Cyberattacks have been increasing exponentially, especially with our growing dependence on technology. As more and more businesses and individuals use technology, there are more opportunities for cybercriminals to take advantage of vulnerabilities. Because of the interconnectedness of devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and home appliances, data has become invaluable.
While businesses have tried to increase the security of their systems, so have attackers. The more complex technology becomes, the more opportunities there are for cybercriminals to exploit weaknesses. This is why cybersecurity for business is more important than ever. Even small and start-up businesses need to invest in cybersecurity services for small businesses.
Types of Cybersecurity Threats
Cybersecurity threats are any potential risks that could compromise the security of data or systems.
- Viruses
Viruses are one of the oldest and most common cybersecurity threats. They are programs that can replicate themselves and spread to other computers. Once a virus infects a computer, it can cause a variety of problems, including slowing down the performance of the machine, corrupting data, and even destroying files.
- Malware
Malware is another type of threat that can be just as destructive as viruses. Malware is short for malicious software, and it is designed to harm a computer or steal information. Like viruses, malware can spread quickly and cause a lot of damage.
- Phishing
Phishing attacks are another common type of cybersecurity attack. These attacks try to trick the user into giving away personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. They can come in the form of emails, websites, or even pop-up ads.
- Denial-of-Service
Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks are also a type of cybersecurity threat to watch out for. These attacks overload a system with traffic or requests, causing it to crash or become unavailable. This can be very disruptive for businesses, as it can prevent customers from being able to access their website or use their services.
- Man-in-the-Middle (MiTM)
MiTM attacks are another type of threat that can be used to steal information or cause damage. In a MiTM attack, the attacker intercepts communications between two parties and can eavesdrop on or even modify the data that is being exchanged.
- SQL Injection
SQL injection attacks are a type of threat that targets databases. In these attacks, the attacker inserts malicious code into a database in order to gain access to sensitive information or even take control of the entire system.
- Emotet
Emotet is a type of malware that has been used in a number of attacks. Emotet is designed to steal information and can spread quickly through a network.
- Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that can be used to encrypt files and demand a ransom for the decryption key. This type of attack can be very destructive, as it can prevent businesses from being able to access important data.
- Worms
Worms are a type of malware that can spread quickly and cause damage. Worms are programs that can replicate themselves and spread to other computers without the need for user interaction. Once a worm infects a computer, it can cause a variety of problems, including slowing down the performance of the machine, corrupting data, and even destroying files.
- Trojan
Trojans are a type of malware that can be used to steal information or cause damage. Trojans are programs that masquerade as legitimate programs but actually contain malicious code. Once a trojan is installed on a computer, it can provide the attacker with access to sensitive information or even allow them to take control of the entire system.
- Social Engineering
Social engineering is a type of cybersecurity threat that relies on human interaction to trick people into giving away sensitive information or even allowing the attacker to take control of their computer. Social engineering attacks can come in many different forms, such as phishing emails, pop-up ads, and even fake websites.
- Zero-day Exploits
Zero-day exploits are a type of cybersecurity threat that takes advantage of a vulnerability in the IT infrastructure that has not yet been discovered or patched. These types of attacks can be very dangerous, as they can allow the attacker to gain access to a system or even take control of it before the victim is aware that there is a problem.
Types of Cybersecurity Attacks
A cybersecurity attack is any attempt to gain unauthorized access to data or systems, or to disrupt the normal operation of a system. Here are just a few of the most common types of cybersecurity attacks.
- Denial-of-service attacks
Denial-of-service attacks are a type of attack that involves flooding a website or server with requests in order to overload it and prevent it from functioning properly.
- Password attacks
Password attacks are a type of cybersecurity attack that targets weak or easily guessed passwords in order to gain access to accounts or systems.
- Malware
Malware is a type of malicious software that can be used to infect computers and devices in order to steal data or cause damage.
- Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that can be used to encrypt files and data, making them inaccessible unless a ransom is paid.
Types of Cybersecurity Incidents
A cybersecurity incident is any event that results in the unauthorized access, use, disclosure, interception, or destruction of data or information. A cybersecurity incident can also be an attempt to gain unauthorized access to data or information. Cybersecurity incidents can have a wide range of impacts, from minor disruptions to major disasters.
- Data Breaches
A data breach is a type of incident that occurs when sensitive or confidential information is accessed or stolen by unauthorized individuals.
- System Outages
A system outage is a type of incident that occurs when a system, such as a website or email server, is unavailable due to technical problems.
- Service disruptions
A service disruption is a type of incident that occurs when a service, such as a website or email service, is disrupted due to technical problems.
- Malware Infections
A malware infection is a type of incident that occurs when a computer or device is infected with malicious software.
- Phishing Attacks
A phishing attack is a type of incident that occurs when an individual or organization is targeted with a fraudulent email or message in an attempt to steal personal information.
Types of Threats in Information Security
Threats in information security are any potential risks that could compromise the security of data or systems. Information security threats can come from a variety of sources, including viruses, hackers, and disgruntled employees. Threats can also come from natural disasters, such as floods or earthquakes.
- Insider threats
An insider threat is a type of threat that comes from within an organization, such as an employee or contractor.
- External threats
An external threat is a type of threat that comes from outside of an organization, such as a hacker or criminal. It can also be a natural disaster, such as a flood or earthquake.
- Malicious code
Malicious code is a type of threat that refers to software or code that is specifically designed to damage or disrupt a computer system.
- Active attacks
An active attack is a type of attack that involves the attacker actively trying to gain access to or destroy a system.
- Passive attacks
A passive attack is a type of attack that involves the attacker observing and collect information about a system without actually trying to gain access to it.
The best way to protect yourself from cyber threats is by being proactive and educated about the different types of attacks that are out there. Keep in mind that every business needs to be conscious about their cybersecurity efforts.
Get in touch with Kital Philippines, an official distributor of Fortinet Philippines, to learn more about our different cybersecurity products.
