In the digital age, we are transmitting and storing high volumes of sensitive data, as this helps to optimize efficiency and improve productivity in our daily lives. At the same time, this leaves us vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, as this sensitive information can, and sometimes does, get acquired by hackers.
Modern threats to cybersecurity are more than just an inconvenience. Cyberattacks can cripple an organization, preventing them from doing business. These attacks can leave individuals with a digital mess to clean up, as they seek to replace stolen credit card numbers, recover their personal and sensitive information, and protect themselves from further complications and issues.
Those interested in working in the field of information technology and cybersecurity need to be aware of the most prevalent threats to cybersecurity today, as well as the looming threats that may come to fruition in the future.
Understanding Cybersecurity Threats
The National Institute of Standards and Technology Computer Security Resource Center defines a cybersecurity threat as an event that has the capability of exploiting an information system with the intent of compromising the operations of the organization. Cyber threats are enacted through unauthorized access to a network, and these events can destroy, disclose, or modify the service that an individual receives. In some cases, a cybersecurity attack impacts an informational system and results in a denial of service.
The Evolution of Cyber Threats
At the onset of the digital age, it became clear that cyber threats were going to pose a serious problem in both the near-term and long-term. Originally, most cyber threats consisted primarily of viruses and worms that could infiltrate an information system and wreak havoc on an organization. They were inconvenient and frustrating, but for the most part, they were easily mitigated.
According to Cybergate International, cyber threats have become more prevalent and more sophisticated over the course of the past decade. Now, rather than being an inconvenience, cyber threats are a very real security concern. These advanced attacks can manipulate sensitive data and shut down entire organizations that rely heavily on IoT and informational systems to conduct their daily business.
Common Types of Cyber Exploits
The breadth and depth of cyber threats and attacks has increased significantly in recent years, highlighting the importance of having qualified cybersecurity professionals in every sector. Some common types of cyber exploits include:
- Malware Attacks
- Social Engineering Attacks
- Supply Chain Attacks
- Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
- Denial of Service Attacks
- Injection Attacks
Sources of Cybersecurity Threats
UpGuard notes that threats to cybersecurity come from a wide range of sources. The strength, severity, and impact of the attack may vary based on the source and the intended target.
Some common sources of cybersecurity threats include:
Cyber Criminals and Hackers
Cyber criminals and hackers are primary perpetrators of cyber threats. These individuals and organizations work to gain unauthorized access to an information system with the intention of securing sensitive information or private data and disrupting routine operations within the system. There are some hackers that are hobbyists and simply wreak havoc for the sake of doing so. However, there are others that are motivated to secure data and disrupt operations for personal gain. At one time, hacking was an intricate art, one that only the most sophisticated minds in technology could attempt. Today, advanced codes and attack scripts can easily be used to hack an information system, making this a more widespread practice that impacts organizations of all sizes and across all industries.
State-Sponsored Attacks
Modern battles are not taking place on the battlefield, but rather within the information systems that connect countries together. State-sponsored attacks, enacted by national cyber warfare programs in other countries, are becoming an increasingly serious cyber threat in the global economy. State-sponsored attacks may include:
- Propaganda Distribution
- Infrastructure Disruption
- Espionage
- Website Defacement
Insider Threats
Insider threats are becoming increasingly common, particularly as more individuals at organizations gain access to data networks and information systems that store sensitive data for the organization. By taking advantage of this access, disgruntled insiders can easily introduce malware into the system or extract data that can be used for personal or professional gain.
Major Cybersecurity Exploits
By taking an in-depth look at the major cybersecurity exploits that exist today, aspiring computer and technology professionals can gain a better understand of the mitigation and prevention strategies that need to be developed and enacted in any organization.
These are some of the most critical cybersecurity exploits to be familiar with:
Malware and Viruses
Malware is the most common type of cyberattack that occurs, and it happens more frequently than most people realize. Shortened for “Malicious Software,” it includes viruses, worms, ransomware, Trojans, spyware, and more. This is used to infiltrate an information system or network, where it then collects data, disrupts operations, destroys information stored on the network, and manipulates access, which can prevent people from mitigating the attack.
Phishing and Spear Phishing Attacks
Phishing and spear phishing attacks are social engineering attacks in which the user is tricked into providing sensitive information. Phishing attacks have become increasingly common and sophisticated in recent years, duping the most experienced technology users into handing over their personal and private data. Phishing e-mails are disguised as e-mails from a reputable and trusted source, and they are sent to a high volume of users. To increase their precision and effectiveness, phishing e-mails are often sent to targeted users more likely to provide their information. Spear phishing attacks are highly-sophisticated phishing attacks in which the e-mail language is personalized to the specific user, adding a sense of authenticity and reliability to the e-mail.
Ransomware: Holding Data Hostage
Ransomware is a type of malware attack in which an individual user is no longer allowed to access an information system or data network that they typically have access to. In a ransomware attack, the malware offers a ransom to the individual to restore access. However, in many cases, even if the ransom is paid, the user is not able to gain access to the network anymore.
Emerging Cybersecurity Threats
While cybersecurity professionals are working to actively circumvent the attacks happening today, they also must keep an eye on emerging trends to develop prevention solutions for the future. Advanced technology is giving rise to more sophisticated attacks that could have more dire consequences if they occur.
These are some of the emerging cybersecurity threats to keep an eye on:
AI and Machine Learning in Cyber Attacks
AI and machine learning are two of the most important trending topics in today’s increasingly complex and connected world. As organizations of all sizes and across all industries begin to learn how to leverage AI technology, they are simultaneously beginning to recognize the role that this advanced technology can play in cyber-attacks. Per the National Institute of Standards and Technology, adversarial machine learning attacks are on the rise. Through these attacks, hackers can effectively poison AI systems by exposing them to fraudulent data, which can thwart the direction of the AI technology and cause it to malfunction. Since more and more people are relying on AI technology for their daily lives, it’s crucial to be aware of the fact that these types of threats and vulnerabilities exist.
IoT Vulnerabilities
Internet of Things (IoT) refers to any network of connected devices, and these networks are particularly vulnerable. For instance, many households embed smart technology into their daily lives. This consists of Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats, smart appliances, smart garage door openers, and a variety of mobile devices that are all connected on the same network. However, these networks are not always properly protected, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks that could compromise their sensitive information.
Cloud Storage and Service Attacks
Cloud computing environments are incredibly common in today’s modern era, and most organizations are dependent on cloud service providers to enable remote work environments. Cloud computing environments have unique security vulnerabilities that must be considered. An attack on a cloud computing environment could disable operations for the entire network, effectively shutting down the organization. Regular security updates and patches are necessary to properly protect a cloud computing environment.
Impact of Cybersecurity Threats
No longer are cyber-attacks just a minor inconvenience that are mildly annoying to deal with. These complex, advanced, and sophisticated attacks can disrupt operations, bringing organizations to a screeching halt. In recent years, entire healthcare systems have had to resort to processing everything by hand because of cyber-attacks, and critical infrastructure has been compromised. The impact of cybersecurity threats can be far-reaching, which is why it’s essential to have preventative security measures in place as well as mitigation strategies available in the event of an attack.
Financial Losses
A cyberattack can lead to significant financial losses for an organization. The scope of the financial loss may vary based on the size of the attack and the organization itself, but the National Bureau of Economic Research notes that organizations targeted by a cyber-attack often notice an immediate drop in stock value. On average, stock value declines by more than 1 percent in the wake of a cyber-attack, which translates to about $607 million. In addition, organizations may be forced to pay damages, based on the impact of the attack and the preventative measures that were in place prior to the attack.
Reputation Damage
While any organization is at risk of a cyber-attack, consumers may still be disappointed to find out that their data has been breached. Repeated cyber-attacks on an individual organization can lead to a loss of trust among consumers or investors, as they may feel that the company is not taking the risk of cybersecurity threats seriously. When consumers and investors feel that their sensitive information is not going to be properly protected, they are not going to want to do ongoing business with the organization.
Legal Consequences
There also are legal ramifications to consider in the wake of a cyber-attack. An organization may be responsible for settling with customers whose private data was compromised, particularly if the organization has been found to be neglectful in protecting the data and preventing the attack in the first place.
Preventative Measures Against Cyber Threats
While it is essential to know how to mitigate a cyber-attack, it’s actually more important for cybersecurity professionals to implement preventative measures that can thwart an attack before it ever takes place.
These are the top preventative measures to take against cyber threats:
Regular Software Updates and Patch Management
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency states that routine software updates and patch management is one of the most effective ways to prevent against a cyber-attack. Software developers are constantly developing and releasing patches that will continue to protect the application from future attacks. These updates and patches are designed based on the most imminent threats, offering superior protection. If possible, CISA recommends enabling automatic software updates.
Cybersecurity Awareness Training
Cybersecurity professionals as well as those not as well-versed in information systems should take the time to undergo cybersecurity awareness training. This type of professional development can help make individuals more aware of the most pressing threats to cybersecurity in today’s world, and the measures that can be taken to prevent those attacks. Awareness is essential when it comes to developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
Implementing Strong Access Controls
Strong access controls can add an extra layer of protection to your data networks and information systems. Ultimately, access control prevents unauthorized users from accessing the network, and strong access controls can benefit an organization by:
- Improving security within a data network, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information.
- Allowing for convenient and easy access for those who do need to access the network. This can help streamline operations and improve overall efficiency.
- Allowing for easier integration, ensuring that you can connect a variety of devices onto a network without compromising the security of your system.
- Providing you with the ability to store higher volumes of data on your network, ultimately allowing your organization to grow and expand.
Future Trends in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity will continue to be one of the most prominent areas of the field of information technology, thanks in large part to the fact that more and more organizations are relying heavily on advanced technology that must be secured and protected to be efficient and effective. Knowing the future trends in cybersecurity can help aspiring professionals become more aware of the existing threats to cybersecurity as well as those that may come to fruition in the future.
The Role of AI in Cyber Defense
AI-enabled cyber defense strategies are expected to become increasingly common in the coming years, particularly as cybersecurity professionals begin to understand how to best leverage machine learning and AI technology in cybersecurity. The Center for Security and Emerging Technology notes that powerful AI technology can improve cyber defense strategies, but that this same technology also could increase the cybersecurity risk. Today’s cybersecurity professionals will need to be working on a way to balance the power of AI technology with its vulnerabilities, ultimately discovering how to best use this technology within the realm of cyber defense.
Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity
Quantum computing may pose the most significant risk to our current cybersecurity best practices and strategies, making it essential for up-and-coming cybersecurity experts to become aware of the impact that it can have on cybersecurity as a whole. Quantum computing will require cybersecurity professionals to come up with new and innovative ways to encrypt data to safely and effectively leverage this powerful technology.
Explore Modern Threats to Cybersecurity at Florida Technical College
At Florida Technical College, we offer a future-forward bachelor’s degree in Information Technology with emphasis in Cybersecurity, allowing you to develop a comprehensive foundation in information technology that allows you to pursue entry-level opportunities in the field of cybersecurity. Our skills-based curriculum focuses on a variety of trending topics in cybersecurity, such as cyber laws and compliance, cryptography, intrusion detection, and ethical hacking, allowing you to develop the skills needed for this dynamic and growing field.
Request more information about our online degree and diploma programs today.
These examples are intended to serve only as a general guide of possible employment opportunities. There are many factors that determine the job an individual may obtain and Florida Technical College cannot guarantee its graduates any particular job. Some positions may require license or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular position you desire.
Sources
https://www.imperva.com/learn/application-security/cyber-security-threats/
https://www.upguard.com/blog/cyber-threat
https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/cyber_threat
https://cybergateinternational.com/blog/the-evolution-of-cyber-threats-over-the-last-decade https://www.isaca.org/resources/news-and-trends/industry-news/2024/the-top-5-cybersecurity-threats-and-how-to-defend-against-them
https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2024/01/nist-identifies-types-cyberattacks-manipulate-behavior-ai-systems
https://www.nber.org/digest/jun18/economic-and-financial-consequences-corporate-cyberattacks
https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/4-things-you-can-do-keep-yourself-cyber-safe
https://www.avigilon.com/blog/importance-of-access-control
https://www.fsisac.com/hubfs/Knowledge/AI/FSISAC_BuildingAI-IntoCyberDefense.pdf
https://quantumxc.com/blog/quantum-computing-impact-on-cybersecurity/
