1. Weak Passwords/Cloud Security

Any easy way for cyber criminals to get your sensitive data is to get ahold of your passwords. Password attacks can not only give cyber criminals a chance to steal sensitive data, but it can also lead to cloud vulnerabilities. Your password is what keeps people out and away from your data or information and one password can give cyber criminals access to everything.

People assume that since their information is on a cloud server, then that means they are totally safe from cyber threats. Companies increasingly rely on these cloud services and assume their password are safe, but with modern hacking it is much easier to bypass cloud security technology. Things that you can do to prevent cyber attacks on your passwords and cloud accounts are having different passwords for everything. Social media, email, online bills, and whatever else you do online should all have different, unique passwords. People like to use the same password for convenience, but you should opt more for security than convenience.

Also using a multi-factor authentication for any account is a smart way to keep out hackers. This is a process in which you have to enter more than just a password to access your account. A lot of them use face recognition technology, making it harder for people to hack into your cloud accounts. Though this won't completely eliminate vulnerabilities to your cloud or passwords, every little measure helps.

2. Malware Attacks

A malware attack is when someone sends you or your business a malicious code that corrupts the whole system and shuts it down. You can receive this code from a spam email or downloading something from an unsecured site. A malware hack can also allow hackers to gain access and steal data. Malware can also get expensive because these codes usually destroy the devices it latched on to, making you have to go out and get a new computer or hard drive. they also encrypt the software that causes the company to have a denial of service to all of their information and data, making it impossible to do anything. These codes are very dangerous because they can get into your computer by bypassing security measures.

3. Ransomware Attacks

Another issue you need to look out for in terms of cyber security is ransomware attacks. These attacks are becoming more and more common because these attacks require money or something else of value in return for your data. Ransomware attacks are where a hacker will steal company data, customer data or even electronic medical records and prevent the company from accessing them until they are paid a ransom. This can also happen on oyour mobile device, anywhere you keep important data whether it's for personal use or for a job. Having a strong security software is the best way to prevent information security breaches.

4. Internet of Things (iot)

Internet of things refers to devices like smart TV's, refrigerators, coffee machines and any other piece of technology that does not normally have internet, is now all connected to the internet. This has been seen as a huge plus, especially in the business world, because it could open up potential new sources of income or help streamline experiences for the customer. The problem is, since companies find this coinvient they are more willing to use an iot system, but these systems are easy for hackers to get into. Hackers can exploit internet connectivity as an access point to steal data. These systems are rising in terms of threats of cyber security that can lead to huge data breaches for companies.

5. Social Engineering Attack/Phishing Attacks

Social engineering attacks, which are also commonly referred to as a phishing attack, are quickly becoming one of, if not biggest, top cybersecurity threats out there. These phishing attacks are dangerous because the scammers come off as trusted contact or friend and try to get sensitive information out. According to ExpertInsight.com "Phishing accounts for 90% of all breaches that organizations face, they’ve grown 65% over the last year, and they account for over $12 billion in business losses". And what makes these social engineering attacks scary is that it is getting harder and harder to stop them. The scammers are getting more advance to try and get more valuable data.

These attacks try to retrieve financial information, infiltrate corporate systems, and can even hack your mobile devices and try to get your social media information. This is not just a cyber breach, cyber criminals trick and hurt people and before they can do anything about it, they're locked out of all of their accounts. This makes it harder to prove that you were apart of a cyber attack because of the human interaction aspect of it all and how it looks like you willing gave away this information. This can lead to identity theft if your not careful.

Other Tips to Remember

A smart way to prevent any kind of these cyber attacks is to take security measures on both personal devices and corporate computers. There are plenty of security tools and threat prevention methods that can keep all your online data safe. It would be smart not to use third party vendors when giving out your card information and to also not use outdated software because that's any easy way for a hacker to get into your belongings.

Having a strong sense of security awareness is also a great way to prevent these attacks. If you are sent any unusual data files, do not open them. Just delete them and report the file as spam. So if you're a person or company that experiences insider threats or information security threats and are worried about data protection and these cybersecurity threats continue, then consider get cyber security systems to combat your biggest cyber threats.

‍