From ordering groceries, applying for jobs, and paying our bills - almost everything we do has a digital aspect to it.
You might carelessly enter your personal details on a seemingly harmless survey form.
Have you ever wondered if it could potentially lead you to wake up and find your bank account fully emptied?
Or that you could even have your identity stolen because of it?
These are examples of devastating cyberattacks that we are all at risk of right now. They could cause massive financial losses and data breaches, posing a significant threat to business as well.
Fortunately, the field of cybersecurity has numerous tips to avoid such cyber threats through a few proactive measures.
What is a Cyberattack?
A cyberattack is made by cybercriminals to gain access to a computer network or system with the intent of stealing, manipulating, damaging or exposing valuable data.
Anyone can be a victim of cyberattacks - from individual users to governments and businesses. Usually, sensitive data such as intellectual property (IP), consumer information, or transaction details are the most vulnerable.
Most Common Types of Cyber Attacks
- Malware: Malware attacks are the use of specific software developed to harm or damage a computer, client, server, or computer network.
- Spoofing: Spoofing is done to give the image of a trusted and authorized source by disguising a communication or identity.
- Phishing: Phishing is done by sending messages that appear to be coming from a reputable source. However, their aim is to steal private information such as passwords and credit card information.
- Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: A DoS attack is done to shut down a machine or a network.
- AI-Powered Attacks: AI-powered attacks involve the use of AI or machine learning algorithms to accelerate a cyberattack.
- IoT-Based Attacks: IoT-powered attacks involve the use of IoT devices to push a cyberattack.
- Code Injection Threats: Code injection aims to find a vulnerability in the user's data handling and uses that to insert malicious codes disguised as regular inputs.
- Identity Attacks: Identity threats include stereotype, prejudice, or discrimination threats.
- Supply Chain Attacks: This kind of attack aims to gain unauthorized access to an organization's suppliers' data.
- Insider Threats: An insider cyber attack refers to one that originates from the organization itself.
- Social Engineering Attacks: Social engineering attacks manipulate people to gain control over their computer systems
- DNS Tunneling: In this type of attack, hackers insert malicious codes into messages that look like a DNS request.
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: The Future of AI: Exploring the Boundless Potential of Artificial Intelligence with Daniel Doll-Steinberg
Top Cybersecurity Tips You Should Implement
Numerous steps can be adopted to protect yourself from unexpected cyberattacks.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind whenever you're handling a digital device:
- Strong Passwords: Forget birthdays and pet names! They're quite easy to guess for anyone who knows even a little about you. Be creative and generate passwords with unique combinations. Also, make sure to use multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Software Updates: Make sure you're always using the updated version of the software. Software updates are often recommended since they are primarily designed to address security issues.
- Data Backups: Always back your data to another device or a cloud storage. This will ensure you have your valuable information stored somewhere else as well in case something happens to the original.
- Beware of Phishing: Never ever click on suspicious links! Be very alert when it comes to emails and messages that ask for immediate action and offer unbelievable deals and offers.
- Careful Downloading: Only download things from reputed sources, and always avoid those that have suspicious links and attachments.
- Cybersecurity Training: Try out a simple course on cybersecurity to keep yourself updated and aware. If you work in an organization, make sure employees are trained to protect your business's valuable data.
- Antivirus Software: Choose antivirus software that protects your devices from all kinds of cyberattacks and offers technology to clean your devices and reset them from pre-infected states.
With so much of our personal information online, it is crucial to know how to protect it from cyberattacks. Data breaches have become increasingly common and can lead to massive losses. The tiniest action, such as clicking on a link or entering some details on a digital form, could ruin a lot for you!
However, by properly practicing good digital hygiene, you can significantly reduce your chances of falling victim to such traps.
Cyberattacks may still happen; however, by following our tips, you'll be much safer and won't be completely unaware.
LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST: Empowering Antigua Through Banking and Sustainability: A Conversation with Brian Stuart-Young
Do you have burning thoughts or opinions? We'd love to hear them! Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below to get the conversation flowing, or feel free to reach out to us at larra@globalindiannetwork.com.
