Cyber security professionals are constantly protecting computer systems from different cyber threats. Every day, cyber attacks strike private and business systems. The number of these attacks is growing rapidly. John Chambers, former CEO of Cisco, said that there are two types: companies that have been hacked and those that don't know they have been.
Cyberattacks can be motivated by many reasons. One motive is money. Cyber attackers can take down a system and demand payment in order to restore it's functionality. Ransomware is a sophisticated attack that demands payment in order to restore services.
Cyberattacks can be devastating for corporations, but they can also affect individuals, as people use unsecure networks and store personal data on their phones. Cybersecurity is only possible if you are aware of the latest and greatest cyber threats. Earning an online master's degree in cyber security can help you gain a better understanding of cyber threats and how to protect yourself.
What is a Cyber Security Threat?
Cyber security threats are any malicious attempt to illegally access data, disrupt digital operations, or damage information. Cyber threats can come from many sources, including hackers, terrorist groups and corporate spies.
Numerous high-profile cyberattacks have led to sensitive data being exposed in recent years. The Equifax hack of 2017 exposed the personal information of approximately 143 million customers, including addresses and Social Security numbers. Marriott International revealed in 2018 that hackers had accessed its servers to steal the data of approximately 500 million customers. The cyber security threat was created by Marriott International's inability to test, retest and implement technical safeguards such as encryption and firewalls.
Cyber attackers have the ability to use sensitive data of an individual or company to steal information or gain financial account access. This is why it is so important to keep private data safe.
7 Types Of Cyber Security Threats
The following cyber security threats should be familiarised with by professionals in cybersecurity.
1. Malware
Malware refers to malicious software, such as ransomware, spyware, viruses, and worms. Malware activates when a user clicks on malicious links or attachments, which can lead to the installation of dangerous software. Cisco reports that malware can be activated once it has been installed.
- Ransomware blocks access to network components and key networks (block access)
- Install more harmful software
- Spyware allows you to covertly access information by sending data from your hard drive.
- You can cause the system to be inoperable by destroying individual components
2. Emotet
Emotet is described by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, (CISA), as "an advanced modular banking Trojan that primarily serves as a dropper or downloader of other banking Trojans." Emotet is still a very destructive and costly malware.
3. Refusal to Provide Service
A DoS (denial of service) is a cyber attack that floods computers or networks so they can't respond. Distributed DoS (DDoS), which is a similar attack, attacks computers and networks. Cyber attackers use flood attacks to disrupt the "handshake" process, and then launch a DoS attack. There are many other methods that can be used. Some cyber attackers also use the time a network is down to launch additional attacks. According to Jeff Melnick, a Netwrix security software company, a botnet is a form of DDoS where millions of systems can become infected by malware and be controlled by hackers. Botnets are also known as zombie systems. They target and overwhelm targets' processing capabilities. Botnets can be hard to track and are located in many different geographical locations.
4. Man in the middle
Hackers insert themselves in two-party transactions to create a man-in-the-middle attack (MITM). According to Cisco, hackers can interrupt traffic and filter or steal data. MITM attacks are often caused by visitors who use an unsecured public Wi-Fi network. The attackers insert themselves between the visitor's network and their computer, then use malware to download and maliciously use data.
5. Phishing
Phishing attacks use fake communications, such as an email, in order to trick the receiver into opening the message and following the instructions, such as providing a credit card number. Cisco says that the goal is to steal credit card information and login information, or to install malware onto the victim's computer.
6. SQL Injection
Structured Query Language Injection (SQL) is a cyber attack that involves inserting malicious code onto a server that uses SQL. The server will release information if it is infected. It is as easy as typing the malicious code into a search box on a vulnerable website.
7. Password Attacks
Cyber attackers can access a vast amount of information by simply entering the correct password. Data Insider describes social engineering as a type of password attack. It involves tricking people into breaking security protocols.
Cyber Security: Evolution
As the internet and digitally dependent activities develop and change, cyber security practices are constantly evolving. According to Secureworks people studying cyber security are focusing more attention on the areas listed below.
The Internet of Things
Hackers can gain access to any device that is connected to the internet or another network. Cytelligence reported that hackers are increasingly targeting smart home and internet-of-things (IoT), devices such as voice assistants, baby monitors, and smart TVs. Hackers can gain access not only to Wi-Fi credentials but also to data such as bank statements or login information.
Data Explosion
Cyber attackers can find an entry point to a network via personal devices, such as cellphones or laptops, by having data stored on these devices. In the May 2019 book Exploding data: Reclaiming Our Cyber Security for the Digital Age, Michael Chertoff, the former Secretary of Homeland Security, warns about the pervasive exposure to personal information that has made it more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Companies and government agencies require maximum cyber security in order to protect data and operations. Cybersecurity professionals must be able to identify and address new cyber threats.
Cybersecurity market size is a sweet view for every business out there making the full use of it.With technology being at its best along with digital adoption as a tool in business,cybersecurity is taking over the market with its rapid growth in adoption and usage.Well, if you ask what is cybersecurity?
Then, the simple way to answer it would be that cybersecurity is the practice of maintaining a system’s security by protecting it against the malicious attempt at the data/information and from unauthorized access that is in digital form.
The market size of cybersecurity is divided as per its usage of different verticals involving the Product Type (its services or solutions), the End-User industry (banking, financial services and insurance, healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail, defence and intelligence, IT and Telecommunications, etc), and Deployment ( that includes on-cloud, on-premises).
Cybersecurity Market Size and ReachThe factors that drive the cybersecurity market towards the growth are many in number but the one that is well-known is the cybersecurity trends along with the trends and demand for IoT, AI, etc in cybersecurity.
Artificial Intelligence and machine learning offer benefits in the detection of risk on the outer sides and parts.The global cybersecurity market in 2019 was valued at USD 161.07 billion and as of now, it is estimated to reach 363.05 billion by the year 2025, i.e at a CAGR of 14.5% for the period of 2020-2025.
Machines and technology have brought with them the management of billions of security events in a day’s time along with a clear view of activities performed and also showing any kind of unusual activity or attempt to access.With the larget market reach being North America, the cybersecurity technology is taking its placing and growing with the fastest speed in the Asia-Pacific region.
