Note
Note
· Operational security includes the processes and decisions for handling and protecting
data assets. The permissions users have when accessing a network and the procedures
that determine how and where data may be stored or shared all fall under this umbrella.
The global cyber threat continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with a rising number of data
breaches each year. A report by RiskBased Security revealed that a shocking 7.9 billion
records have been exposed by data breaches in the first nine months of 2019 alone. This
figure is more than double (112%) the number of records exposed in the same period in
2018.
Medical services, retailers and public entities experienced the most breaches, with
malicious criminals responsible for most incidents. Some of these sectors are more
appealing to cybercriminals because they collect financial and medical data, but all
businesses that use networks can be targeted for customer data, corporate espionage,
or customer attacks.
With the scale of the cyber threat set to continue to rise, global spending on
cybersecurity solutions is naturally increasing. Gartner predicts cybersecurity spending
will reach $188.3 billion in 2023 and surpass $260 billion globally by 2026. Governments
across the globe have responded to the rising cyber threat with guidance to help
organizations implement effective cyber-security practices.
In the U.S., the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has created a
cyber-security framework. To combat the proliferation of malicious code and aid in early
detection, the framework recommends continuous, real-time monitoring of all electronic
resources.
The importance of system monitoring is echoed in the “10 steps to cyber security”, guidance
provided by the U.K. government’s National Cyber Security Centre. In Australia, TheAustralian Cyber
Security Centre(ACSC) regularly publishes guidance on how organizations can counter the latest
cyber-security threats.
Check out this video about cyber security and types of cyber threats and attacks:
So, how do malicious actors gain control of computer systems? Here are some common
methods used to threaten cyber-security:
Malware
Malware means malicious software. One of the most common cyber threats, malware is
software that a cybercriminal or hacker has created to disrupt or damage a legitimate
user’s computer. Often spread via an unsolicited email attachment or legitimate-looking
download, malware may be used by cybercriminals to make money or in politically
motivated cyber-attacks.
· Virus: A self-replicating program that attaches itself to clean file and spreads
throughout a computer system, infecting files with malicious code.
· Spyware: A program that secretly records what a user does, so that cybercriminals can
make use of this information. For example, spyware could capture credit card details.
· Ransomware: Malware which locks down a user’s files and data, with the threat of
erasing it unless a ransom is paid.
SQL injection
An SQL (structured language query) injection is a type of cyber-attack used to take
control of and steal data from a database. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in data-
driven applications to insert malicious code into a databased via a malicious SQL
statement. This gives them access to the sensitive information contained in the
database.
Phishing
Phishing is when cybercriminals target victims with emails that appear to be from a
legitimate company asking for sensitive information. Phishing attacks are often used to
dupe people into handing over credit card data and other personal information.
Man-in-the-middle attack
A man-in-the-middle attack is a type of cyber threat where a cybercriminal intercepts
communication between two individuals in order to steal data. For example, on an
unsecure WiFi network, an attacker could intercept data being passed from the victim’s
device and the network.
Denial-of-service attack
A denial-of-service attack is where cybercriminals prevent a computer system from
fulfilling legitimate requests by overwhelming the networks and servers with traffic. This
renders the system unusable, preventing an organization from carrying out vital
functions.
What are the latest cyber threats that individuals and organizations need to guard
against? Here are some of the most recent cyber threats that the U.K., U.S., and
Australian governments have reported on.
Dridex malware
In December 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) charged the leader of an
organized cyber-criminal group for their part in a global Dridex malware attack. This
malicious campaign affected the public, government, infrastructure and business
worldwide.
Dridex is a financial trojan with a range of capabilities. Affecting victims since 2014, it
infects computers though phishing emails or existing malware. Capable of stealing
passwords, banking details and personal data which can be used in fraudulent
transactions, it has caused massive financial losses amounting to hundreds of millions.
In response to the Dridex attacks, the U.K.’s National Cyber Security Centre advises the
public to “ensure devices are patched, anti-virus is turned on and up to date and files are
backed up”.
Romance scams
In February 2020, the FBI warned U.S. citizens to be aware of confidence fraud that
cybercriminals commit using dating sites, chat rooms and apps. Perpetrators take
advantage of people seeking new partners, duping victims into giving away personal
data.
The FBI reports that romance cyber threats affected 114 victims in New Mexico in 2019,
with financial losses amounting to $1.6 million.
Emotet malware
In late 2019, The Australian Cyber Security Centre warned national organizations about a
widespread global cyber threat from Emotet malware.
Emotet is a sophisticated trojan that can steal data and also load other malware. Emotet
thrives on unsophisticated password: a reminder of the importance of creating a secure
password to guard against cyber threats.
End-user protection
End-user protection or endpoint security is a crucial aspect of cyber security. After all, it
is often an individual (the end-user) who accidentally uploads malware or another form of
cyber threat to their desktop, laptop or mobile device.
So, how do cyber-security measures protect end users and systems? First, cyber-
security relies on cryptographic protocols to encrypt emails, files, and other critical data.
This not only protects information in transit, but also guards against loss or theft.
In addition, end-user security software scans computers for pieces of malicious code,
quarantines this code, and then removes it from the machine. Security programs can
even detect and remove malicious code hidden in Master Boot Record (MBR) and are
designed to encrypt or wipe data from computer’s hard drive.
Electronic security protocols also focus on real-time malware detection. Many use
heuristic and behavioral analysis to monitor the behavior of a program and its code to
defend against viruses or Trojans that change their shape with each execution
(polymorphic and metamorphic malware). Security programs can confine potentially
malicious programs to a virtual bubble separate from a user's network to analyze their
behavior and learn how to better detect new infections.
How can businesses and individuals guard against cyber threats? Here are our top cyber
safety tips:
1. Update your software and operating system:This means you benefit from the latest
security patches.
2. Use anti-virus software:Security solutions like Kaspersky Total Security will detect
and removes threats. Keep your software updated for the best level of protection.
6. Avoid using unsecure WiFi networks in public places:Unsecure networks leave you
vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks.
Kaspersky Endpoint Security received three AV-TEST awards for the best performance,
protection, and usability for a corporate endpoint security product in 2021. In all tests
Kaspersky Endpoint Security showed outstanding performance, protection, and usability
for businesses.
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