What is a Botnet?
A Botnet is a network of compromised devices controlled by a hacker (also known as a bot herder) to perform criminal activities such as sending spam emails, attacking websites with distributed denial-of-service attacks, and stealing data. Botnets exploit software and firmware vulnerabilities found on desktop computers, smartphones, tablets, Internet of
Read MoreThe Importance of Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity encompasses the technologies and practices that keep computer systems and electronic data safe. This area of security is especially critical as our world becomes more dependent on digital technology. From stealing passwords to accessing bank accounts, hackers can cause severe financial and reputational damage by exposing sensitive information to
Read MoreWhat is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime is the umbrella term for a wide range of crimes committed through computers or computer networks. This type of crime can impact individuals, companies and governments alike, resulting in lost time, services and opportunities. Depending on the size and scope of an attack, it can also result in physical
Read MoreHow Does Antivirus Work?
Antivirus is software that protects your devices and files from viruses, worms, spyware, ransomware and other malware threats. It runs as a background process and monitors, scans and eliminates cyberthreats. It detects and prevents malware attacks, thwarting attempts to damage or corrupt files on your computer, laptop, mobile device or
Read MoreWhat Is a Data Breach?
A data breach is the result of any event that exposes confidential, private, or protected information to unauthorized parties. It can happen accidentally or intentionally and can affect a company’s reputation. It’s important to understand the different types of breaches so you can take appropriate action to mitigate the risk.
Read MoreCyberthreat News 2025
Several of 2025’s most damaging incidents started with compromised vendors or shared platforms. Attacks on UNFI, U.S. Treasury, Ticketmaster and Snowflake customers, and the UK Ministry of Defense show how leveraging third-party vulnerabilities can lead to data breaches. Attacks involving stolen credentials and phishing also demonstrate how easy it is
Read MoreWhat Is Digital Security?
Digital security encompasses the practices and technologies that protect your data, systems, devices, and online interactions from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. It includes cybersecurity measures such as firewalls, anti-malware software, biometric authentication (e.g., facial or fingerprint scanning), and data backups. The risks and consequences of digital threats are far-reaching
Read MoreUnderstanding the Different Types of Firewalls
Firewall safeguards your data and networks from unauthorized external access and cyber threats by scrutinizing incoming and outgoing traffic based on established security rules. Strategically positioned at the network perimeter or in the data center, firewalls are able to closely monitor and granularly inspect all data packets that attempt to
Read MoreHow to Integrate AI Cybersecurity Into Your Security Strategy
AI cybersecurity enables more effective threat detection, response and mitigation to improve an organization’s security posture. It helps reduce false positives (when legitimate activities are flagged as malicious) and false negatives (where threats go undetected). AI also identifies new attack patterns, helps with network monitoring and endpoint protection, analyzes tone
Read MoreHow a Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber-Security Can Prepare You For a Career in the Field
Cyber-security focuses on protecting computer systems and electronic data. It encompasses technologies and practices that keep companies, individuals and government agencies safe from cyberattacks like malware erasing an entire hard drive or thieves stealing passwords to access personal information online. It also includes strategies to protect the critical infrastructure that
Read MoreThe Risks of Hacking Against Banks and Financial Institutions
Hacking is the unauthorized access and manipulation of mobile devices, computer systems and networks. The goal of hacking is to steal or damage data and disrupt operations. This can cause significant financial loss, reputational damage and regulatory non-compliance. For banks and financial institutions, these risks are especially severe. Hackers have
Read MoreWhat Is Malware and How Does It Affect My Computer?
Malware is invasive software code designed to infect or disrupt devices and services. Hackers use malware to steal sensitive data (passwords, financial information), encrypt files for ransom, gain remote control of an infected device, install additional malware, or attack other devices on the same network. Malware attacks aren’t limited to
Read MoreHow to Protect Your Network From Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware is a malicious software that encrypts files on a network, then demands payment to unlock them. It can also steal data, and some attackers threaten to publish private information unless victims pay. Attackers typically target small and midsize businesses (SMBs) because they often lack strong cybersecurity. However, they can
Read MoreHow to Avoid Phishing in the Workplace
Phishing is a type of cyber attack that exploits the weakest link in any security system: the human. Attackers rely on the emotions of fear and urgency to trick recipients into clicking links, entering sensitive information, or downloading malware onto their devices. Even the most perceptive users can fall victim
Read MoreWhat is Cloud Security?
What is Cloud Security? Cloud Security protects your organization’s data and applications hosted in third-party clouds from external threats, such as malware infections and DDoS attacks. It also protects internal vulnerabilities, such as misconfigured cloud infrastructure or weak access controls that can lead to data leaks and breaches. It uses
Read MoreThe Growing Importance of Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, networks and devices from unauthorized access or criminal use. We rely on technology in almost every aspect of our lives: communication (email, smartphones and tablets), entertainment (interactive video games and social media), transportation (navigation systems), shopping, medicine and more. The rapid growth of
Read MoreWhat is a Botnet?
A botnet is an army of malware-infected devices commanded by cybercriminals for malicious purposes. Bots can be used to carry out a variety of attacks, from flooding websites with traffic (distributed denial-of-service or DDoS) to harvesting passwords and other sensitive information for sale on the dark web. Botnets start with
Read MoreWhat Is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime is the use of computer technology to commit illicit activities. It is a global problem that has become increasingly common as the world becomes more digital and relies on computers and networks to conduct everyday tasks. This reliance has increased the vulnerability of individuals, businesses, and government entities to
Read MoreHow to Prevent a Data Breach
Data Breach Whether from hacking, unintentional errors or flaws in systems and infrastructure, or insider actions, data breaches happen. They can expose sensitive information to cyber criminals, disrupt operations and erode customer trust. Reducing breach risk requires strong detection, response and prevention capabilities spanning identity, data, and infrastructure. The most
Read MoreCyberthreat News 2023-2025
The global attack surface is expanding as organizations become increasingly interconnected with expanding digital ecosystems. These interdependencies force them to prepare for threats shaped by geopolitical tensions and shifting technological shifts. Adversaries are advancing quickly, outpacing traditional defenses, and 54% of large organizations see supply-chain interdependencies as their biggest barrier
Read MoreWhat Is Antivirus and How Does It Work?
Antivirus is malware protection software that identifies, blocks, and removes harmful computer viruses. It serves as the first line of defense against escalating cybercrime, protecting data integrity and ensuring operational continuity. Historically, antivirus programs worked by matching the code of files and programs against a database of known types of
Read MoreDigital Security Practices for Vulnerable Groups
Whether you’re streaming a podcast on your commute, crunching numbers for work or managing your movie tickets and medical appointments in one place, the digital devices in your life can provide many conveniences. But they can also reveal private spaces, routines and conversations, putting you at risk for cyberattacks and
Read MoreWhat Is a Firewall?
Firewalls protect networks from attacks by examining data packets in context to determine whether to allow or block traffic. They can be hardware or software, and may be standalone or embedded in other network devices. Typically, they filter and monitor both inbound and outbound traffic and help secure sensitive data,
Read MoreWhat Is Cyber-Security?
Cyber-security is the collection of technologies, processes and practices that protect information technology (IT) systems and networks from malicious attacks. It encompasses protection against threats like hacking, malware and identity theft. Cyber-security also includes measures designed to help ensure availability, integrity and authentication of electronic information. The cybersecurity landscape is
Read MoreMalware and Ransomware – How Mobile Devices Create New Attack Surfaces for Malware
Malware is invasive software that can be used to collect sensitive information, damage or disrupt computer systems, servers and networks. These types of cyber attacks can be incredibly costly for organizations as they seek to recover from ransom payments, pay for external forensic and remediation services, and rebuild damaged trust
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