Cyber threats refer to the possibility of attacks targeted towards disrupting, damaging, or stealing sensitive data by unauthorised intrusion into a computer system. Cyber attacks cause havoc to an enterprise in the form of downtime, monetary loss through ransoms, or loss and manipulation of valuable data.
Since we are relying more on technology for the easy execution of tasks, we should not turn a blind eye to the increased risk of cyber criminal activities. Cybercriminals resort to various techniques ranging from email phishing scams to something as advanced as XSS to gain unauthorised access to a system and steal information.
With the increase in cybersecurity risks, there is an increase in the need for robust cybersecurity training that can equip professionals with the skills needed to safeguard companies from such mishaps. This article enlists some of the latest generation of viruses and malware.
Some Emerging Cyber Threats
If you know about the latest malicious traps, it will become easy to devise measures to avert them or safeguard your system against cyberattacks. Listed below are some of the emerging cyber threats:
- Malware: The word “malware” is a combination of the words malicious and software. Although malware is not a new concept, one needs to be aware of the newer approaches that are being incorporated that may otherwise avoid detection. This is done through spyware, viruses, trojans, and ransomware.
- Cryptojacking: This kind of cyber threat intrudes your system through phishing emails and other modes and mines the cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Bitcoin.
- Worms: Worms are standalone malware programmes that can replicate themselves and wiggle through computer networks without a host. If your system is not adequately protected, it is exposed to the risk of being attacked by worms that may be transmitted through the internet and local networks.
- Adware: One way to detect adware is by looking for unwanted advertisement pop-ups. Adware monitors your web activity, collects the user’s browsing history, and sends related pop-up advertisements.
- Phishing: Phishing involves sending messages that appear to be coming from trusted sources. However, these messages originally have a link containing malware that can intrude into the system and disrupt it. Phishing attacks also occur via fake websites, social networks, or phone calls.
- Wipers: As the name suggests, this malware causes immense damage to organisations by wiping off data. Such attacks are made solely out of criminal intent. Wipers target the files and their backups and aim at making the information unavailable.
- Cross-Site Scripting: In this kind of injection attack. Commonly known as XSS attacks, hackers insert malicious codes into a website that enable the stealth of user identities. Users unintentionally click on content, totally unaware of the impending threat and thus causing the altered script to be executed.
- Drive-By-Downloads: This kind of malware gets easily installed on one’s device without prior consent. In this technique, websites or applications are used as a medium for delivering corrupted files. They simply find their way into the system when a user visits an infected website.
- IoT Device Attacks: IoT is a broad term that refers to a number of network-connected devices like smartwatches, cell phones, cameras, sensors, etc. Hackers and cybercriminals launch IoT attacks to gain authorised control over the IoT systems, steal sensitive information, or even cause the systems to shut down. Since IoT devices store crucial information such as users’ log-in credentials, they are an easy target for cybercriminals.
- Whaling: In this kind of phishing attack, hackers usually target the senior executives of top companies. Whaling is a kind of security attack in which hackers pose as top executives of leading companies and try to steal sensitive user information.
- SQL Injection Attacks: Through SQL injection attacks, hackers inject malicious codes into a server database or a website with the intent of stealing or tampering with data or erasing web activity.
- Distributed Denial of Service: Through this kind of cyberattack, hackers infect the devices on the network with malware. This way, the computers are turned into bots controlled by hackers. Attackers then send instructions and control the botnet remotely. Some hackers also automate the process with the help of AI.
- Brute Force Attacks: In this cyberattack, hackers try to gain access to an account by repeatedly guessing the login credentials of an individual.
How to Reduce Cyberattacks
A robust cybersecurity system can help organisations to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks. Cybersecurity refers to the techniques aimed at protecting critical infrastructure and other sensitive information from malware and other digital attacks.
An effective cybersecurity system incorporates best practices and high-end technologies to safeguard organisations against cyberattacks. If you are willing to establish a career in cybersecurity, you can pursue an online cybersecurity course to help develop a strong understanding of the different aspects of cybersecurity.
To mitigate the risk of cyberattacks, organisations can take the following measures:
- Organisations should have an effective threat management strategy to prevent cyberattacks by developing appropriate safeguards and implementing them to protect critical and sensitive information.
- Companies’ threat management systems should also monitor continuously and screen for traces of cyber threats so the problem can be nipped in the bud.
- Companies should always be prepared with tactics on how to respond to cybersecurity events. They should learn from their previous experiences and also remain prepared for the unexpected.
Cybersecurity training will help you understand these things better.
Conclusion
If you are looking forward to establishing a career as a cybersecurity professional, you can consider upskilling yourself and acquiring in-depth, relevant knowledge in the domain. Eduonix brings you an excellent opportunity in the form of a Lifetime Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security Membership so that you can upskill at your own pace.
The membership grants the learners access to more than 65 courses. The learning modules are kept interactive; some assignments and projects allow the learners to acquire hands-on experience.
Therefore, if you are looking forward to becoming a security expert with skills and expertise in preventing attacks, performing penetration testing, and safeguarding systems from malware, worms, and viruses, this membership might be the right choice for you.
