Cybercrime knows no boundaries. It continues to threaten users, organizations and states around the world, increasing its strength and accuracy. According to research, in 2021 the number of attacks on corporate networks has increased by half compared to the previous year. In addition to direct financial losses, cybercrime causes enormous damage to organizations, eroding their reputation and customer trust.

Who's Under Threat: Everyone, from Small to Large

If it seemed that cybersecurity was only of interest to large organizations, this is a strong misconception. Everyone - from individuals to companies of all sizes - needs protection from cyber threats. Cybercrime is so common that it is simply impossible to ignore this fact.

What is a Cyber Attack?

A cyber attack is an attempt by attackers to attack computers, steal data, or use compromised systems for additional fraud. These attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making prevention a critical concern for everyone.

Exploiting Vulnerabilities: Home Tactics of Cybercriminals

Cybercriminals look for and find weak points in systems to cause damage. This imbalance in the fight for security gives an advantage to attackers; often even large companies cannot completely protect themselves from attacks.

Diversity of Cyber Attacks: Threat From All Sides

Cybercriminals use a variety of attack methods, including malware and distributed DDoS attacks.

Types of Cyber Attacks: What Threats Exist?

Malware: Secret Computer Visitors

Malicious software is created to be injected into devices and subsequently used by attackers. It can sneak in unnoticed and harm users, including through ransomware, Trojans, and spyware.

Distributed DDoS Attacks: When Systems Are Overloaded

These attacks aim to overload targeted resources, making them unavailable to normal users. They create huge flows of data that can cause disruptions in the systems being attacked.

Phishing

Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, where scammers posing as trusted individuals seek to gain access to valuable information by distributing malicious links or attachments via email or other communication channels. This becomes a serious security threat for both individuals and organizations.

Spear Phishing: The Threat of Targeted Attacks

Phishing can be targeted at specific users or organizations, including whaling attacks targeted at senior company management. These could be attempts to compromise corporate email to extort money or obtain valuable information.

Financial Damage: Results of Phishing Attacks

Corporate email compromise attacks have resulted in huge financial losses. Damages totaled $43 billion over a five-year period, according to FBI data.

Fighting Cyber Attacks: Diverse Threats in the Internet World

SQL Injection Attacks: Website Vulnerability

Many websites operate on databases, making them a target for SQL injection attacks. Attackers use carefully crafted requests to gain access to valuable data or personal information.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Injecting Malicious Code

XSS attacks allow attackers to inject malicious code into a web application, which can lead to theft of session files, distribution of malware, and other malicious actions.

Botnets: Managed Network of Infected Devices

Botnets are used to send spam, create DDoS attacks and other cybercrimes. With their help, attackers gain access to the computing resources of devices, which makes them a powerful tool for cyber attacks.

Responding to Cyber Attacks: Steps Towards Protection

1. Team Mobilization: Quick Action for Safety

2. Security personnel must be deployed quickly to counter the attack.

3. Determining Attack Type: Understanding the Enemy

4. Determining the type of attack will help you focus on the necessary measures to stop it.

5. Containing the Attack: Stopping the Spread

6. Identifying and blocking all access routes for attackers is a top priority.

7. Damage Assessment: Restoring Safety

8. Determining the scope of the attack and eliminating vulnerabilities will help restore system security.

Response to a Cyber Attack:

Report a Cyber Attack: Notifying Authorities and Clients

Once you discover a cyberattack, it is important to immediately report it to the appropriate authorities depending on your company's jurisdiction. If you have cyber insurance, contact your insurance company for further instructions. It is also necessary to notify customers, especially if their data has been compromised. If necessary, issue a press release to inform the public about the event. Honesty and transparency in communication will help maintain customer trust.

Bug Fixing: Training and Improving Systems

After an attack, conduct an investigation and identify improvements to systems and processes that will help minimize the risk of a repeat incident. Use this experience to strengthen your company's cybersecurity.

Preventing Cyber Attacks: Effective Defense Measures

Employee Training: Cyber Hygiene Training

Regular cybersecurity training can help employees develop good habits, such as checking links and email addresses before clicking them and being careful when sharing sensitive information.

Encryption and Backup: Data Protection

Encrypting all sensitive data and creating regular backups will help prevent data leakage and loss in the event of a cyber attack.

Regular Security Audits: Monitoring and Evaluation

Periodic security audits will help identify vulnerabilities and ensure your company's cyber defenses are strong.

Access Management: Restriction and Control

Setting data access restrictions and installing multi-factor authentication will help prevent unauthorized access to systems.

Update and Password Policy: Security Measures

Regularly updating software and using strong passwords with multi-factor authentication will help protect systems from cyber attacks.

Firewall: Network Protection

Placing your network behind a firewall will help prevent brute force attacks and keep your network secure.