Today, the Internet has made most things easy and accessible and has brought a positive evolution to our lives. Despite being advantageous, it has also caused much harm to some people. Generally, the Internet is for sharing information and data. However, there’s a big challenge in how those data or information are secured, thereby inducing the increase in cyberattacks.
Cyberattacks on both individuals and organizations are now a huge challenge. Most of these cyberattacks are irrecoverable, while some can be rectified. This article will enlighten you on different cyberattacks and how to prevent them.
What Is a Cyber Attack?
A cyber attack is a form of unauthorized access to a computer network or system by a third party to create havoc. It could be launched by an individual, government-sponsored state actors, or a criminal group.
Either way, these groups are all referred to as hackers or threat actors. Often, the primary aim of a cyberattack is financial gain, while others could be for disarray or revenge. Also, the primary targets of the hackers or threat actors are delicate personal data, login details, financial data, and all other sensitive information.
Forms of Cyber Attacks
A cyber-attack or data breach could occur in different ways. Being aware of the types of cyber-attacks helps us to be conscious of protecting our systems or network. Here are the various forms of cyber attacks:
- Spyware: This is malicious software designed to penetrate your device to collect sensitive data and send it to a third party. An example is a keylogger that records every tap on your keyboard.
- Phishing: Employees are mostly the target here. They’re sent disinformation through email, which aims to compel victims to release sensitive data or click on dangerous links.
- Ransomware: This is a situation where the attacker encodes your files and then demands a particular amount of money to be paid to decode it. There has been a 13% increase in ransomware breaches in the last five years.
Ways to Prevent Cyber Fraud
Cyber-attacks are not just common nowadays; attackers are also stepping up their game. Their efforts are making it even easier to get access to software and computer networks. Compared to the damage caused by cyber fraud, prevention is always the least expensive option. Cyber-attacks can be controlled in diverse ways without too much expense.
- Firewalls help block unknown sites and shut out some viruses and hackers;
- Consistently update your computer devices and software, and back up your data regularly. This is mostly ignored, and you shouldn’t rely on automatic updates;
- Keep access to your device and computers under control. Limiting access to your devices minimizes cyber-attacks;
- Don’t be too quick to click on links or download anything. Another way cyber-attacks are initiated is by sending unsolicited links to individuals. Clicking on the link could be a way of granting a hacker access to your device.
And what if your personal data has been compromised in a cyberattack? There are several measures to take such as changing your passwords and securing your log-in process with two-factor authentication. In addition, you should contact your banks and your friends and family to let them know your privacy has been compromised.
An extra layer of precaution is to manually opt out from data brokers. By trading your email address and other sensitive information for a profit, data brokers make you vulnerable to spam, fraudsters, and hackers. To have your details removed from data brokers’ databases, you can contact them directly and manually opt out. However, a faster and more efficient alternative is to employ the services of data removal tools such as Incogni, which take care of the process automatically and, therefore, minimize the risk of falling victim to cybercrime.
Conclusion
Cybercriminals are stepping up their game and are ready to launch an attack whenever a loophole is discovered. Good cyber security practices help protect your system, software, and network from cyberattacks.