As the internet has been one of the fastest-growing technologies globally, there is also an alarming increase in cybercrimes, ransomware attacks, hacking, phishing emails and so on
As the internet has been one of the fastest-growing technologies globally, there is also an alarming increase in cybercrimes, ransomware attacks, hacking, phishing emails and so on. All these events are quite popular nowadays which was not the same a few years ago.
Small or large corporates, organizations, businesses and even governments are counting on computerised systems to manage their day-to-day activities. This makes cybersecurity crucial to safeguard from attacks or any unauthorized access.
Technology has evolved to the point that a large amount of information is stored in cyberspace as this type of storage has an easier time at accessing information than ever before.
In order to prevent all these types of cyberattacks, we need to be aware of the cybersecurity system.
What is cybersecurity?
In simple words, cybersecurity is the ability to protect or defend the use of cyberspace from cyber attacks.
What is a cyber attack?
Cyberattack is an attempt to disrupt, disable, destroy or maliciously control a computing system via cyberspace in order to destroy the integrity of data or steal access-restricted information.
We have known what cybersecurity is and cyber attacks there will still be confusion on how they attack us as our data is secured with passwords.
As there has been unprecedented technological evolution, always new ways of spying have been discovered. The most common types of hacking are,
Techniques of hacking
- Phishing:- Here the hacker sends an electronic message to the user, under the impression that the message is from a trusted institution. The user is fooled into giving his information, that might also include a username, passwords, bank account information and personal information.
- Viruses:- Computer virus is a malicious software program loaded onto a users computer without the user's knowledge and performs malicious actions.
- Eavesdropping:- The hacker monitors the computer systems and networks in order to gain some information.
- Denial of Service (DDoS attack):- It is an attempt to make an online service unavailable by bombarding the server with a huge amount of traffic from multiple sources. The server is unable to process all the requests in real time and crashes down.
- Keylogger:- It is a type of surveillance spyware that can record messages, emails and keystrokes to a log file. These log files might even contain your personal email IDs and passwords.
- Waterhole attack:- The hacker poisons a place or virtual location where the targeted victims often meet or work. Once the hacker is aware of your timings, they can use this type of attack to create a fake Wi-Fi access point or maliciously modify a frequently visited website to do the same.
- Fake WAP:- Using software and wireless network card hackers can set up a fake WAP ( wireless access point) which connects to the official public place WAP.
- ClickJacking attacks:- In this attack, the hacker hides the actual UI where the victim is supposed to click. So this attacker is “hijacking” clicks that aren’t meant for the exact page.
- Cookie theft:- The cookies in our browser store personal data such as browsing history, username and passwords for different sites we access. Here, a hacker steals our cookies and they become authenticated to our websites as if they were us and have supplied a valid login name and password.
- Bait and Switch:- Bait and Switch means running malicious content even though the user believes he is running something standard. Using this technique, an attacker can buy advertising spaces on the websites. Later, when the user clicks on the ad, he might get directed to a page that’s infected with malware. This way they can install a malware on your computer.
Why do the hackers need your data?
Hackers can use this data to make profit by selling your details to another entity on the internet or can withdraw money from your accounts.
Sometimes, hackers want to steal your data so that they can hold it for ransom. This type of attack is called ransomware attack.
How to be secure from cyber attacks?
There are many ways for the hacker to enter into your computer system. So how can you be secure from cyber attacks? What measures can you take to be on the safer side as the cyber attack is rapidly expanding and transforming?
Today 7 out of 10 businesses are not prepared to respond to a cyber attack and 95% of cyber security breaches are due to human error.
Some of the measures to be taken care of,
- Verify the source before sharing your personal details.
- Reading the news to stay alert about what attackers and social engineers are doing.
- Always connect to secure hotspots and sign off the wireless network when you are no longer using it.
- Update your devices and software regularly.
- Update your passwords regularly and don't use the same passwords everywhere.
- Use two-factor authentication.
- Banks will never ask for your personal information over the phone.
- Be careful of how much information you put on social media.
Today most of the companies hire cyber security professionals to keep their information secured and to provide additional security from attackers.
Private sector businesses and corporations have deployed Artificial Intelligence systems and even some governments are using this technology.
Who are cyber security experts?
Cyber security experts are the ones who are able to fight cyber criminals and stop them from accessing important information and keeping people safe. They have taken the time to study the problem and know how to use their talents.
With the continuous change in technology, organisations have more fear to pile up their security measures. Cyber security is one of the biggest necessities for a country's security. It is not only the government responsibility but also the citizens to spread awareness among the people.
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