Computer systems are constantly defended against a variety of cyber-attacks by cyber security professionals. In the last few years, the number and variety of cyberattacks have expanded rapidly. According to former Cisco CEO John Chambers, there are two categories of companies: those that have been hacked and those that have not yet been attacked.

There are numerous reasons for cyber-attacks. One is the concept of monetary value. It is possible that a cyber-attacker will take down a system and demand payment in exchange for restoring it to working order. Ransomware, a type of malware that encrypts files and demands payment to unlock them, has become more complex.

Individuals, too, are exposed to cyberattacks, often because they save personal information on their mobile phones and use public networks that aren’t as secure as they should be.

To improve cyber security, it is essential to keep track of growing and expanding threats. Cyber security can be quite beneficial for those working in the field who want to stay on top of the latest risks and security information.

What is a Cyber Security Threat?

Any hostile attack that aims to gain unauthorized access to data, disrupt digital activities, or damage digital information is considered a cyber security threat. Corporate spies, hacktivists, terrorists, nation-state hostiles, criminal gangs, and disgruntled employees are just some of the many sources of cyber danger.

Numerous high-profile cyber breaches have disclosed private information in the last few years. As an example, the 2017 Equifax breach affected around 143 million people, including their birth dates, addresses, and Social Security numbers. Approximately 500 million customers’ personal information was stolen by hackers from Marriott International’s servers in 2018. In all cases, the organization’s failure to implement, test, and retest technical safeguards including encryption, authentication, and firewalls facilitated the cyber security danger.

Security professionals are vital for protecting private data from cyber attackers, who might use sensitive data to steal information or obtain access to a company’s financial accounts, among other potentially detrimental actions.

7 Types of Cybersecurity Threats

The following categories of cyber security dangers should be well-understood by anyone working in the field.

1.   Malware

There are a variety of types of malwares, including spyware and ransomware. By clicking on a malicious link or attachment, a user unwittingly invites malware to take control of their computer. According to Cisco, once malware has been activated, it can

• Block access to key network components (ransomware).
• It installs additional harmful software.
• Covertly obtain information by transmitting data from the hard drive (spyware).
• Disrupt individual parts, making the system inoperable

2.   Emotet

Because of its ability to download and drop other banking Trojans, the Cybersecurity, and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) calls Emotet “an advanced, modular banking Trojan.” Emotet is still one of the most expensive and damaging forms of malware.

3.   Denial of Service (DOS)

By overloading a computer or network, hackers can prevent it from responding to user requests, which is known as a denial-of-service attack (DoS). Similar attacks are carried out via distributed denial-of-service (DDoS), but the source of the DDoS attacks is a computer network. Attackers frequently utilize flood attacks to interrupt the “handshake” procedure and carry out a denial of service (DoS). Some cyber attackers use the time when a network is down to launch other assaults; this is only one example among many. According to Netwrix, an information technology security software company, a botnet is a sort of DDoS in which millions of systems are infected with malware and controlled by a hacker. Botnets, often known as “zombie systems,” aim to take over a system’s processing power and use it against it. Detecting botnets are difficult because they are spread around the globe.

4.   Main in the Middle

A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack happens when hackers get involved in a transaction between two parties. According to Cisco, they can filter and take data after disrupting the traffic. MITM attacks are common when visitors utilize public Wi-Fi networks that aren’t secure. Malware is used by attackers to infiltrate the visitor’s computer and steal data from the network.

5.   Phishing

To fool the recipient into opening the email and following the instructions inside, phishing attempts use phony communication, such as an email. According to Cisco, “the purpose is to steal sensitive data such as credit card and login information or to install malware on the victim’s laptop.”

6.   SQL junction

A SQL injection is a form of cyberattack that occurs when malicious code is inserted into a server that employs the SQL language. When a server becomes infected, it starts leaking data. Entering the malicious code into a search box on a susceptible website is one method of distributing it.

7.   Password attacks

In the hands of a cybercriminal, the possibilities are virtually limitless. Hackers employ social engineering to lure individuals into violating security protocols, according to Data Insider, which describes it as a “tactic cyber attackers deploy that focuses primarily on human interaction.” Accessing a password database or simply guessing are two other methods of password attacks that might be used.

Final words

Cyber security can be beneficial for those working in the field. Hacktivists, terrorists, nation-state hostiles, criminal gangs, and disgruntled employees are just some of the many sources of cyber danger. Security professionals are vital for protecting private data from cyber attackers. Emotet is one of the most expensive and damaging forms of malware. A botnet is a sort of DDoS in which millions of systems are infected with malware and controlled by a hacker.

Attackers use botnets to take over a system’s processing power and use it against it. A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack is when hackers get involved in a transaction between two parties. Botnets are difficult to detect because they are spread around the globe. Hackers use social engineering to lure people into violating security protocols.