Just about everyone in the United States and most western countries rely on some form of digital communication technology. And we use a variety of interconnected devices in our daily lives as well.
Today, you don’t have to be a tech-junky or a bonafide computer nerd to understand technology. In fact, our tech has been made much more user-friendly and understandable for those who aren’t the most computer-literate. But with technology in every corner of our lives, we’ve also become vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Studies have shown that cyberattacks are on the increase as of 2021. And this trend is forecast to become a more prevalent danger as the years (and our technology) progress.
But what kinds of cyberattacks are there? Where are the real threats? And what can we do to keep ourselves safe?
Here, we’ll explore the reality of cyberattacks that threaten our information security today.
Types of Cyberattacks
Experts believe that cyberattacks evolve as our technology evolves. However, today there are about 10 types of common cyberattacks that happen on a regular basis. And these are as follows:
- Malware
- Phishing
- Denial of Service (DOS) attacks
- Zero-Day exploit
- Password tracks
- Cross-site scripting
- Rootkits
- Internet of Things (IoT) attacks
- SQL injections
- Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks
Though the list above details the most common forms of cyberattacks, the fact is that these threats are always evolving, and there are even more complex forms of attacks that can be found across cyberspace.
Perhaps the most common of all forms of all attacks concern some form of Malware. And this is where we find around 90 percent of computer viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware that are used in a variety of ways by those who try to mine or exploit sensitive information.
For example, Ransomware in particular is a type of Malware used to hold information for ransom. And usually, the information stolen is held until you pay the allotted ransom to have it returned. This is among the top growing trends of cyber threats today.
How to Keep Safe
Our first line of defense when it comes to keeping information safe and secure is to use all means of protection available to us. And this often includes using anti-virus software, browsing on a VPN, keeping passwords complex, and changing them every 3 to 6 months.
But despite all of our defenses, hackers are perhaps the most up-to-date individuals when it comes to technology. As such, many of these individuals spend countless hours of time trying to circumvent digital security efforts.
In order to really be safe, we have to rely on experts in the field of cybersecurity. And it is because of these professionals that we’re able to browse the Internet and use our devices safely and securely.
The Life of a Cybersecurity Specialist
Cybersecurity specialists are professionals with a healthy understanding of computer science, coding, software development, and malicious computer activities. And these professionals are often highly educated.
For example, many of those who embark upon a career in cybersecurity begin by enrolling in educational programs like coding or cybersecurity-focused bootcamps. And this often leads toward efforts in continuing education to the Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or even Master’s Degree levels and beyond.
Cybersecurity specialists are found in just about every industrial sector where sensitive information is deemed critical. As such, you can find cybersecurity specialists working for government agencies, banking institutions, large tech conglomerates, and even for retail giants across the globe.
Cybersecurity specialists help to analyze threats, isolate digital weaknesses, and to build better security defenses for our information. And without the hard work of these individuals, all of our information would be much more vulnerable than it is today.
We all live in a world where technology connects our lives in so many ways. And without a means for defending against those who would exploit our private information, our lives could easily look much differently. Understanding the digital threat we face today is the first step in keeping our information safe and secure.
