Top Cybersecurity Threats of 2024

Top cybersecurity threats of 2024

Cybersecurity threat is any criminal activity that has potential to take place through the use of computer devices and the internet. There are many types of cybersecurity threats today, they come from different sources technically known as vectors. Such sources may include state actors, terrorist groups, organized criminal groups, hackers, malicious insiders like; employee, supplier, vendor, competitor, etc. Contemporary world is increasingly being shaped and controlled by automation powered by artificial intelligence, internet-of-things, cloud infrastructure and others; dependence on digital handlers are no longer optional. This development comes with its inevitable security risks. Cyberspace has become the current battle field where criminal elements have continued to innovate various methods of attacks on existing vita resources. Knowledge of these attacks and the vectors is key to planning and implementing preventive and responsive security measures. In no particular order; see below highlight of some top cyber security threats of 2024. Social engineering: this sort of crime occurs when a cybercriminal deceives internet users to provide sensitive personal information; the information given is oftentimes used to commit various kinds of crimes against the person or the organization they represent. Social engineering plays on human intelligence and emotion; it uses of tricks and games to generate personal and confidential information from ignorant people and use same to commit further cybercrimes. Third party exposure: talks about level of potential cyber threats an organization is exposure to due to its relationship with vendors and suppliers within its information technology supply chain. Configuration mistake: otherwise known as misconfiguration, refers to errors in information technology system configuration settings; examples may include fraudulent dataset, hidden data, unstructured data, wrong formatting, failure to patch or wrong patch, non-configuration of firewalls, non-segmentation of network, not using multi-factor authentication, ignorant workforce. These mistakes can occur in any stage of development, deployment and operation of an information technology infrastructure. Artificial intelligence threat: this malicious act could occur when cybercriminals use AI techniques to exploit system vulnerabilities and launch attack. Mobil device threat:  is a threat that take place through use of mobile device. Suffice to say that most known cybersecurity threats can occur via mobile devices. This power tool is also a powerful threat. Insider threat: Insider threat is any security risk that come from people within an organization. This maybe anyone who by virtue of their roles have access to sensitive information and other corporate resources capable of being used against the business. There are two types of insider threat. One is intentional threat, the other is accidental threat. The former is oftentimes premeditated and by impulse, the latter is by ignorance or accidental. State sponsored threat:  this sort of event occurs when some rogue nation states sponsor or directly carry out cyber-attacks against fellow states, prominent organizations or individuals. DNS tunneling: this sort of attack allows hackers to bypass network security by using Domain Name System as conveyor for malicious data traffic. Tunneling is a powerful tool for hackers, and a serious threat for resource owners and managers. Ransomware: this event occurs when malware takes control, locks and encrypt a resource (this could be data, files, or system), render it inaccessible, then makes a demand as condition for its release. Trojan horse: is a virus that disguise as genuine or legitimate program to gain access to a system. Attackers oftentimes use social engineering as delivery channel for this sort of threat. Drive by attack: also known as drive-by download use “exploit kits” to launch automatic download of malware onto a system without a user’s consent. It is usually associated with compromised webpages or plug n play devices. Poor cyber hygiene: cyber hygiene means maintaining healthy cyber practices for security of systems, devices, networks and data. Main goal is to secure sensitive data against attacks. When this is lacking – poor cyber hygiene is the case. Example may include poor network security, lack of configuration management, lack of cybersecurity training for employee. Cloud vulnerability: this refers to weakness in cloud infrastructure which attackers can take advantage of and gain unauthorized access to data resources. Poor data management: this refers to fluid practices that negate the security of data resources. Cyber bulling: this sort of event happens when digital communication channel is used to send intimidating, assaulting and damaging messages to a target. Cyber stalking: this sort of event occurs when digital communication channel is used to track and harass a target (usually a person). DDoS attack: Distributed Denial of Service is a malicious act of disrupting and denying normal traffic flow to a web resource through the use of overwhelming requests that renders the resource incapable. Brute force: is a hacking method that applies trial and error to crack login credentials, encryption keys and pass words to gain unauthorized access to a network or account. It is reported that brute force success rate is rising; making it a simple and reliable tool for cyber criminals. Man-in-the-middle:  also known as MITM or path attack occurs when a cybercriminal secretly intercepts and alters a flowing conversation between two parties without their knowledge or consent. Poor post incident management: this results when after-incident is not properly managed to prevent recurrence. Cybersecurity threats are a serious challenge to businesses. Managing it requires good understanding of different methods in which they may occur. What was discussed in this article is not exhaustive, as such there should be ongoing efforts to uncover and have good insight to more. ALSO READ Cybersecurity Threat Of Social Engineering

Determined Attacker – The Secret Destroyer

Determined Attacker – The Secret Destroyer (1)

The strength of your security system comes to huge test during the clandestine actions of a determined attacker. It is said; a chain is as strong as its weakest links. A determined attacker is any complex person or group who are hell-bent on compromising the security system of a facility in order to carry out a preplanned criminal act. Such act may include financial fraud, corruption, theft of sensitive information, theft of assets, diversion or adulteration of products, direct attack on properties, disruption of operation. In some other cases, it may involve robbery, theft, rape, assault, and murder. Hardly can any security design deter a determined attacker. At most it becomes win-win or win-lost battle; however, attempt would have been made and an incident created. A determined attack is carried out by criminal(s) who are motivated, mobilized and ready to breach security and disrupt peace at any cost. The consequence of the act holds no meaning to them; sometimes the consequence is perhaps the motivation. A determined attacker may be anyone – the diehard/disgruntled employee, a jail-prone criminal, a business partner (current or former), supplier, vendor, contractor, a customer, etc. In other case, a determined attacker maybe a close family relative such as sibling, child, a spouse/lover, a domestic staff, a friend, a foe, a fellow club/association or religious member, a passer-by, a teacher/student, a worker, the list is endless etc. The only limit to who becomes a determined attacker is the function of the mind. Make no mistakes about this, yes! Anyone can be a potential determined attacker. A determined attacker may be a professional or impulse criminal. A determined attack maybe motivated by some personal, pecuniary, religious/political and ideological interest, socio-economic, emotional factors. Anything could serve as motivation for the attack. The type and method of attack may just be the difference. A determined attacker can mobilize and deploy just any kind of resources required to accomplish the mission; failure is the last on their mind. Obsession is their possession. In same vein, a determined attacker is ready and patient to work along, work with the organization; assist the would-be victim, romance, care and love the would-be victim, worship at same place, trade/negotiate with you, contest with you, etc. However, in all of these, he/she studies the organization. Taking note of the strengths and the weaknesses, uses same to build the strategy required to execute the mission while waiting for the appropriate time to attack. Some measures against determined attacker include; Awareness of Their Existence: it is the goal of this article to draw attention and give insight to existence of these peculiar criminals amongst us. Strong Security System: as much resource can afford, put in place effective security controls for both preventive and reactive response. E.g., physical barriers; fences, gates, doors, locks, burglary proof, fire extinguishers, guardforce, procedures, CCTV and intrusion system; panic buttons, etc. Routine Due Diligence: this requires that background check must be carried out prior to activation of employment or engagement. Audit/Quality Control: periodically carry out audit of all risks control systems. Look out for and properly investigate anything that may seem out of place no matter how unimportant they appear. Teamwork/Networking: teamwork bring different brain and heart in the game, oftentimes produces better results. Problem is, victim oftentimes relegate or ignore them. Pay attention to these. Recognition Of Early Warning: please note, there is always a clue, sign, or redflag underneath any criminal project. Emergency Preparedness: at all times, hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Note this; our contemporary society is full of determined attackers in various shades. These are individuals who are feeling frustrated, disenchanted and incapacitated in their worlds thus, find solace in giving back to society whom they held responsible for their predicaments by breaching security, disrupting peace and unleashing harm with impunity. They are found everywhere! ALSO READ: Security Guides for Hiring Domestic Workers