Cyber attacks are growing and evolving faster than our cybersecurity defenses. Hackers are using advanced tools and tactics to steal information, destroy or disrupt systems and networks, and cause monetary losses for businesses in the short term and reputational damage for brands in the long term. These attacks can also impact critical infrastructure like power plants, hospitals and banks, as well as personal devices like cars and smart home devices that are increasingly connected to the internet.
Attackers can use malware to gain unauthorized access to computer systems and data, including viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, ransomware, spam, botnets, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and breaches. Attackers can also use social engineering techniques, such as phishing, to trick victims into downloading or clicking malicious software. These threats are more sophisticated and difficult to detect compared to years ago, and they often hide within legitimate programs, making it challenging to distinguish them from legitimate ones.
Password attacks are a common attack type that tries to steal passwords and logins by guessing or brute-forcing combinations until one is successful. Hackers can also exploit vulnerabilities in Internet of Things (IoT) devices, like smart home appliances and industrial controls, to hijack those systems and use them for illicit purposes.
The average business data breach costs $2.8 million, and attacks can result in operational interruptions, loss of revenue and sales, as well as regulatory fines and legal expenses. Individuals and families can protect themselves with technology solutions, such as next-generation firewalls, Domain Name System (DNS) filtering, anti-virus protection, phishing detection, and malware prevention software.