What are Cyber Threats and What to Do About Them
Published: 2022-06-29 12:22:32

Our modern digital world offers individuals and businesses unique opportunities and efficiencies that improve the quality of life and work. However, these technologies also pose certain dangers, and no business or IT organization is safe from these threats. Cybercriminals rely on increasingly sophisticated techniques to wage damaging campaigns. As a result, most organizations feel helpless in protecting their data and critical assets from malicious attacks. 
 

## What are Cyber Threats
 

Cyber threats are malicious attacks designed to steal data, disrupt operations, or damage digital assets. Attackers target individuals and companies with the goal of making a profit. These threats come in many forms, including viruses, malware, data breaches, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, phishing, ransomware, and Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks, among others.. 

## Why Protect from Cybersecurity Threats?

Cyber threats are serious business and can have far-reaching effects that disrupt many areas of modern life. For example, the recent ransomware attacks on the food and fuel supply chains caused price increases and shortages. The potential for catastrophic damage is real when the attacks are aimed at networks, phone systems, healthcare, water treatment plants, electrical grids, or military and government operations. Cyber threats are a matter of [national security](https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity) and a high priority for our current administration especially protecting areas of infrastructure.

On a smaller scale, the threat to individuals is also severe. Any data breach leaking personal information can quickly lead to identity theft, fraud, and financial ruin. The threats are rapidly growing in severity and increasing in numbers. 

Businesses need to understand that it doesn’t just “happen to them” cyber threats pose a risk to every business, no matter how small. The time to act to protect your business from harm is now. 

## Where Do Cyber Threats Come From

Attackers are not one breed of animal we need to worry about. Unfortunately, these threats come from different types of people and groups with varying agendas. 

Surprisingly, many of the most damaging attacks are backed by hostile countries. Russia, South Korea, and China are responsible for some devastating cybersecurity incidents. Because they are state funded, their operations tend to be much more sophisticated with endless resources. As a result, these countries are paying top-dollar for the best hackers in the business and causing widespread damage across industries.

Although not as common, terrorist groups may also be involved in cyberterrorism. Organized crime frequently uses digital threats to gather information, hold companies hostage for ransom, and steal data for identity theft and fraud. Law enforcement has linked many credit card scams to organized crime. 

Hackers, hacktivists, and disgruntled insiders are also responsible for various digital attacks. For example, sometimes hackers will contact a company employee and hire or blackmail them into becoming accomplices. 

## Types Of Cyber Threats

Cyber threats comprise a long list of different types of attacks. Some of these threats include:

**Malware**
Malware is malicious software designed to spy on the user, steal credentials, alter, copy, and delete files, change permissions, interrupt network operations, and cause additional damage. There are dozens of malware types and variants, many of them available on the dark web for sale or trade. 

**Phishing**
Phishing scam is when bad actors use legitimate-looking emails to trick recipients into clicking a link or visiting a malicious website, often downloading malware or entering private information into hacked forms. 

**Ransomware**
Ransomware attacks encrypt the files of a company or individual. Then the hacker holds the locked data hostage in demand for a ransom payment. Many companies choose not to pay. Others do pay, but the promise of a decrypter key is empty; many of them don’t work to restore the data.

**DDoS Attacks**
Distributed denial of service attacks overloads a network or system, essentially disrupting the flow of traffic to create a window of opportunity where the cybercriminals can gain access and steal data or install malicious software. 

**Man-in-the-Middle Attacks**
Man-in-the-middle attacks usually affect unsecured Wi-Fi networks at public places like coffee shops, the airport, and hotels. The threat actor monitors the network for connections, and using special software; they can steal keystrokes, obtain logins, and take complete control of users’ devices.

**Zero-Day Exploits**
New software and devices often come with built-in flaws. Unfortunately, cybercriminals exploit these flaws quickly before companies have the time to patch the vulnerabilities. 

**Password Attacks**
Credential stuffing is when threat actors use stolen passwords from one account and try them on another. It works because most people reuse the same passwords on their digital accounts. There are many other types of password attacks that criminals use to break into users’ online accounts.

**Data Breaches**
Dozens of [data breaches](https://www.idstrong.com/data-breaches/) have exposed millions of Americans’ personal information on the dark web. These breaches have led to fraud and personal identity theft. 

**IoT Device Threats**
Because IoT devices are relatively new technologies, many of them have not been appropriately secured and provide an entry point for hackers to gain access to a home or company network. 

## Ways To Protect Yourself from Cyber Threats

Although the threats are real and imminent, you can take the following steps to protect yourself and your business.

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Make cybersecurity a top priority.

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Keep all systems, hardware, and software updated with the latest security patches.

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Train [all staff on phishing attacks](https://recordsfinder.com/guides/a-guide-to-phishing-scams/), social engineering, and how to respond.

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Never click links or download attachments from emails or SMS messages.

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Verify the sender of every email before taking any action.

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Keep all devices updated with antivirus/anti-malware software.

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Institute strong password requirements and procedures. Move to biometrics and away from password reliance. Never reuse passwords.

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Keep solid backups in case of a ransomware attack. Store backups offsite.

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Always use a VPN with mobile devices and never connect to unsecured networks. 

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Encrypt all data on all systems and devices.

So much of our personal information is readily available online, and there are always cyber risks to worry about. Make cybersecurity one of your main priorities to protect your entire digital world.