Nowadays, as the world is going digital, people are connected through technology. However, the digital evolution has resulted an increase number of cyber-attacks and has become a part of everyone’s life. Therefore, the need for securing systems, network, and data from cyber threats or attacks has become very crucial.

Cyber Security Threats to Watch Out

Cybersecurity is a practice of protecting system, network and program from cyber-attacks. These cyber-attacks are commonly aimed at accessing, modifying, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users, or disrupting normal business processes. At individual level, cyber-attack could result in everything from identity theft to extortion attempts, to the loss of important data. There are four common types of cyber security threats which often encountered such as phishing, malware, and ransomware, social engineering.

First, confidentiality breach defines as a disclosure of data or private information to a third party without data owner’s consent. This is the most common type of data breaches encountered. Then, availability breach is known as an accidental loss of access to/or destruction of personal data such as accidental deletion of data by an unauthorized person. Lastly, integrity breach defines as an unauthorized or accidental alteration of personal data such as altering business data to affect decision-making, and many more.

First, phishing is the common practice of sending fraudulent emails that resemble emails from reputable sources. The aim of phishing is to steal sensitive data such as credit card numbers, login information, etc. Then, malware is the term of cyber-threat that referred to the type of software designed to gain unauthorized access or to cause damage to a computer.

Furthermore, ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to extort money by blocking access to files or computer system until the ransom is paid. Paying the ransom does not guarantee that the files will be recovered, or the system restored. Lastly, social engineering is a tactic used to trick people to revealed sensitive information. It can be combined any of the cyber-threats to encourage people to click on links, download malware, or trust a malicious source.

How to Handle Cyber Security Threats

Phishing, malware, ransomware, social engineering are the most common types of cyber threats encountered by organizations and individuals. Today, as cyber-attacks were one of the biggest threats facing the in world, it is required for organizations and individuals to mitigate the risks caused by those cyber security threats.

Firstly, to avoid phishing attack, there are several ways that could be done such as verify the sender of any emails, never download suspicious attackers, check the URL of websites before logging in, look for HTTPS, and ask a co-worker to re-check the safety of a message if something looks suspicious.

Secondly, to prevent malware, organization or individual should keep the computer and software updated, use a non-administrator account whenever possible, think twice before clicking links or downloading anything, be careful about opening email attachments or images, do not trust pop-up windows that ask to download software, limit file-sharing, and use antivirus software.

Thirdly, there are several tips to prevent ransomware attacks; for example, never click on unverified links, do not open untrusted email attachments, only download from sites you trust, avoid giving out personal data, use a VPN when using public Wi-Fi, use security software, back up the data, and many more.

Lastly, actions that could be taken to avoid social engineering are deleting any request for personal information or passwords, reject requests for help or offers of help, set the spam filters to high, secure the devices, and always be mindful of risks.

Conclusion

Cyber threats have become an inevitable part of both organizations and individuals. Therefore, it is very important to secure all data and information as well as mitigate the risks that might arise from these threats.

Reference:
Breda, F., Barbosa, H., & Morais, T. (2017, March). Social engineering and cyber security. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Technology, Education and Development, Valencia, Spain (pp. 6-8).
Cisco. What Is Cybersecurity?. Retrieved From: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/what-is-cybersecurity.html#~how-cybersecurity-works
Kaspersky., Tips on how to prevent ransomware attacks. Retrieved From: https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/how-to-prevent-ransomware
Nguyen, J, T., Five Ways to Prevent Social Engineering Attacks. Maureen Data Systems (MDS). Retrieved From: https://www.mdsny.com/5-ways-to-prevent-social-engineering-attacks/