One of the hottest topics on the web- cyberattacks. What is cyberattacks definition? What does it include? How often do these attacks happen? What can you personally do to defend yourself?
THE CYBERATTACKS DEFINITION
Let us tore down these words into two.
- First, cyber. What is cyber? You may think of the words, ‘digital’, ‘computer’, ‘online’, or ‘high-tech’. And the list goes on.
- Next, attack. This is a fearful word, isn’t it? An attack’s definition is ‘an action against another .. with weapons or armed force.’
CYBERATTACK- an attack on the digital world. These attacks attack networks, infrastructures, computer information systems, and even your computer devices.
What are the goals of these attacks? These attacks are forced by malicious intent or any revenge. They steal, corrupt, destroy, or gain unauthorized access to your data.
Because these data mean money. So cyberattack is a criminal business in the online world.
Above all, these attacks highly develop over time. Thus, a company or each person in a company must be proactive with their defenses.
HOW OFTEN DO THESE ATTACKS OCCUR
You might be surprised to know about the statistics. Cyberattack is a daily struggle in the business world today. Former Cisco CEO John Chambers once said, to quote:
“There are two types of companies: those that have been hacked, and those who don’t yet know they have been hacked.”
The University of Maryland reports. The report states that ‘hackers attack in every 39 seconds’. That will amount to an average of 2,244 times’, every day!
Every year, the number of victims increases! Cybercriminals often ask for ransom. Do you know how much these costs the victim? These result in damage from $500,000 or more!
Additionally, these attacks come from mobile and IoT devices. These are most common in the workplace. These attacks target your data. Because that data could mean business to them.
COMMON CYBERATTACKS YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF!
Malware
A term that describes malicious software, spyware, ransomware, viruses, and worms. Moreover, this may come from a dangerous link or an email attachment.
This can block your access to the network. Second, can secretly gain information. And can disable your computer system.
Phishing
This usually comes through emails. Moreover, these emails appear reputable! This attack can steal your credentials. For instance, your credit card details and your login information.
Man-in-the-middle Attack
This is also known as the ‘eavesdropping attack’. This happens when the criminal inserts in a two-party transaction. As a result, he can ‘eavesdrop’ your data.
You are prone to this when you use public wi-fi networks. As a result, you can unknowingly pass all the information to the criminal.
Denial-of-Service Attack
Also known as the DDoS attack, or distributed denial-of-service attack. This shuts down your computer or network. Thus, making it inaccessible to you.
They do this by flooding the target with traffic. Moreover, they trigger a crash by sending information. Attackers can use several compromised devices in launching this attack.
In conclusion, the online world truly brings comfort and ease. However, we must not feel at ease with its safety. Awareness is a must. Prevention is another key. And solutions must be developed. Know that you can make your part.
