You are not as secure as you think. System security has evolved into a massive threat to the world. It has the size that overshadows global terrorism and every other threat that we are facing in real-world today.
An estimated $400 Billion worth of damage was caused on a global scale due to cyber attacks. ~ Forbes
Tech leaders like Microsoft and national agencies like National Security Alliance have joined hands to identify and take counteractive measures to prevent instances of computer threats.
Before delving into the details of that, it is essential to know what kind of information that hackers often target and steal from unaware users.
Personal information that hackers often target:
- Credit card information
- Sign in credentials to online banking or retirement benefit accounts
- Copyrights/Patents
- Personal medical records
- Business secrets
- System information
- Confidential organizational data
Top 6 computer security threats to be aware of
While there is no end to the kind of security threats you will be facing on any day, here are the 6 top computer security threats that you could fall prey to if counteractive measures are not taken.
1. Malicious code
Global brands like Puma, FootLocker, etc. are facing a new threat that is threatening their very existence. Hackers are now writing codes and building apps that are identical to the original apps.
(Source: 9to5Mac)
These 'fake apps' contain malicious code which when installed by the user, steals and relays user information like credit card numbers, personal identification number, Social Security Numbers, etc. back to the server.
Image Source: Appleinsidercdn.com
Traditional hacking methods using Trojans, worms, and similar virus programs are declining and giving way to these inventive forms of malicious code. The best possible way to stay immune to these malicious codes and programs is to avoid using cracked software, pirated downloads or using software originating from unverified publishers.
2. Phishing
Phishing is a form of computer threat where an attacker makes a deceptive attempt to rob the user off sensitive information like username, password, log in credentials, etc. through fake emails, social media or instant messaging channels.
A study conducted by Intel Security on 19,000 users from 144 countries found that 97% of respondents were unable to identify phishing emails from authentic emails. (Source: McAfee)
Phishing is primarily used by hackers to steal user's banking credentials or financial information like investment trading accounts. Phishing is also used by attackers to rob sensitive organizational data. In February 2016, an employee of Snapchat fell prey to phishing which led to the release of the company's payroll data. (Source: Mashable)
3. Unaware employees
Unaware employees are the primary reason for most data leaks in US corporations. ~ Forrester Research Report.
Untrained employees often have the habit of leaving their passwords unguarded which leads to breach of security protocols, loss of corporate assets, access to digital records and much more. Writing down passwords to crucial networks and using sticky notes to attach them to desktops or server systems is also a common practice amidst employees which has cost several enterprises serious trouble.
The only counteractive measure to thwart this form of employe-induced security threat is to train and make them aware of the pitfalls of publicizing passwords and login credentials.
4. Wireless networks
While wireless networks have increased the level of flexibility with which work and personal life can be carried around, they have also become weak links in the data security chain that can be easily exploited. Public networks without encryption are targeted by hackers for stealing information that users share across the network.
Countermeasure: Enterprises, self-employed users, and private users can resort to using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) that secure every byte of data that is sent or received over the network. VPNs are also the best bet for enterprises who want to manage remote employees who connect using the Internet. VPNs can also double up as the first line of defense for enterprises who have adopted the BYOD work philosophy.
5. Mobile menace
At least 58% of corporate employees use their mobile devices like smartphones or tablets to save sensitive information related to their personal life or employers. (Source: Security Mentor)
With the growing profusion of mobile devices for both corporate and private use, the scale of mobile device targeted cyber attacks have also increased substantially.
Hacked mobile devices create a direct entry to hackers to access call logs, SMS, emails and even mobile browsing habits of employees. In fact, lost smartphones also double up as sources from where private and confidential information about users/employees are lost. Fortunately, there are plenty of apps from security service providers that can be used to thwart attacks targeted towards mobile devices. These apps will alert users why suspicious activity takes place on their devices or any alteration is made to the native OS configuration.
6. Portable devices
Portable devices have remained the primary source for wide-spreading virus programs and Trojan viruses. Portable devices like thumb drives, smartphones, music players, external hard disks can get easily affected by virus programs if they are connected to infected systems.
Corporations have gone to the extent of blocking USB port access in their systems mainly due to the increase in virus attacks originating from employee-owned portable devices. The best way out to use encryption for portable devices. Encryption will ensure that data is not accessed or downloaded without prior permission from the user. The USB drive will remain locked for any file overwriting or creation.
In a Nutshell
Computer threats have grown in quantum and methodology over the course of time. Today, they originate largely from Internet sources and target innocent users who have little idea of how their private data can be stolen and put to malicious use.
Malicious codes, phishing, untrained employees, wireless networks, unguarded mobile devices and portable devices are the most common computer threats that can leave a hole in your profitability and professional reputation.
It pays to take preventive action well before disaster strikes. Google, Microsoft, WordPress and the entire web industry as such is migrating to SSL certificates enabled HTTPS encryption to protect themselves from the growing menace of cyber attacks.