What are cyber threats? How many types are there? Understand them to avoid becoming a victim.
A cyber threat is an attack or data breach via information systems and networks, affecting the data security of businesses at all levels. It is essential to be aware of them before a threat materializes.
In an era of rapid growth in online commerce, cyber threats have become a personal matter that everyone must be aware of. A single cyber attack, whether it involves data theft or system breaches, can damage a business's reputation and revenue. Therefore, understanding and finding ways to deal with these cyber threats is no longer just the IT department's responsibility. It's a necessity that business owners must prioritize and manage seriously to avoid falling victim to cyber attacks.
Table of Contents
- What Are Cyber Threats and Why Are They Important?
- Examples of Cyber Threats
- How to Protect Yourself from Cyber Threats
- Closing Business Loopholes by Understanding Cyber Threats
What Are Cyber Threats and Why Are They Important?
A cyber threat, or Cyber Attack, is any action or operation carried out through an information system or network with the goal of disrupting, stealing, destroying, or accessing digital information without authorization. This can cause serious damage to an organization's critical data, such as customer databases or transaction information. These threats come in various forms, such as hacking, malware, or phishing. The primary goal of malicious actors is usually personal data, money, or business benefits, which can lead to fraudulent money transfers through mule accounts where the perpetrator cannot be directly traced. The impact not only affects the individual victimized customers but also damages the long-term image and credibility of the organization or business.
Examples of Cyber Threats
Cyber threats come in various forms, each with different attack methods. Understanding the characteristics of each type of cyber threat will help in effectively planning prevention against online scams. Let's see what types of cyber threats exist today.
1. Phishing
Phishing is a cyber threat that is currently widespread. It's an attack that uses deception through fake emails, SMS messages, or websites to obtain personal information such as usernames, passwords, birth dates, addresses, phone numbers, and bank account details. This information is then sold to malicious groups or used to trick victims into clicking links that secretly install malware on their computers.
2. Malware
Malware, or Malicious Software, is one of the most common cyber threats. It's a program or software developed to harm computers and network systems. Its goal is to interfere with, destroy, or access data on a victim's device without permission, causing undesirable outcomes for the user or system, such as data theft or system crashes. It spreads through email attachments or unsafe websites.
3. Bot
A Bot is software created to perform a specific task automatically, receiving commands and control from a hacker or malicious actor over the internet. When controlled by a malicious actor, it can be used to send spam or mine data.
4. Ransomware
Ransomware** is malware designed by developers to lock a victim's files or system and then demand a ransom to unlock them. This prevents the victim from accessing their own files or data until they pay. Even after paying, there is no guarantee that the data will be returned or the files unlocked. Hackers who develop ransomware often demand payment in digital currencies like Bitcoin to make it difficult to trace.
5. Trojan
A Trojan is a form of computer threat that victims can easily fall for because it is malware disguised as a useful program or a seemingly safe data file. However, it contains hidden malicious commands, such as commands to delete data, overwrite data, or open a backdoor for hackers to gain remote control.
6. Virus
A Virus is a long-standing cyber threat. It usually hides in files or computer programs. When a victim opens an infected file or installs an infected program, the virus immediately spreads to the computer. The function of a virus is to cause disruption or annoyance, such as making the computer malfunction or slow down. Additionally, many viruses have the ability to delete or destroy files.
7. Worm
A Worm is a cyber threat that works similarly to a virus, but the difference is that a worm can spread itself to other devices through networks, such as email or file sharing, without needing a host file. This allows it to spread much faster and more widely than a virus.
8. Spyware
Spyware is another common cyber threat. It acts as a program that secretly collects data and monitors a victim's usage behavior. It can steal personal information such as usernames, passwords, credit card information, or financial transactions, and send this data to a hacker's or controller's machine. Spyware is installed on a device without consent, making it a subtle and dangerous cyber attack because, without protection, the victim may not even know they are being attacked.
How to Protect Yourself from Cyber Threats
Cyber threats are not just for IT experts; it's everyone's responsibility, especially business owners who must protect customer data. Knowing what cyber threats are and understanding basic prevention methods can significantly enhance system security.
- Use strong, hard-to-guess passwords for all user accounts, whether for programs or accessing any platform. Passwords should be long, complex, and a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using personal information like birthdays or names.
- Update software regularly. Ensure that operating systems, programs, and applications are always updated to enhance security and close loopholes that hackers might exploit.
- Don't click on links or attachments from untrustworthy sources. Fake emails or messages use links or attachments embedded with malware. Therefore, always verify the source before clicking.
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA). Increase login security by verifying identity through an OTP code or an authenticator app.
- Install and update antivirus programs. Choose quality antivirus software from a reputable brand to help detect and prevent various Cyber Attacks, such as malware, spyware, and other cyber threats that may be hiding in your computer system and network.
- Separate devices for personal and business use. This prevents personal data from leaking into the work system, and vice versa if one system is attacked.
- Regularly check your transaction accounts. Constantly monitor financial movements, such as PromptPay QR transfers, automatic debit systems, and other payment channels, to detect anomalies and investigate them in a timely manner.
- Train employees to be aware of cyber threats. Educating your team about what cyber attacks are will effectively reduce the chances of being tricked or making mistakes that lead to data breaches. It is also a sustainable way to protect your organization or business from cyber threats.
Closing Business Loopholes by Understanding Cyber Threats
Cyber threats are no longer a distant issue for business owners or entrepreneurs, especially in an era of rapid online commerce growth. The possibility of being scammed, having accounts forged, or customer data stolen can happen at any time. Understanding the various forms of cyber threats and how to prevent them is a critical shield that helps businesses move forward safely and sustainably.
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References
Getting to Know Cyber Threats. (n.d.). The Securities and Exchange Commission. https://www.sec.or.th/TH/Pages/CYBERRESILIENCE-KNOWLEDGECYBER.aspx
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