While the Internet is a beautiful thing that allows us to access everything quickly, it also brings some threats along pretty much like everything in our everyday lives. All the steps you take, and all the information you enter in the digital world can have negative consequences for you if necessary security measures are not taken. One of the most important aspects of having an online profile passes through cyber security.
Even if you are sure that your information on the Internet, which you use for online purchases, online reservations or business e-mails, is protected in the best way possible, there are also issues that you need to pay attention to individually. You will find the threats in the digital environment and their recommendations in this article.
How to Stay Safe Online
You can easily handle many tasks with a few clicks, but sometimes you want to act fast and not pay attention to what you click. You should always be careful and be sure of what you click so that your personal and financial information does not fall into the hands of malicious people.
Every day, numerous viruses that aim to steal information are spreading on the internet. Viruses imitating many companies can reach you via email. If you make sure that the sender’s email address is correct and that the link in the email content is genuinely well-intentioned, you should have no problems.
When creating a membership on social media platforms, stock markets, shopping sites or many other platforms, you need to share your personal information and even your financial information. Of course, your information will be kept safely by trusted sites. But if you do not learn and apply the security options that are available to you, this may not work very well.
Today, platforms provide multi-layered protection, such as 2FA. Even if users enter their passwords, they log in with another authorization confirmation to stay safe. That way, someone who may even guess or crack your password correctly and wants to use your account will not be able to pass through the other security layer.
The Basics of Cyber Security
You know how it goes. One of the most common user habits is to close the window without logging out after finishing things on the website that the user visits and logs in. For your safety, it is recommended that you use the secure exit option after completing your transactions. Situations that provide convenience for everyone in the digital environment also involve risks.
Therefore, attention should be paid to the issue of cyber security. The same is true for companies. The use of necessary security software by companies that store almost all of their data in a digital environment will prevent future problems. Although the company’s private information is more important than money, the company’s money can also be protected by taking such measures.
The Most Common Cyber Security Threats
- Common Phishing
Possibly the most common and efficient way cyberattackers get organisational access is through phishing assaults. Tricking a user into clicking a link or opening an attachment is easier than finding and exploiting an organization’s defences.
In recent years, phishing assaults have become more sophisticated. The initial phishing scams were easy to spot, but modern ones are so convincing and clever that they can pass for legitimate emails.
The modern phishing threat requires more than employee cyber security awareness training. Cyber security systems must detect and stop phishing emails before they reach users’ inboxes.
- Supply Chain Attacks
Many organisations’ security efforts have centred on their apps and systems. corporate perimeter is hardened, and only authorised users and apps can access it to prevent cyber threat actors from breaching corporate networks.
A spike in supply chain attacks has shown this approach’s weaknesses and hackers’ motivation and ability to exploit them. The SolarWinds, Microsoft Exchange Server, and Kaseya intrusions showed that trust ties with other companies can weaken company cyber security. A cyber threat actor can access all customer networks by exploiting one organisation and using trust ties.
- Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware has been around for decades, but it only became the dominating threat in recent years. Recent data shows that ransomware assaults are profitable, sparking a boom in activities.
Instead of encrypting files, ransomware now steals data to extort victims and clients in double and triple extortion assaults. Some ransomware groups threaten or use DDoS assaults to get victims to pay.
Also helping ransomware expand is the Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) concept, where developers give their virus to “affiliates” to distribute in exchange for a fee. Many cybercrime groups use RaaS to get advanced software, making sophisticated attacks more likely. Thus, ransomware protection is crucial to a company’s cyber security.
- Malware Attacks
Malware is usually the common name for computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware and spyware. The ongoing malware evolution has characterised cyberattack generations. Cyber defenders and malware producers perform a constant cat-and-mouse game, trying to defeat the latest defensive technology. Successful cyberattacks often inspire new ones. Modern malware is fast, stealthy, and smart.
Who Needs Cyber Security the Most?
Every company, regardless of size or industry, must pay attention to cybersecurity. Some industries are more vulnerable. For example, finance, healthcare, and energy fields need the most cybersecurity protections.
These industries must follow tight compliance requirements to secure their important client data. Attackers have always been attracted to healthcare and finance due to their wealth of information and money. What’s more, energy and utility infrastructures have been targeted by ransomware attacks in recent years.
As the danger landscape changes and new technologies bring on new sectors, risk levels shift towards other industries. Digital assets, e-sports, and AI technology developers require protection immediately as well. Risks are on the rise in manufacturing, professional services, and education too.
Basically cyber security is essential for both individuals and companies. Everyone or every company who is on the internet, regardless of their transactions, should prefer platforms that take the necessary precautions for cyber security.
People often think that these bad scenarios won’t happen to them, but in cyber security, like any other issue, being caught off guard can lead to a complete disaster. For more information on cyber security, you can check out our related blog posts to learn what you need to pay attention to to be a conscious internet user.
