Cybersecurity in today's world demands more attention than ever before. Exploring the maze includes identifying cyber threats and bringing innovative ways to fight against these attacks. This article explores the next-generation strategies in cybersecurity and how they can be used to create a more fortified system that will help mitigate these cyber crimes. Let's see more.
Why Invest in The Cyber Maze
The impact of Cyber attacks on organizations has led many to look for ways to mitigate these collateral damages. It is reported that in the US alone, there has been a 27.4% rise in security breaches in the last four years. Every year, organizations spend huge amounts of money fighting cybercrime.
These criminals commit data breaches thereby stealing people's personal information to impersonate them in a bid to assess their financial documents. Personal computers and mobile gadgets are not safe as well. There is also a rise in phishing activities where attackers can gain entry into computer information systems by infecting them with malware.
The importance of cyber security to companies and individuals cannot be overemphasized. For example, casino platforms are using innovative features to mitigate cyber threats that want to attack their platforms. A platform with slots not on GamStop is one gambling website that uses cutting-edge strategies to safeguard against cyber-attacks to ensure the utmost safety for users.
Professionals help in putting measures in place to defend against cyber threats and protect user's details. So, why Cybersecurity?
- Protects sensitive information: They implement several security protocols used to safeguard sensitive information and prevent data breaches
- Defends against cyber threats: Malware, supply chain, and ransomware are prevalent. Cyber experts are trained to identify these threats and respond to them immediately once detected.
- Maintaining the security of critical systems: Cyber security is used to protect critical systems in a society like the healthcare, security, power sector, etc from any cyberattack
- Ensures Seamless business operation: With cyber security in place, businesses can analyze any potential risk and put in measures to combat it to ensure there is a seamless business
- Implementing better solutions: Cyber security experts employ the latest technological solutions which include incorporating antivirus software, security protocols, underground threat detectors, and others to maintain security
Top Cyber Security Threats
Every year, there are new threats to cyber security. These criminals devise various means to infiltrate networks and individuals alike posing constant risk. Here are some of the top major threats to the cybersecurity industry.
- Vulnerability in The Cloud
Storing information in the cloud can be beneficial but also risky because it can be misconfigured. Some of the risks include:
- Misconfiguration
- Poor access control
- Insecure APIs
- Supply chain vulnerability
- Lack of multi-factor authentication
- Shared tenancy
Data breaches are one of the problems faced by many organizations worldwide. In 2021 alone, the US has up to 212.4 people affected by data breaches. High-ranking companies like Facebook, Yahoo, Google, and LinkedIn have seen many of these breaches in recent years.
- Risk of Hybrid Remote Working System
With many people working remotely nowadays, it has helped create a more flexible environment. However, this kind of work environment can be risky because of some risky actions. Some of the security risks work working remotely include:
- Assessing online data using an unsafe WiFi network
- Unencrypted file sharing
- Using weak password
- Working with personal systems
Cryptocurrency is also at risk of cybercrime. With the invention of crypto mining, criminals can gain unauthorized access to personal computers to also mine crypto. This cryptojacking can affect performance because of the computer processing time it takes, reducing performance for business.
The Next-Generation Strategies in Cybersecurity
As cybercrime increases, there must be also a counter strategy in place to take care of these attacks. This is where the next-generation strategies in cyber security come in. Businesses and organizations must employ cyber threat intelligence if they are serious about detecting future threats.
However, it boils down to the company knowing what technology works, how to access this intelligence, and how to get hold of the right resources. There is no need to live in confusion because the next-generation cybersecurity strategies are here to make the work easier. The idea behind this movement is to gain better insight into cyber threats using advanced cybercrime detection technologies like AI and Blockchain.
These technologies help companies to detect anomalies and any pattern that exhibits a threat to the network traffic. With machine language, you can identify these risks early enough. AI and Machine Learning can be used to set automatic threat detection and response.
The Human Factor in Cybersecurity
The role of humans in cybersecurity is also a way of mitigating risks. Consider some of the strategies organizations can use to create a cybersecurity-conscious culture.
Employee Training and Awareness: Organizations must ensure to organize sensitization meetings aimed at educating employees about cybersecurity threats and solutions. This is an important step that will help them stay alert and avoid being a victim of cyberattacks.
Incorporating Cybersecurity Culture: Part of organization policies is to let everyone be in the know about these issues. Once employees can identify threats it should be reported for quick intervention.
Use Robust Access Controls: Lay strong access controls by using strong passwords, and multiple authentication measures to prevent potential attacks. Also, ensure that only authorized permissions are allowed.
Risk Management and Compliance
Laying a cybersecurity assessment framework will go a long way to help in risk management and compliance. These frameworks will help to estimate the level of risk an organization will suffer if a cyber attack occurs.
Risk assessment is essential and also organizations must comply with regulatory bodies like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), etc. In this way, companies are mitigating the amount of potential cyber-attacks.
Fostering Collaborations in Cyber Defense
There should be collaborations between organizations, institutions, and cybersecurity experts in combating cybercrimes. One such anti-cybercrime organization that is committed to informing the public about threats and crimes is Online Threat Alerts (OTA).
By sharing information on how these criminals work, people are protected from potential scammers and hackers online. Also, online users are encouraged to speak out and report any malicious sites, or messages. Simply go to onlinethreatalerts, find the website using the search bar, or type in the messages to see if they can be found on the site.
Conclusion
More information about Cybersecurity is being revealed as more technological advancements are employed in combating cybercriminals. The next-generation security protocol is ready to track down potential threats, identify them, and protect the online space from risks by using robust cyber defense mechanisms and compliance.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).