As more and more of our business is carried out online, and further innovation allows greater and more efficient use of the Internet with increased use of data, this also allows greater opportunities for those with less honourable intentions. Cyber criminals are increasingly sophisticated in their methods of attack, and it is imperative that businesses are aware of the various types of attacks, bearing in mind that criminals are often one step ahead.
Although a comprehensive review of the various forms of attack is beyond its scope, this article focuses on the most common form of cyber-attacks.
- Phishing
Phishing emails often include a link that directs the user to a dummy site that will steal a user’s information. It is vital to examine such emails carefully to verify its source.
- Malware
Malware is a generic term for a variety of threats including trojans, viruses and worms. Malware typically steals data or destroys something on the computer. Users should avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown senders and deploy updated firewalls. It’s also vital to ensure your computer’s operating system uses the most up-to-date security updates.
- Distributed Denial of service (DDoS)
A DDoS attack focuses on disrupting service to a network. This involves the attacker using multiple computers to send the traffic or data that will overload a network, which can have serious consequences relating to security and online access.
- Password attacks
A password attack is carried out by using software to gain access to systems by cracking a user’s password. It is vital to enforce a strong password policy, using a combination of upper and lower case letters, symbols and numbers and having at least eight characters. Regularly changing and not reusing passwords is also advisable
If you would like to book an appointment with one of our cyber specialists then please visit www.cyberlaw.co.uk
