Whether you consume your share of news from digital magazines or broadcast channels, it is likely to hear something about cybercrimes, every other day. If you are confused as to why the news anchors and editors keep on repeating the same stuff then much to your surprise, they do not. Cybercrimes are real and these security issues concern every single person using the internet. For people thinking that cybercrimes involve those who are famous or rich or in government, please drop this mindset right now because if you are on the internet or have an internet-connected device, you most certainly are vulnerable. By this logic, all of you reading this article should start taking your internet privacy and security very seriously.
A study conducted by the University of Maryland’s Clark School indicates that a cyber-attack, on average, occurs every 39 seconds and almost 2,244 times a day. These statistics are alarming and should be taken seriously by everyone, individuals, and enterprises. Especially for businesses, cyber-attacks can expose daily operations to danger as well ultimately disrupting the whole agenda of revenue generation.
Being on the topic of internet security, it is important to be sure that your internet is secure at all times. This surety comes majorly from your internet service provider. Reliable ISPs try and protect their customers’ information fully and you can explore Spectrum plans to learn more about high-speed and trustworthy internet packages.
This article explicitly explores the importance of cybersecurity and sensible measures to protect your internet privacy and integrity.
- CyberSecurity Issues
The self-proclaimed world’s leading cyber, risk management and information security authority, the Information Security Forum has described some potential risks in its annual Threat Horizon.
Disruption – risk that ransomware and other cybercrimes would most likely be used to hack the Internet of Things (IoT).
Distortion – breach of trust by the intentional spread of false information.
Deterioration – negative impact on companies’ capability to regulate their information.
Here is a microscopic view of the most significant cybersecurity issues:
Phishing Attacks
Carefully designed and intricate messages are being sent to people on digital media to trick people into either supplying their personal information like account number, social security number, PIN, etc., or fooling them to open an attachment that can open ways for malware to enter the system and expose sensitive information.
The fact that more and more people are being educated about cybercrimes has made hackers and cybercriminals redefine their strategies and therefore they have increased the quotient of believability in their emails and messages to compromise the integrity of innocent people.
Ransomware Attacks
Cybersecurity ventures suggest that ransomware attacks are said to occur every 14 seconds. Like ransom threats are conducted in real life, the same way these ransomware attacks enable hackers to kidnap the databases of their victim, individual, or organization.
Cryptojacking
The motto of hackers is simple, ‘breed on opportunities’ and since cryptocurrency has come up as a great opportunity for everyone, hackers have taken great interest in it as well. Cryptojacking is a threat that is as simple to understand as it sounds – hackers hijack victim’s computers to ‘mine’ cryptocurrency. Hackers can make money by running in the background without the victim’s realization.
IoT Attacks
As great as this innovative technology is, Inter of Things (IoT) poses a great opportunity for cybercriminals as well. More connected devices mean more entering points for hackers. The number of IoT devices connected with the same network is only going to increase with time and according to Statista.com, it will reach 75 billion by 2025.
Smart devices and homes are the ideas of a better future although this technology needs to do a lot of work on its security and privacy. IoT devices making a network are much more vulnerable to cyber infections and invasions.
Cybersecurity Issues Faced by Organizations
According to a Duke University Magazine, 80% of the U.S. companies have been hacked successfully. Hackers have become smarter in their illegal ways as well and companies should look into these cybersecurity concerns:
Unprecedented and Larger Attack Base
All the information of organizations has become digital now and the amount of such valuable information can be overwhelming at times. This exponential increase has also become an opportunity for cybercriminals to compromise the integrity of company data at a greater level. Moreover, more and more individuals, as well as companies, are rapidly shifting their systems towards the Internet of Things (IoT) that has increased the entry points for hackers and the attacks have become much more unprecedented. Organizations should consider cybersecurity plans in detail to protect their confidential data and information.
Cyber Spying
According to Right Sale, private cloud usage has increased to 84% in organizations. A hacker coming at your confidential information, from inside or outside, can cost you millions of dollars.
It is of utmost importance for organizations to be aware of regulations and practices of cloud technology for safe usage.
Data Theft
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or better known as SEC has found that businesses, small and midsize, are principal targets of cybercrimes. Cybercriminals have started targeting such businesses as a means to enter larger ones. SEC has also highlighted that only 29% of small business owners are aware of the security measures that need to be taken.
It is imminent to understand the problems and issues that can arise from cybercrimes and the money spent on cybersecurity measures is lesser than the damages these crimes can pose.
According to CSO Online, the healthcare industry is the most vulnerable to cyberattacks and should take extra precautions.
- Cybersecurity Measures
The research concluded by Pew Research Institute has indicated that 86% of internet users have taken some step to protect their digital selves. U.S. federal laws have also been updated in support of cybersecurity.
General measures that should be taken by everyone having any digital presence or the ones owning an internet-connected device are:
- Creation of strong and unique passwords for all devices and accounts.
- Update your device and software on regular basis.
- Use a VPN.
- Install a security suite or software.
- Always read the terms and conditions and privacy policy of websites before accepting.
- Make sure to utilize privacy options on browsers and websites.
- Restrict yourself from opening or download files from suspicious sites.
- Be responsible with your digital footprints.
- Moreover, companies should invest in cybersecurity training sessions for employees.
