Cyber Security Threats

Cyber security is about protecting your computer from any threat that may use you data and information without authority, protect you machine from different threats like viruses, worms, spyware, and malware. When these threats are blended together, they can overload and shut down systems and resources.

Everybody seems to rely on computer nowadays, bill payments can be done online, communication, transportation, entertainment and other aspects of our lives depend or influenced by computers. This is why computer or cyber security threats are important to be dealt immediately.

There are different kinds of cyber security threats, for example, our browsers are not that safe anymore. Browsers have vulnerabilities where expert hackers can exploit codes and passwords. Hackers would use even our trusted websites to make these attacks. This is why software manufacturers are investing on security to setup tools that would protect users even on trusted sites.

Another alarming security threat is that there are an increased number of incidents where national records are extracted. Economic data of a nation or state can fall victims to cyber theft. National and state governments are not the only victims, in the United Kingdom cyber theft is recognized to be among the biggest crime in the country. Cyber theft could include credit card fraud, illegal bank transfers and phishing attacks.

Phishing attacks are fraudulent processes where sensitive personal and financial information are asked from an individual. People would fall victims to phishing scams since they pose as legal and trustworthy institutions, they are normally send out through emails and instant messaging.

Computers are not the only targets of cyber threats, mobile phones are also being attacked by worms, viruses, and malware. Mobile phones are very susceptible to hackers and also viruses. Old cellphones can be immune to viruses, but new cellphones, the smart ones, because of their standardized operating system are now in risk of viruses.

Multimedia messaging services or MMS can send multiple copies of the phone address book or copy the phone book into a new handset just within a couple of minutes. Aside from that it could also infect other phones within the area and disrupt communication protocols.

Cyber-terrorism is also another increasing cyber security threat experienced by users. Some experts would say that cyber terrorism is just the same as hacking. But experts would agree that it is intended to create or start fear, physical harm or death by using electronic methods.

An example would be the case in Romania, where terrorists were able to control the life support systems in an Antarctic research station, putting 58 scientists in danger. This kind of attack can affect a great deal of people, weaken the economy and even make the country vulnerable to military attacks.

Another common cyber security problem would be the attacks of people themselves, like disgruntled employees. In a survey conducted by the Nucleus Research and KnowledgeStorm, 1 out 3 workers would jot down their passwords. This is not the best security practice since jotted down passwords can be lost and used by unsatisfied workers.

There are increasing number of cyber security threats that needs to be addressed immediately. Long-term plans and solutions should be created to address the increasing number of victims. While we wait for government and organizations to come up with long-term solutions, it is our individual responsibility to make sure that we keep our personal and work-related information safe.