Welcome to our blog series, where we embark on a journey through the landscape of digital defence and how to protect your business against all kinds of threats.
In today’s interconnected world, where information flows freely and technology reigns supreme, we find ourselves confronting a myriad of digital adversaries. From stealthy hackers lurking in the shadows to cunning malware seeking to infiltrate our most secure fortresses, the realm of cyber threats knows no bounds.
In this blog series, we will explore the diverse and constantly evolving types of threats that pose significant risks to individuals, organisations, and even nations.
So, fasten your seatbelts as we delve into the world of cyber security and arm ourselves with the knowledge to stay one step ahead of those who seek to exploit the vulnerabilities of the digital age.
Chapter 1 – ‘The threats’
What is a cyber security threat?
Cyber threats are deliberate attempts to steal data and cause disruptions in a malicious manner. The frequency and impact of these threats have significantly increased in recent years.
By 2025, these crimes are expected to cost the world about $10.5tn, up 250 per cent from 2015’s $3tn, the company added.
The increasing recognition of cyberattacks has led individuals and businesses to emphasise safeguarding their devices and data. Nevertheless, while defensive measures have improved, cybercriminals have adapted their tactics, resulting in the rise of numerous, complex, and sophisticated cyber threats.
A troubling aspect is that these threats can materialise suddenly, leaving organisations in a constant state of uncertainty. This fear of the unknown persists even among the most vigilant establishments. Reacting to a breach after it has already happened often proves too little, too late, as significant damage may have already occurred.
Types of cyber attack
Malware
Malware, which stands for malicious software, is a term used to describe any software or code intentionally created to inflict damage on computer systems, networks, or servers. This category of malicious activity is widespread and includes a diverse array of cyberattacks. Among the various forms of malware are ransomware, trojans, spyware, viruses, worms, keyloggers, bots, crypto-jacking, and several other types of software-based attacks aimed at exploiting systems for malicious intentions.
Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks
A Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack involves overwhelming a network with fraudulent requests to disrupt its normal operations. This results in users being unable to access crucial services such as email, websites, and other online resources. On the other hand, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks originate from multiple systems, making them more agile and challenging to counteract swiftly. The distributed nature of DDoS attacks allows them to achieve greater speed and resilience, making them harder to block effectively.
Phishing
Phishing is a malevolent type of cyber assault that exploits different communication channels, such as email, SMS, phone calls, social media platforms, and social engineering techniques. Its main goal is to dupe unsuspecting individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or account numbers. Alternatively, victims might be deceived into downloading malicious files that release viruses onto their computers or mobile devices.