Cyber threats are any type of malicious activity that takes place in a computer system or on the internet. These threats can come in the form of phishing emails, ransomware attacks, and viruses.

Cyber threats are constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated, making it important for businesses to stay up to date with the latest security technologies and solutions. Read on to learn more about cyber threats and how to address them.

What exactly are cyber security threats?

Cyber security threats are any malicious activities or attempts to gain unauthorised access to computer systems, networks, and data. Here are some examples. 

Phishing emails

Phishing emails are malicious messages sent through email with the intention of stealing sensitive information from the receiver. These messages are designed to look very similar to legitimate emails from companies or other businesses, and use tactics to convince users to click on malicious links or provide personal information.

Phishing emails often contain links that lead to malicious websites or download malware onto a system, which can be used for a variety of purposes ranging from data theft to identity theft. 

Ransomware attacks

Ransomware attacks are malicious cyberattacks that are designed to encrypt data and applications on your computer, which then makes them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. 

These attacks can be spread through emails, websites, or malicious downloads. Ransomware attacks have been on the rise in recent years, as attackers become more advanced in their ability to target users with malware. 

Viruses

Computer viruses are malicious software programs that can cause damage to your computer’s system and data. They are typically spread by downloading files from the internet, opening emails from unknown sources, or through physical contact with infected storage devices. 

Computer viruses can cause slowdowns in performance, corrupt or delete files, or even take control of your computer without your knowledge.

How do we fight against cyber security threats? 

To fight against these cyber security threats, companies, government systems must be proactive in their approach. This involves having a cyber security strategy that includes both preventive measures such as regular software updates and defensive measures such as deploying advanced firewalls. 

These are some preventive measures you can take:

  • Use strong passwords – strong passwords are difficult for hackers to guess or crack, making it much harder for them to gain access to your accounts
  • Activate authentication controls – activation controls provide businesses with increased security by monitoring users’ activities, preventing malicious users from accessing sensitive information and systems, and controlling access to data resources
  • Access the internet through a virtual private network (or VPN) – VPN allows you to access geo-restricted content, as well as browse the web anonymously

These are some defensive measures you can implement:

  • Install firewalls – a firewall is a security device that monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and can block suspicious activity
  • Invest in an antivirus software – antivirus software is a type of computer program designed to identify, detect and prevent computer viruses, malware, ransomware and other malicious software from infecting your computer or network
  • Use intrusion detection systems – an intrusion detection system (IDS) is a technology designed to detect malicious or unauthorised activities on a computer or network

As a business owner, how do we further train our staff to fight back?  

Cyber security is a rapidly evolving field of study that is becoming increasingly important in the world today. One of the ways to combat this threat is by enrolling your staff in a cyber security course. A cyber security course provides you with the knowledge, skills, and training you need to protect networks, systems, and data from malicious attacks. 

There are information technology courses that cover topics such as: 

  • database architecture
  • security protocols
  • network security
  • cryptography
  • data protection laws and regulations
  • vulnerability assessment, 
  • and penetration testing. 

Cyber security courses are offered by universities, colleges, and institutions around the world and can be taken at different levels ranging from introductory to advanced.

Just before we end…

In the era of digital transformation, it is important to stay informed about the issue of cyber security. Cyber security is an ever-evolving field that can help us protect ourselves from malicious actors and hackers. 

As threats evolve and become more complex, it is important for businesses to understand the basics of cyber security in order to secure operations and data. Knowing about cyber security will also help us identify potential risks earlier, as well as find solutions to combat them quickly.