Understanding Cyber Security
Cyber security measures include preventing, detecting, and responding to cyber-attacks. They are created because any information stored on a computer, electronic device or on the Internet can be hacked. With proper measures, this can be prevented. Considering that the world is more dependent on computers than ever before, cybersecurity has become vital.
Cyber security ranges from simple to complex. As a basic preventive measure, most devices are equipped with a password to prevent hacking. Updating software is another easy way to prevent cyber attacks.
If a system is under attack or at risk of attack, certain measures can be taken depending on the type of attack. For example, encryption is one way to prevent attacks, and some antivirus programs can detect suspicious activity on the Internet and block most software attacks.
To ensure the security of a system, it is important to understand the risks and vulnerabilities inherent in that particular device or network and whether hackers can exploit these vulnerabilities.
A cyber security threat is a deliberate attempt to gain access to the system of an individual user or an entire organization. Attackers are constantly improving their attack methods to avoid detection and exploit new vulnerabilities. However, these methods are quite common and you can prepare for them.
Malware
Malware is a general term for programs created by malicious actors, including worms, ransomware, spyware, and viruses. It harms computers and networks by modifying or deleting files, extracting sensitive data such as passwords and account numbers, and sending malicious emails or traffic. Attackers who gain access to a network can install malware, but more often it’s individual users who accidentally deploy it by following an untrusted link or downloading an infected attachment.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a form of blackmail in which cybercriminals encrypt files with malware and block users from accessing them. In such attacks, cybercriminals often steal data and threaten to publish it unless they are paid. In exchange for the decryption key, victims must pay a ransom (usually in cryptocurrency). Since not all decryption keys work, payment does not guarantee file recovery.
Social Engineering
Using social engineering, attackers gain the trust of users and trick them into handing over account information or downloading malware. In these attacks, the attackers disguise themselves as a well-known brand, employees or friends of the victim and use psychological techniques, such as a sense of urgency, to manipulate the person.
Phishing
Phishing is a type of social engineering in which cybercriminals send emails, text messages, or voicemails in the name of a trusted source to convince users to give them access to sensitive information or to click on an unfamiliar link. Criminals send phishing campaigns to a large number of users, hoping that one person will open them. Other campaigns called “targeted phishing” target a narrower group of people and target specific users. For example, an attacker could impersonate a job seeker and trick an employer into downloading an affected resume.
Insider Threats
How Insider Threats Work: Users who already have access to systems, such as employees, contractors, or customers, cause security breaches or financial loss. Sometimes this happens unintentionally, such as when an employee accidentally posts sensitive information on a personal cloud account. But some users do it on purpose.
Persistent Serious Threat
The principle behind persistent serious threat is that attackers gain access to systems and remain undetected for a long period of time. They probe the target company’s systems and steal data without resorting to defensive countermeasures.
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