Category: Malware
alware (a portmanteau for malicious software) is any software intentionally designed to cause disruption to a computer, server, client, or computer network, leak private information, gain unauthorized access to information or systems, deprive users access to information or which unknowingly interferes with the user’s computer security and privacy. By contrast, software that causes harm due to some deficiency is typically described as a software bug. Malware poses serious problems to individuals and businesses. According to Symantec’s 2018 Internet Security Threat Report (ISTR), malware variants number has got up to 669,947,865 in 2017, which is twice as many malware variants in 2016.
How to Prevent Phishing
Phishing is a malicious attempt to steal information, download malware, or compromise a computer system for illicit gain. Often, attackers use social engineering tactics to acquire valuables, such as credit card numbers and other personal data (McClure et al., 2003). Generally speaking, phishing emails include bad spelling and grammar to
Read MoreWhat Is Cloud Security?
Cloud Security is a specialized subset of cybersecurity focused on safeguarding data, applications and services from threats in cloud environments. It addresses unique risks like misconfigurations, insecure APIs and shared infrastructure vulnerabilities. Sensitive data must be protected at rest in public clouds and in transit to prevent unauthorized access or
Read MoreA Career in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting electronic information and communications systems and the information they contain from attack, damage or exploitation. It includes the prevention of, detection of and restoration of such attacks. It also encompasses the policies and procedures that support these efforts. Cyberattacks are constant, and the costs
Read MoreThe Damage of a Data Breach
The Damage of a Data Breach A data breach can have significant, costly consequences for individuals and organizations. Consumers can experience financial loss and a damaged reputation; businesses can incur fines, settlements, business disruption and loss of revenue; government agencies can lose sensitive information, including details about national security, military
Read MoreWhat is Hacking?
Hacking is the act of using computer skills to illegally break into a computer system. This practice is typically done for malicious reasons, such as stealing data, distributing viruses or wreaking havoc on the internet for fun. Hackers are highly skilled at attacking vulnerable systems with stealthy methods that often
Read MoreWhat Is Digital Security?
Digital security is a set of practices that protect online identities and data from cyberattacks. It encompasses a broad range of technical and procedural measures, including tools like firewalls, anti-virus software, password protection systems, encryption techniques, and backups. It also includes policies and protocols that ensure privacy, accessibility, and integrity
Read MoreWhat is a Botnet?
A botnet is a collection of internet-connected devices, such as PCs, servers, mobile phones and IoT (Internet of Things) devices, infected by malware and under the control of cybercriminals. The malware infects the devices and turns them into remote-controlled “bots,” or zombies, that work together for illicit purposes without the
Read MoreWhat is Antivirus?
What is Antivirus? Antivirus is software that detects and removes malware from computers, laptops and other devices. Malicious software, or malware, can attack a device in many ways — hidden in a file sent as an attachment in an email (malspam), loaded onto a USB drive by visiting a malicious
Read MoreCyberthreat News Roundup
Cyberthreat News is a weekly roundup of news about cyberattacks and cybersecurity. October 2023: Pro-Hamas and pro-Israeli hacktivists launched multiple cyberattacks on Israeli government sites and Hamas web pages in the wake of Hamas attacks on Israel. The attackers used a combination of brute force and DDoS attacks. September 2022:
Read MoreHow to Protect Yourself From Phishing Attacks
Phishing is an attack designed to steal sensitive information from a victim (Ollmann, 2004). Attackers seek information like account numbers, passwords, credit card data, and even personal details that can be used for identity theft. They may even breach corporate systems for espionage purposes. Phishing attacks are continuously evolving and
Read MoreArtificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity
Keeping up with the pace of cyberattacks requires advanced technology that can help organizations detect, prioritize and remediate threats. Artificial intelligence (AI) for cybersecurity offers a powerful, yet cost-effective solution to rapidly and accurately sift through massive amounts of security data to find the anomalous behavior that signals a cyberattack
Read MoreWhat Is Cyber-Security?
Cyber-security is a field that covers methodologies and technologies used to safeguard an organization’s computer systems, networks, data and users from cyberattacks. The goal is to protect all corporate assets from unauthorized access and damage, whether that be due to hackers or from natural disasters. Cyberattacks occur on a daily
Read MoreCyberthreat News For the Week Leading Up to the Presidential Election
The FBI and other federal agencies have released a webpage with the latest cyberthreat news ahead of next week’s election. The page includes statements from the agencies on foreign actors trying to influence or disrupt the electoral process through social media disinformation campaigns and phishing attacks. A ransomware attack wiped
Read MoreThree Key Areas of Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity protects computer systems, applications, devices and data from ransomware and other malware threats, phishing scams and data theft. It also safeguards against financial losses due to business outages or compromised customer trust. The field of cybersecurity involves many skills, including technical know-how, risk management and people-oriented thinking. The cost
Read MoreThe Benefits of Cybersecurity
We rely on computers and the internet for communication (email, social media, texts), entertainment (interactive video games, movies, music) and work (remote access to data and information platforms). As a result, our data is more vulnerable than ever to cyberattacks. Cybersecurity protects our technology platforms by ensuring their integrity, availability
Read MoreHow to Spot Malware Before It Happens
Malware is any computer program designed for nefarious purposes like gathering sensitive information, monitoring web browsing and keyboard activity, accessing private systems or even stealing or destroying data. Viruses, Trojan horses, worms, spyware, adware, bots and ransomware are all types of malware that have been used to gain illicit entry
Read MoreWhat is a Data Breach?
A data breach is an incident in which confidential, private or protected information is exposed to someone that isn’t authorized to see it. This can happen due to both accidental events (like an employee emailing confidential data to the wrong person) or malicious acts by outside attackers (who may be
Read MoreThe Basics of a Firewall
Firewalls protect private networks, endpoint devices within those networks, and the data traveling between them. They work by examining each packet of information that comes into a network, and then based on pre-programmed rules either allows the information to enter or blocks it from entering. Firewalls are designed to prevent
Read MoreHow a Firewall Protects Your Computers and Networks
Firewalls are either hardware devices or software programs that protect your computers and networks from attacks like viruses, malware, and hackers. They do this by examining the data that goes in and out of your network, looking for suspicious information, and keeping bad stuff out. They also allow the data
Read MoreAI Cybersecurity
AI cybersecurity uses machine learning to protect systems against phishing attacks, ransomware, spoofed websites and other malware. It can detect patterns in users’ behavior that might indicate a cyberattack and help security teams to take quick action before attackers do significant damage. AI’s ability to work around the clock and
Read MoreWhat Is Digital Security?
Digital security is a multidimensional discipline that encompasses a broad range of technical, procedural, and strategic measures. Also known as cybersecurity, it’s an important topic in the world of IT and a top concern for both businesses and individuals. Learn more about this fascinating and growing field, as well as
Read MoreWhat is Phishing?
Phishing is a form of social engineering attack that involves tricking victims into providing confidential information or credentials to attackers. The attackers use this stolen information or credentials to cause various types of damages. Attackers collect information manually or through automated means depending on the situation (Ollmann, 2004). The attacks
Read MoreTurning Cybersecurity Into a Growth Opportunity
Cybersecurity is about protecting devices, data and systems from threats like hackers, viruses and spam. This includes implementing powerful information storage mechanisms and employing authentication protocols like two-factor or multi-factor. It also encompasses education and training to make employees security-aware. Cybersecurity professionals can work in a wide range of organizations,
Read MoreWhat Causes a Data Breach?
Data Breach A data breach occurs when hackers steal or otherwise expose sensitive information about a company’s customers, employees, vendors or other stakeholders. This information can include financial information, passwords and personal identifiers such as names, addresses, phone numbers and dates of birth. Attackers typically infiltrate systems to steal or
Read MoreProtecting Against Ransomware
Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts files on individual computers and entire networks. Attackers then hold data hostage until victims pay a fee to regain access. The threat is especially serious for organizations of all sizes. When a company’s critical data is held for ransom, the impact can
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