Cyber Security has also been interchangeably used with the word ‘Information technology Security’. It refers to the broad spectrum of protecting and safeguarding information, files, data, etc. on digital platforms.
In the last few years, the term Cyber Security has led to the creation of a specialized field of professionals, Cyber Security Experts. These experts find ways and means, including the use of software and hardware to protect company data from hackers, attackers, and other threats.
It is not only private businesses, which have to actively engage with cybersecurity issues. Governments, international organizations, medical institutions, and even normal individuals need to bump up their cybersecurity frameworks and infrastructure.
In this article, we will try to discuss some important elements of cybersecurity. This includes the major cyber threats, the classification of security issues, and what are some ways to prevent yourself from a cyberattack or similar vulnerability.
The Three Major Kinds of Cyber Threats in 2021
According to experts, in the field of cybersecurity there are three major kinds of cyber threats. Let us discuss each one of them briefly-
- Cyber Crime-
Experts suggest that the nature of cybercrime is more individual in nature. It also includes isolated cybercriminals targeting common individuals and extorting them for financial gains. Gaining access to the system and using personal photos, blackmail, etc. are some common cybercrime SOPs.
- Cyber Attack-
A cyber attack is a much more serious kind of threat than a crime. It involves more sophisticated groups targeting the mainframe of a government organization, a government website, and trying to make a statement about the same. It is politically motivated and involves technical expertise to breach supposedly secure firewalls.
- Cyber Terrorism-
The last and perhaps the most serious nature of cyber threats is cyber terrorism. It involves shutting down important components of a country’s lifelines, including power grids, water supplies, and public transportation. Many states and private players warn that the next world war and national security threats will come from Cyber Terrorism.
Common Methods used by Cyber Criminals to Threaten Cyber Security
In this section, we will discuss the three most commonly used methods used by criminals to threaten cybersecurity.
- Phishing Attacks-
One of the most common methods employed by cybercriminals and hackers is using phishing emails to target individuals and companies. These ‘spam’ emails contain dubious links, which when clicked result in an automatic download of software, which can then be used to gain access to systems.
- Ransomware Attacks-
Phishing emails are part one of a criminal’s strategy. In other words, they are the entry point used by many to enter a secured server or computer system. Once they gain access, they are able to shut down access to the system, files, and data. The demand then results in some financial transfers to be made to retrieve the access.
- SQL Injection Attacks-
This is a more complicated form of cyber attack in which the criminals try to target the data server of an organization. Data-driven applications are most vulnerable to being targets. This is also because they contain databases, including financial details, consumer history, business plans, and other relevant information, necessary for attackers.
How to Protect against Cybersecurity Concerns in 2021?
According to leading experts, one of the ways businesses can build on their cybersecurity is to opt for progressive and advanced mechanisms like PKI Certificate Management.
Businesses of all sizes can opt for Public Key Infrastructure, which is in essence a system of Public and Private Keys, that can ensure secured encryption and protection of data at all levels.
It is also important that given the rise of remote working, businesses look to work with secured internet connections for all their employees. This can be in the form of a VPN, which all employees are using for every official work.
Employees should also be trained to watch for potential threats on their emails, app downloads, and use of other devices to access official work.
The Final Word
With millions of businesses looking to make the digital transformation post-COVID-19, this gives a lot of scope for criminals to target them. Watching out for the red flags and having proper security in place will ensure that your business is never at the receiving end of cybercrimes.
