Understanding Cyber Threats
Cyberthreats are a broad category of malicious actions intended to undermine the availability, confidentiality, or integrity of digital systems, networks, and data. These dangers take advantage of flaws in both technology and human nature to gain access without authorization, steal confidential data, interfere with business operations, and other things.
Types of Cyber Threats
Malware:
Short for “malicious software,” malware includes viruses, worms, Trojans, and ransomware. It spreads through emails, downloads, or hacked websites, infecting computers. For instance, ransomware encrypts data and requests payment to decrypt it.
Phishing:
This involves tricking users into divulging sensitive information by posing as a trustworthy entity. Attacks by phishers frequently take the form of emails, messages, or fake websites made to look like real ones.
Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks:
These attacks overburden a network or system with traffic, exhausting its resources, crashing it, and blocking access to users.
Insider Threats:
Threats that originate from within an organization. They can be unintentional, such as when an employee unknowingly releases private information, or intentional, such as when an employee steals information for their own benefit.
Social Engineering:
Manipulating people into revealing private information or carrying out security-compromising actions. This can involve strategies like baiting (luring victims with a promise) or pretexting (inventing a false scenario).
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs):
Targeted, long-term attacks with the goal of infiltrating a system for a long time while avoiding detection. These are frequently planned by groups with ample resources and structure.
IoT Vulnerabilities:
Cybercriminals now have new entry points thanks to the growing popularity of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. IoT devices that are not sufficiently secured can be used to access larger networks.
Latest Cyber Threats in 2023:
Ransomware Evolutions:
In 2023, ransomware attacks have indeed taken on a darker tone. According to a report by cybersecurity firm Check Point, the average ransom demanded by attackers has increased by over 80% compared to the previous year. Additionally, the first half of 2023 saw a 300% increase in reported ransomware incidents compared to the same period in the previous year, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Cybercriminals now frequently use double extortion techniques, stealing private information and threatening to release it if their demands are not met.
Supply Chain Attacks:
A warning about the vulnerabilities in supply chain ecosystems was given by the SolarWinds attack in 2020. Fast-forward to 2023, and supply chain attacks continue to plague organizations. According to a survey by the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, 80% of respondents had been the victim of a software supply chain attack in the previous year, underscoring how widespread this threat is.
With these attacks, they target third-party vendors and suppliers to infiltrate the main target’s network. This method exploits the trust established between organizations and their partners.
Zero-Day Exploits:
A zero-day exploit targets a vulnerability in software that the software vendor is unaware of, leaving no time for a fix. These exploits are valuable to attackers due to their potency.
The National Vulnerability Database (NVD) reports that in 2023 compared to the previous year, there were approximately 40% more reported zero-day vulnerabilities. This increase points to a growing trend in the identification and use of previously unidentified software vulnerabilities.
AI-Powered Attacks:
Cybercriminals are developing new ways to use AI and machine learning technologies as weapons. According to a study by IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, 65% of organizations anticipate being targeted by AI-powered attacks in 2023. These attacks include automated malware deployment and AI-generated phishing emails, which can adapt and change to avoid detection by conventional security measures.
Critical Infrastructure Targeting:
Attacks on critical infrastructure are now a top concern for all governments and organizations worldwide. In June 2023, a massive cyberattack disrupted the operations of a major oil pipeline, causing widespread panic and demonstrating the potential impact of such attacks. In the first half of 2023, critical infrastructure sectors were the target of 40% more cyber incidents, according to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
By acknowledging these facts and evidence, it becomes clear that the cybersecurity landscape in 2023 will be marked by more advanced threats that call for proactive and flexible defense tactics. Staying informed about these trends is paramount for individuals and organizations to fortify their cybersecurity measures and protect against emerging risks.
Protect Your Company’s Digital Network Today
It is important that you are never targeted again. ComTech’s website security specialists can start undoing and minimizing damage right away. To learn more about all the services and exceptional features we have for your website, we invite you to browse through our section on malware removal and website security. When it comes to website security, ComTech is your best option. Schedule a call today at 301-670-1900 so you can learn more about our processes and costs.