A cyber threat is any circumstance or event that threatens an organization’s assets, functions, image, and reputation through unauthorized access, destruction, disclosure, modification, or denial of service. A strong cybersecurity policy and infrastructure protects organizations against these threats.
Cyberattacks are on the rise, targeting everything from medical records and personal data to critical infrastructure like power grids, airport runways, and oil pipelines. Attacks can disrupt services, steal information, and cause long-term damage. It’s more important than ever for businesses to invest in cybersecurity to prevent, detect, and respond to cyberattacks.
Attackers are motivated by a range of factors. Some are financially driven, aiming to steal money or valuable financial assets, like intellectual property. Others may have ideological motivations, like hacktivism, bringing about social or political change by attacking companies that contradict their beliefs.
Modern cyberattacks are striking with stunning speed. In 2023, the average “breakout time” for attackers to move laterally within a network decreased by nearly a third. This rapid progression can leave an organization with little time to react or contain the threat.
Regulatory frameworks like HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR require that organizations follow strict guidelines to protect personal and sensitive information. Failure to comply can result in heavy penalties. But there’s more to cybersecurity than compliance — protecting against a growing number of sophisticated attacks requires more advanced tools and stronger defenses.