Cybersecurity education is essential in order to keep businesses one step ahead of this evolving space. Learn about types of attacks and preventative actions.
Cyber solutions are the future of business, with innovation such as the Internet of Things (IoT) gaining increasing popularity. Accordingly, focus on the protection and recovery of networks, devices and programs from cyberattacks is no longer a luxury, but a very basic necessity to remain competitive in today’s landscape. Here is a basic overview of cybersecurity:
Things to know
Data breaches are intended to access proprietary information, usually for financial gain. These activities can result in damaged corporate reputations, significant downtime and even the cessation of business viability
Hackers are becoming much more sophisticated, and traditional anti-virus software programs may not be sufficient to prevent attacks
As more devices and gadgets are connected to networks via IoT, they provide backdoors for hackers to access proprietary data
Despite the rising prevalence and notoriety of data breaches, they can be prevented. Cybersecurity often relies less on high-end technology than on common sense and solid security practices /protocols, such as:
Restricting employee access to sensitive data
Employing strong password controls
Educating employees on e-mail security
Encrypting data
Appropriately secure mobile devices – smartphones, tablets
Investing in IT professionals with current cybersecurity knowledge and skills
Types of Attacks
Malware is any type of malicious software utilized to gain unauthorized access to a computer
Ransomware is a form of malware that locks owners out of their devices/data until a ransom is paid
Spyware is a form of malware that spies on users in order to acquire sensitive information
Fileless malware attaches to existing programs running on the computer, thereby embedding inside the computer’s memory
Viruses are malicious programs usually sent as attachments, and which infect devices once downloaded
Watering holes are when a known website is hacked either directly or via a third-party service hosted on the site. In this way, anyone who visits the site is infected
Phishing is the act of sending e-mails that trick people into revealing sensitive information
Spearphishing is related to phishing but is more focused to prey on specific targets by including relevant details about the individual (usually obtained via research), thus luring them to click on the link
Pharming is the act of directing users to illegitimate websites under the guise of a legitimate link
Hacking is the act of accessing a network or device without appropriate authorization to do so
Types of Cyber Security
Network Security: These are defenses implemented to prevent hackers from gaining access to organizational networks and systems. Examples would be password controls and two-factor authentication
Application Security: This is when software and/or hardware is employed to protect against threats from malicious programs. An example would be antivirus programs
Information Security: This is the protection of data via restricted access or encryption
Cloud Security: These are tools utilized to monitor and protect corporate data stored in the cloud