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5 Cyber Security Threats and How to Avoid Them

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Viraj Yadav
5 Cyber Security Threats and How to Avoid Them

Computer security threats are constantly evolving. These adversaries are masters of disguise and deception, always evolving new ways to disrupt, steal, and harm. For everybody who owns a device, cybersecurity is a critical concern.. It doesn't matter if you're an individual, an organization, or a company. It's a prime market for malware because of the ubiquitous use of technology and its reliance on connectivity. However, as frightening as it may sound, there are numerous forms of security dangers that are both recognized and controllable. 

 

Trojan

A Trojan horse, often known as a Trojan, is a type of malware that deceives users by masquerading as an innocuous program. It usually takes the shape of an app or software that claims to be useful or entertaining.

Ways to avoid Trojan:

1. Never install or download software from a source you don't totally trust.

2. Never open an attachment or execute a program provided to you by an unknown sender in an email.

3. Keep all of your computer's software up to date with the most recent security patches.

4. Make sure your computer has a Trojan antivirus program installed and functioning.

 

Phishing

Phishing is a form of cyber-attack in which a spoof email is used as a weapon. It persuades the email recipient that the message is something they require— such as a request from their bank or cashback offers — so that they click the link or download the attachment.

Ways to avoid Phishing:

1. Always check the spelling of URL addresses in email links before clicking or entering sensitive information.

2. Keep an eye out for URL redirection, which sends you to a different website with the same appearance.

3. If you receive an email from a source, you know but it appears questionable, instead of replying, send a fresh email to that source.

4. Don't provide personal information on social media, such as your birthday, vacation plans, address, or phone number.

 

DDoS

A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is a malicious attempt to prohibit legitimate end users from accessing a targeted system, such as a website or application. Attackers send a huge number of requests or packets to the target system, which overwhelms it. In a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) assault, the attacker often uses a large number of compromised or controlled sources to launch the attack.

Ways to avoid DDoS:

1. Firewalls and network security tools should be updated and patched.

2. Ascertain that server has the capacity to manage high traffic spikes as well as the appropriate mitigation mechanisms to deal with security issues.

3. When DoS assaults are identified, honing your incident response can assist your security team in responding fast.

4. Attacks can be thwarted by limiting or disabling broadcast forwarding, whenever possible.

5. Implement technology to visually monitor networks and determine how much bandwidth a site consumes on a regular basis.


Social Engineering

Social engineering is a broad term that encompasses a variety of nefarious activities carried out through social connections. It uses psychological manipulation to induce users to commit security mistakes or reveal sensitive information.

Ways to avoid social engineering:

1. Unsolicited phone calls, visits, or emails from individuals requesting information about employees or other internal information should be avoided.

2. Unless you are positive of a person's authority, do not share personal information or information about your organization, including its structure or networks.

3. Multi-factor authentication should be enforced (MFA).

4. Use spam filters, anti-virus software, and a firewall, and maintain all systems up to date.



Ransomware

Ransomware is a sort of computer attack in which the attacker encrypts or locks the data of the victim and threatens to publish or prevent access to it unless a ransom is paid.

Ways to avoid Ransomware:

1. Keep your antivirus software up to date and installed. 

2. Set up your devices so that they can only run authorized software and applications. 

3. Open programs and files from unknown sources with caution.

4. Keep a backup of your data.  As  it allows you to access them even if thieves attempt to steal and hold them hostage.

5. Install trustworthy ransomware prevention software.

6. Never use USB drives from unknown sources.

 

Conclusion:

Cyber attacks' ultimate purpose is to gain access to your high-value devices, apps, and data. It is important to understand your vulnerabilities, as well as the various methods in which your defenses might be compromised, and then implement the necessary safeguards to maintain a secure and resilient cybersecurity posture. Keeping the attack surface as small as possible is a basic security measure that is essential for establishing a good security posture. Managing trust relationships can also assist you in limiting or eliminating the impact or damage that an attacker may cause.

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Viraj Yadav
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