Do you ever wonder why there are hoards of Cyber Security Course programs being offered by educational institutes across the country? This scenario simply reflects the demand and need for cyber security experts to help the world navigate the complicated web of cyber security. Our world as we know is largely driven by digital technologies and data. The Internet of Things is a reality now and quick and easy communication has been made possible by the use of the Internet. Yet all these innovations also have negative impacts and are risky in several aspects. From compromising our security and privacy numerous threats loom large equally dynamic with the rise in technological development. Let us find out about such risks and cyber threats that one should be wary of in today’s digitally smart era and also learn how the role of Cyber Security Course can help us combat threats and mitigate complex cyber issues.
Top Cyber Security Threats
Threats of Social Engineering
Social engineering has risen as one of the top malicious activities cybercriminals use. The culture of remote working has opened a great deal of opportunity for cybercriminals to take advantage of. Instances like Phishing have surged to a recent high.
In this instance, users must be wary of giving out their private and sensitive information via email. Visiting or clicking on suspicious sites is another frequent occurrence that leads to cyber threats. Cybercriminals take this form to deploy their malicious plans as humans by nature tend to make errors, and Phishing hugely relies on human error to be successful rather than relying on technical vulnerabilities.
Third-Party Exposure
This has often become the main target for cybercriminals as third parties who have access to the primary target are often less protected. Hence it is easier for them to get around their security systems. The recent example would be the leakage of personal data of millions of Users of Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram accounts in a third-party breach.
Hackers were successful in getting access to the data where Socialarks a third-party contractor engaged with all three networking sites was breached by hackers.
Ransomware
Another top cyber security threat internet users must be wary of is ransomware where criminals employ malware to hold the data of an individual or organizations for ransom. This involves blocking access to their accounts or threatening to leak or publish their information. Ransomware typically takes the form of email attachments or infected links or websites where users are lured to click, download or install. This is among the most profitable widespread cybercrime and is pervasively employed by hackers for its profitability. This on the other is a very costly threat for organizations starting from operational downtime to the cost of restoring.
Self-Hosting Cloud Security
Cloud security has become the most affordable security storage and other things. While the cloud gives security similar to other expensive data storage and sophisticated tools, it can be vulnerable. It can form target spots for criminals to invade particularly when it comes to self-hosting clouds. According to IBM reports, cloud vulnerabilities have seen a whopping hile of 150% in the last few years.
Mobile Security Vulnerability
The world now has billions of mobile phone users, particularly smartphones and computers for work. They mostly use these gadgets for both professional and personal work. In the midst of numerous sophisticated and pervasive apps, hackers can develop fake apps that look genuine and con users and infect and infiltrate these devices with malware and viruses. Through this criminals are capable of accessing accounts and gaining sensitive data.
Now with remote working culture becoming more pervasive and common, this presents a greater opportunity for hackers to trap more such devices. The uptick in cell phones and mobile devices has become a highly adopted pattern. The remote working culture and the growth in the easier transaction of information, as well as finance, have resulted in the massive adoption of such methods and the usage of mobile wallets and wireless payment technology. This larger population of users provides larger targets and opportunities for cybercriminals.
Those are the top cyber security threats that every internet user must be highly wary of. While some only require basic knowledge, working in a technology-intensive field or profession calls for having comprehensive knowledge of cyber security and emerging threats. A cyber security course is ideally the right method to gain fundamental knowledge as an individual. For organizations, training their employees through a cyber security course and making them upskill on their technical and soft skills is now an elementary step.
As with the sophistication of technology and innovation, cybercriminals are equally dynamic and sophisticated. They do not take chances but move with high sophistication in a well-organized manner. They perform more like running a business. They have a comprehensive idea of what to explicitly want and should do to attain their goals. Organizations and individuals who use the internet and technological devices are always at risk of being targeted by cybercriminals. Gaining in-depth knowledge through a cyber security course will take both individuals and organizations a long way. Through a well-rounded cyber security course for your company, you can stay ahead with better methods to combat these criminals at large.