Cybersecurity in the 21st Century
Read on to learn more about modern cybersecurity threats.
With the development of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), internet usage has tripled over the last few years across the globe. However, this dependence on the internet has also brought with it evolving and complex threats that pose serious challenges to the cybersecurity sector.
Cybersecurity in the current times
Heavy reliance on already fragile servers and connection networks can leave even the most secure systems vulnerable to attacks. Another issue is the intentional spread of misinformation and automated sources which compromises the integrity of the information available to customers to safeguard their electronic devices.
Phishing
Phishing attacks refer to threats that are disguised as carefully targeted digital messages such as emails. Clicking on these messages can install malware that can expose the sensitive data stored on your device or company servers.
Phishing attempts used to be fairly simple as not many people were aware of them. However, they are now becoming more sophisticated and harder to identify. Cybercriminals have also started using machine learning to create more convincing and original looking mails that can be easily mistaken for real ones.
Ransomware
Ransomware is another form of malware that encrypts files and prevents the user from accessing them. The victims must offer money or provide sensitive information to the criminal in order to get their files back. Ransomware attacks cost large organisations billions of dollars every year.
The rise of cryptocurrencies in the last decade has also added fuel to the evolution of ransomware strategies. Now, criminals can demand the ransom money to be paid anonymously which can make it more difficult to trace the transactions back to them.
New threats
The rise of cryptocurrencies has also led to the evolution of other ways for cybercriminals to make money. Cryptojacking is a popular method where criminals make money by piggybacking on the victim’s system and using it to mine for cryptocurrencies. Cryptojacked systems and devices can result in severe performance issues and require immense time and resources to be fixed.
Another advanced cybersecurity challenge constitutes of cyber-physical attacks. These involve hacking into the servers of public facilities like water systems or electric grids and dismantling them. This can enable physical crimes like robberies or leave entire parts of a town or a city vulnerable.
IoT attacks
The Internet of Things technology allows companies to recover meaningful and important data from the global network of connected devices like phones, smartwatches or even household appliances like a baby monitor. However, this interconnectivity can leave devices vulnerable to cyberattacks, even if just one device has been compromised.
These threats have highlighted the shortage of skilled professionals who can accomplish advanced cybersecurity planning to combat different threats. The growing demand for expertise can allow you to seek employment with any technological giant in the industry.
If you’re a computer whizz and are interested in pursuing a successful cybersecurity career, check out the Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Data Governance at GISMA Business School in Berlin, awarded by The University of Law. The course covers the essentials of data management and cybersecurity services in the 21st century, helping you to become an asset to a range of global employers.
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