruses.Ransomware: This type of malware denies entry to the victim’s data, threatening to publish or delete them unless a ransom is paid. Recently, advanced ransomware has been employed to use cryptoviral extortion, in encrypting the victim’s data so that it is impossible to decrypt without the decryption key.
Other examples of malware include; Spywares, Worms, and Trojans
Cloud Vulnerability
Cloud storage has been very efficient in improving digital space available for users to store their files. Despite the increasing adoption of the cloud, data security has been a major concern for many businesses. Some of the top reasons for cloud vulnerabilities are weak authentication systems, improper management of RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol), shadow IT use, misconfigurations, etc. This kind of attack usually capitalizes on security vulnerabilities in a system, such as an unsecured public WiFi, to insert itself between a visitor’s device and the network. The issue with this sort of attack is that it is very difficult to detect, as the victim believes the information is going to a rightful destination. Phishing or malware attacks are often used to carry out this form of attack. It occurs when an attacker thwarts a two-party transaction, fixing themselves in the middle. From there, cyber attackers can steal and manipulate data by impeding traffic.
Password Attack
Password attackers use a different method to identify an individual password, including finding and gaining access to a password database, using social engineering methods, assessing the network connection to obtain unencrypted passwords, or simply guessing. Passwords are the most common method of validating access to a secure information system, making them a very crucial target for cyber attackers. By accessing a person’s password, an attacker can gain entry to confidential or critical data and systems, including the ability to manipulate and control said data/systems.
Phishing
Phishing attacks are one of the leading cyber attacks. It involves sending mass amounts of scheming messages to unsuspecting users, concealed as coming from a credible source either via email or some other. These fraudulent emails often appear to be legitimate and proper, but they are meant to link the recipient to a malicious file or script designed to confer attackers access to your device to control it or compile recon, install ferocious scripts/files, or extract some important data such as user information, financial info, security details and more. There are various types of Phishing. It could either be Whaling, Spear phishing, and Pharming. Each of these types is meant to obtain data at various levels of operations.
