Cyberattacks are a growing threat to individuals and businesses across the world. From personal data theft to ransomware attacks, hackers have become increasingly sophisticated and malicious. These threats are a result of the growth of technology and the reliance on online processes and services for everyday tasks.
To combat this growing threat, technology must be deployed to protect endpoint devices like computers and smart devices; networks; and the cloud. Common tools include next-generation firewalls, DNS filtering, malware protection and antivirus software. This technology helps to reduce cybersecurity risks and keep critical infrastructure like hospitals, utilities and financial service companies secure.
The most common threats to cybersecurity are phishing attacks, ransomware and zero-day exploits. During a phishing attack, an unauthorized individual poses as a legitimate entity to gain access to an authorized user’s system. They often target users through social media and websites that allow third-party advertising networks. These attacks are designed to steal user credentials and other sensitive information. During a ransomware attack, an attacker encrypts a victim’s sensitive data and demands a fee to unlock it.
Zero-day exploits are vulnerabilities that are used by cybercriminals before they are patched. They can be found in popular software applications, including e-commerce and banking systems. These exploits are designed to gain unauthorized access by infiltrating a network and using privileged access to execute code or modify source code. Examples of these vulnerabilities are XSS and SQL injections.