Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated, and their targets are expanding. Attackers target individuals and businesses using the same tools and resources that large enterprises use. And they can take advantage of the proliferation of connected devices like smart appliances, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, and personal devices that are used for both business and pleasure.
These threats can take many forms: phishing, ransomware, malware, and zero-day exploits. Zero-day exploits are vulnerabilities that cybercriminals know about before the vendor releases a patch, giving attackers an advantage. Ransomware encrypts files and/or systems in order to extort money. Malware infiltrates a device by hiding in malicious advertising and other legitimate programs, such as video games. Regardless of the type of attack, millions of people lack the knowledge and awareness to recognize and report cyberattacks.
The most serious cyber threat comes from nation-state hackers. Russia, for example, is suspected of hacking into the Office of Personnel Management to steal the information of 20 million federal employees. Other countries like Iran and North Korea also have the capability to launch high-profile cyberattacks. These types of attacks often involve targeting political entities, stealing industrial secrets, or threatening the availability of critical infrastructure.
Protecting the cyberspace is everyone’s responsibility – from individual consumers, to small and medium-sized businesses, to local governments, telecommunications providers, and federal agencies. It requires advanced technology solutions that can address three core entities: endpoints such as computers and smart devices; networks; and the cloud. These solutions should include next-generation firewalls, DNS filtering, malware protection software, and email security solutions.