Cyber Security Threats & How to Prevent Them!

Cyber security means protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These are intended to gain access to, modify, or destroy sensitive information, extort money from users, or disrupt normal business operations. It is difficult to establish effective cyber security because there are more devices than people, and the attackers are getting smarter.

Situational Awareness – The Ins and Outs of Cyber Security

The cyber threats which can take part in include malware, ransomware, phishing, and social engineering. It is important to understand these threats, as this is the foundation to protecting yourself and your organization against potential cyber attacks.

Malware

Malware is any software that is intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network. Cybercriminals employ an arsenal of malware to steal data, interrupt services, or otherwise gain unauthorized access to systems.

How to Avoid Malware:

Do regularly update software and operating systems.

Do you use trusted antivirus and anti-malware solutions.

Do not download software from untrusted sources.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a form of malware, one that locks up a victim’s files and demands to be paid in order to restore access.

How to Avoid Ransomware:

Frequent saves of data to a safe place.

Do not open email attachments sent from unknown senders.

Do not skip on endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools.

Phishing Attacks

Phishing refers to a technique used by cybercriminals to persuade individuals to provide sensitive information, like login credentials or credit card information, by impersonating a trusted entity.

How to Avoid Phishing:

Check email senders before clicking on links.

Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for sensitive accounts.

Never provide personal or financial information via email.

Social Engineering Attacks

By its nature, social engineering attacks rely on human psychology to trick users into taking action or revealing sensitive data.

20 Ways to Protect Yourself from Social Engineering:

Train employees to spot social engineering.

Additional guidance on security protocols for identity verification.

Question unsolicited communications asking for sensitive data.

General Cybersecurity Best Practices

Implementing comprehensive security measures is essential to effectively combat cyber threats.

Enforce Strong Password Policies

If individual accounts have different strong and unique passwords, the risk for credential theft is lower.

Make sure you use a mixture of upper case and lower case letters, numbers and symbols.

Ensure you don’t reuse the same password across multiple accounts.

Store complex passwords securely using a password manager.

Configure and Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

With MFA, you need to prove who you say you are through several means before gaining access.

Secure Network Connections

Implement Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) when going online on public Wi-Fi.

Keep network security software regularly updated and patched.

Use firewalls to prevent unauthorized access.

Regularly Conduct Security Awareness Training

Therefore, organizations must hold regular cyber security awareness training sessions for employees so they can get familiarised with the latest threats and security measures.

Update Software and Systems

Regularly updating software, applications, and operating systems can help prevent attacks through known vulnerabilities.

Provide Security Incident Monitoring and Response

Don’t forget about monitoring For effective incident response!

Conclusion

Cyber security is an everchanging landscape, and it is important to know what threats exist and how to minimize risk. With continued awareness and action, we can make ourselves much less likely to be victims of cyber attacks.