5 Types of Cybersecurity Threats

[[:encoded, "There is an entire industry dedicated to fighting cyberattacks and making sure other companies have solid cybersecurity systems in place. Cyberattacks have become increasingly common, and typically involve some sort of breach of information systems to steal sensitive data or deny users’ access to their data. Many attacks have a financial motive, so it’s crucial to protect your company against the possibility of a breach.\n\nIt only takes one attack to bring down a network and do serious damage to your business, but if you take the necessary steps to protect your systems, you have a much better chance of thwarting any hackers’ attempts.\n\nThere are several different types of cybersecurity threats, and it’s important to know what they are so you can understand how to fight them.\n\n1. Malware\nMalware, or malicious software, is an umbrella term for all sorts of programs designed to hack, disrupt, or damage a device. Malware breaches the security of your device and can steal data or control your device. It works by tricking users into clicking something they shouldn’t click, which then downloads malicious code into their system. Types of malware can include viruses, trojans, spyware, bots, bugs, and ransomware.\n\nYou can prevent malware by using tools that detect a breach early, such as software that scans your network, and removes any malware it detects. Never click on a link you aren’t exactly sure where it came from. Even emails that may seem okay and legit, are not. \n\nMalwarebytes offers a free and an affordable paid version to help with possible malware issues on your computer. Check it out by going to https://www.malwarebytes.com/. I personally use this software on my computer and on my phone. \n\n2. Ransomware\nRansomware is exactly what it sounds like—your data is taken hostage until you pay a ransom to get it back. It can be considered a type of malware, and is spread throughout your network through various ways, such as phishing emails that have malicious code attached, or drive-by downloading, which is when a user visits a site that’s infected with malware and unknowingly downloads it to their device.\n\nOnce ransomware has infected a device, it encrypts the user or company’s data so they can’t access any of their files. It spreads quickly across the database and servers, and the attacker holds a private key needed to decrypt the files until the ransom is paid.\n\nThere may be some situation in which the attacker refuses to release the private key, so it’s important to back up your data regularly, along with implementing other tips to increase your cybersecurity.\n\n3. Phishing\nPhishing is when cybercriminals pose as legitimate companies and send users emails, phone calls, or text messages to get sensitive information out of them. A common example of phishing is a password reset email, where the attacker pretends that your account is under a security threat and asks you to reset your password. When you click the link provided in their email, it goes to a website that isn’t legitimate, and your new password gets saved. They can then change it on their end and use the information to log into your account.\n\nOther types of phishing emails to be suspicious of include notifications of winning a prize, urgent requests, or emails from people you don’t know with attachments you don’t recognize.\n\n4. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks\nUsing free public Wi-Fi is a good way to leave yourself vulnerable to a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack. Generally speaking, a MITM attack is when the attacker positions themselves between the user and platform the user is trying to visit, and essentially intercepts and hijacks that connection. When the victim gets on the free Wi-Fi network, it allows the attacker to have full visibility and access into their online activities.\n\nThe best thing to do if you can’t get onto a secure Wi-Fi network in public is to use your phone as a temporary hotspot.\n\n5. DoS and DDoS\nA Denial-of-ServUnlock a blueprint to creating and having your ideal business and ideal life by scheduling your free consultation with me today! Want more proven business success tips and resources? Subscribe to my blog by going to www.acountabilitycoach.com/blog. Go to https://www.accountabilitycoach.com to check out for yourself how I, as your Accountability Coach™, can help you get and stay focused on you highest payoff activities that put you in the highest probability position to achieve your professional and personal goals, so you can enjoy the kind of business and life you truly want and deserve. I’m the author of many books, including, Excuses Don’t Count; Results Rule, Live Life with No Regrets, No Excuses, The Guide to Stopping Procrastination, The Power of Visualization, My Gratitude Journal, the Work Life Balance Emergency Kit, and The Roadmap To Success with Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard, and more.  Aim for what you want each and every day!  Anne BachrachThe Accountability Coach™Get your daily Accountability Minute shot of a single, simple, doable idea, so you can start your day off on the "right foot". 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