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With the advancement in technology, today’s generation is more and more dependent upon the internet. In fact, the world is so dependent upon computers and information technology that a glitch at Microsoft led to global outage of various services. The Multinational Companies were all stuck, flights were affected, it seemed like the world had stopped for a few hours, until it started functioning back to normal. Since dependence is high, there is a lot of data at stake as well. Cyberspace has become more prone to risks. Know more about what a cyber security threat is and what are the feasible solutions to fight the same.

What is a Cyber Threat?

Cyber security threat can be understood as a malicious activity which has the potential to affect and harm the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of information available in cyberspace. Cyber threats may lead to compromising organizational operations, assets, or even the individuals by unauthorized access to an information system, followed by destroying, disclosing, modifying existing information, or even interfering with the services. 

Top 10 Cyber Security Threats

1. Data Breach

With the advancements in information technology, data is the ultimate asset for several businesses. When an unauthorised person or group gets access to confidential or sensitive data, it may be termed as data breach.

1. Denial of Service (DoS)

When a network is overwhelmed by multiple requests causing it to crash and eventually resulting in unavailability of services, such a cyber attack is known as denial of service. This can severely affect the business operations. An example of DoS could be excessive traffic on a website offering certain services, which it could not handle, and results in crashing. 

1. Malware

Malware can be understood as a malicious software which may harm a computer device, or the network of computers. These may steal, encrypt or delete sensitive data from the device. The modes of operation may be through physical or virtual means. 

1. Phishing

Phishing is similar to social engineering wherein the victim is tricked into disclosing confidential information with the attackers. The means of phishing may include a convincing email, text message or social media containing an unvalidated link, which if clicked, may lead to web pages which compromise your cyber security. 

1. Ransomware

Ransom in general means demanding a certain amount of money for releasing, usually a captive. Since we are discussing top cyber security threats, the captive here is something related to computers, be it the network, data, access to certain web accounts, etc. It can be understood as locking out the owners from their own confidential information and then using the same to make financial gains by the cyber criminals.

1. Social Engineering

This is the most common among cyber security threats, wherein the victim is tricked into disclosing confidential information with the attackers. Examples of information so disclosed could be the login credentials, One-Time-Password, etc.  

1. Code Injection Attack 

It can be understood as injecting a code by the hijackers in the language of the target application, which is executed by the server, eventually changing the way such application works. 

1. Spoofing

Spoof in general means to imitate or trick as someone else. When someone disguises before the victim so that they are made to believe to be interacting with a trusted person, to make illegitimate gains, it is called spoofing. A common example of spoofing could be someone using your image, name and other details creating a social media account and sending messages to your contacts asking for money. 

1. Supply Chain Attack

In this type of cyber threat, the attackers target trusted third-party tools or services, meaning the supply chain, to infiltrate a certain network. Some examples of supply chain attacks may include third-party software updates, installation of malware on connected devices, installation of applications, etc. 

1. AI-Powered Attack

As Artificial Intelligence is spreading its wings in all facets, cyber security is not untouched by AI. There were recent incidents of deepfakes which came into light after videos of some celebrities were reported to be created by Artificial Intelligence. That is one of the several examples of how AI can be a threat to cyber security.  

Cyber Security Threats and Solutions

1. Data Backup

As an individual or as an organisation dependent upon information technology, it is always safe to keep backup of important data. It means keeping a copy of data at another location. This helps against cyber security threats because even if the data at source is compromised or lost due to attack, there is a backup available and information can still be used. 

1. Data Encryption 

Encryption of data means keeping data in coded form as against its original state which is vulnerable to cyber attacks. Encrypted data can only be read by people having the secret key or password. It is advisable for organisations having confidential data to encrypt the same so as to avoid cyber threats.

1. System and Software Updates

Keeping your operating system and softwares updated can help fight against cyber threats. System and software updates usually include new features and also the ways to fix bugs, help patch the vulnerabilities. This way, cyber attackers cannot attack your system since it is not as vulnerable to exploitation. 

1. WiFi Security

The full form of WiFi is Wireless Fidelity, a wireless technology for internet access. The devices connected to the WiFi can access the internet. It is advised to avoid open air or Free WiFi spots because they are more prone to cyber attacks. WiFi connections can be secured by changing default password and keeping a strong password, turning off the unused features for networking, keeping an eye on the devices connected with the WiFi network and disabling the unknown users from unauthorised access.  

1. Stronger Passwords

Whenever we make email accounts, social media accounts, or for any other web service, having a username and password is way too common these days. It is always advisable to keep strong passwords and variety in passwords used for different platforms. The reason being that your password should not be calculable for the attackers. Even if someone knows your password and got access to one account, keeping a variety helps safeguarding the other accounts. 

1. Secure Hardware

Antivirus, Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access control devices are some of the hardwares which restrict hackers from attacking computer systems. With evolving cyber threats, it is important to use security means for your network and computer systems and keep them updated as well.

1. Controlled Access

Wherever there is sensitive information involved, be it for an individual or an organisation, controlled access should be exercised. For example, for managing a website, editing rights should not be distributed randomly, but only with those who are trust worthy of not misusing the authority and safekeeping the confidentiality of the same. 

1. Firewalls

In order to protect a computer or network from unauthorised access, firewalls are installed. Firewalls help against cyber security threats and also prevent incidents of security breach. 

1. Cyber Security Policy

For an organisation having multiple employees dealing with confidential and sensitive data, it is important to have a cyber security policy in place. This includes risk assessment, recovery plans, access control, testing the security on regular intervals, etc. This helps the team deal with any cyber threats with ease. 

1. Awareness and Caution

 The best thing to avoid any cyber threat is to be vigilant, not to fall prey to the tricks used by attackers, and cautiously use the computer or network systems. Using precautionary measures like antivirus and firewalls is also important. 

Written by: Advocate Anish Palkar