Cybersecurity is a broad and ever-changing topic. Many elements of daily life, from work to entertainment to personal affairs, are being shifted to digital spaces—and must be protected from hackers and other perpetrators of cyber attacks.
Cyber attacks are motivated by a broad spectrum of goals and desires, ranging from true malice to simple mischief. Countless countries around the world have fallen victim to cyber attacks from foreign adversaries seeking to disrupt elections or damage governments. Many cyber attacks are motivated by financial gain or the acquisition of sensitive data, such as intellectual property or confidential information. “Hacktivist” groups or individuals may carry out cyber attacks to send a message that supports their social, religious, or political agenda. And some hackers are simply making trouble for the fun of it.
Regardless of motivation, cyber attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Understanding the many types of cyber attacks that may occur is a critical first step to developing strong cybersecurity solutions.
Common Cyber Security Threats
Cyber security threats come in many, many forms. This is a brief guide to the most common varieties.
Malware
Malware is short for “malicious software.” Malware is usually designed to steal data, damage computers, or destroy entire systems, though each malware program is unique.
There are many different types of malware. Some of the most common types include viruses, worms, spyware, and adware.
Virus
Viruses are usually attached to documents and files and spread from one “host” to another via email. The virus is essentially harmless until the file is opened, at which point the virus is activated and begins to disrupt the operation of a computer or system.
Worms
Unlike a virus, a worm doesn’t need to hitch a ride to a document or file in order to infiltrate a system. Worms travel through networks. Of course, planting a worm requires access to a system, which is more difficult than simply emailing a PDF, but once access is granted, worms multiply quickly, doing a lot of damage in a short amount of time.
Spyware
Viruses and worms may enter systems secretly, but they’re hard to ignore once activated and leave a lot of destruction in their wake. Unlike viruses and worms, spyware is designed to be undetectable. Spyware programs secretly record activity, such as keystrokes and login information, and relay it back to a remote user. This information is then used for theft and other attacks. Advanced spyware can run for days, weeks, or even years before the victim notices.
Adware
Unlike some other forms of malware, adware is not necessarily designed for theft. The primary purpose of adware is to collect data for the sake of ad targeting. However, adware may collect more information than is legal, send users to bad websites, and be generally disruptive.
Phishing
A phishing attack usually takes the form of a scam email impersonating a trusted source, such as a bank, a healthcare provider, a brand, or even a person you know. Phishing scams often target many people at once, such as a group of customers of a specific bank. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, are also a common target. But some phishing attacks are designed for a specific person, such as a CEO, politician, or other individual with lots of wealth, influence, or other resources.
Password Attack
A password attack is a relatively broad term for virtually any campaign designed to acquire or break a password. Password attacks range from sophisticated tactics, such as keylogging or cross-referencing a previous breach, to brute force methods to simply watching discreetly over someone’s shoulder as they enter a password.
Man-in-the-Middle Attack
A man-in-the-middle attack is designed to intercept communication and interaction from one endpoint to another. Man-in-the-middle attacks may be targeted at wifi connections, email exchanges, domains, IP addresses, and other avenues.
Strategies to Safeguard Against Cyber Security Attacks
As cyber attacks become more numerous and sophisticated, the prospect of protecting yourself can feel incredibly overwhelming. Thankfully, individuals and businesses alike have a lot of tools at their disposal.
Create and Use Strong Passwords
A strong password is the first line of defense against cyber attacks. A strong password should use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Using words and numbers that are easily associated with you, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or family pets, is no longer wise since it’s far too easy for hackers to find and guess that information. It’s best to use random sequences or words and numbers that can’t be easily associated with you.
Install Firewalls
A firewall blocks unauthorized access to your system or network without barring you from sending emails or other communications. Installing a firewall can keep out a significant percentage of cyber attacks.
Update Anti-Virus Software
Simply installing anti-virus software is not enough. New viruses and malware are created all the time, and good antivirus software developers constantly refine their programs to ensure that these new threats are kept out. Updating your antivirus software on a regular basis is key to staying safe.
Report Suspicious Activity to Your IT Department
Some people hesitate to “bother” their IT team with small concerns, but catching potential issues early is key to mitigating the damage. It’s safe to say that most IT professionals would rather investigate a handful of false alarms than fight a true cyber attack. If you notice anything unusual or suspicious, alert your team right away. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
How ID Tech’s Cybersecurity Solutions Can Help
One of the most powerful defenses against cyber attacks is a partnership with a trusted cybersecurity expert like ID-Tech Solutions. ID-Tech Solutions is a highly experienced leader in the cybersecurity industry. We understand how technology and cybersecurity solutions have evolved in recent years and are equipped with powerful tools to keep your systems, data, and people safe.
Email & Network Security
At ID-Tech, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to email and network security. We develop comprehensive security strategies based on your system, infrastructure, goals, risk tolerance, and budget. We combine several layers of defense to build a fortress that protects your business from outside attacks. We also empower your team members to play an active role in your security measures by offering training on how to behave and make choices in virtual spaces.
Physical Security & Surveillance
While we have a lot of faith in excellent technology, ID-Tech Solutions also recognizes the value of having human eyes on your system, in addition to firewalls, software, and other virtual tools. We can help you determine how to restrict sensitive areas and equipment by implementing sensors and other security measures, so you have physical protection as well.
Participating in the virtual world is more important for businesses—and more risky—than ever. You can trust ID-Tech Solutions to take your cybersecurity concerns as seriously as you do and design a cybersecurity solution that stops cyber attacks in their tracks so you can breathe easy.
To learn more about ID-Tech’s layered approach to cybersecurity and share your concerns with an expert, talk to a member of our team.
