With data breaches filling the headlines on a regular basis, information awareness is at an all-time high. Attackers have responded to technological changes by sharpening their toolbelts to gain access to sensitive data. Cyber security is more important than ever. Consequently, users are changing how they access the web.
Dynamic Threats Led to Technological Advancement
In past, cyber attacks were much more simple in nature. Many offenders only focused on one device at a time, and their efforts were much easier to intercept.
Now, attacks often span across multiple devices and networks. As a result, organizations and individuals have had to change the way they interact with online data.
When it comes to cyber attacks, it’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when it will happen.
The increased use of mobile devices and cloud technology is just one factor to consider. Technology, across the board, has soared in the past five years. As a result, devices and cyber security measures need to keep up.
Users Have More Responsibility
Cyber threat and malware management used to solely be a job for IT professionals and technical support providers. Users weren’t expected to be as literate in risk prevention and information security.
In the past few years, it’s become imperative for users to stay on top of decisions regarding the devices and the networks they use.
Simply installing an antivirus program isn’t enough anymore. Individuals who store sensitive data online or on network-enabled devices need to be active participants in the protection of their information.
Increased Cybersecurity Has Driven Innovation
This increase in online awareness and damage control hasn’t bottlenecked the development of new programs and devices. Increased measures toward digital security have actually served as a catalyst for technological advancement.
To stay ahead of the curve, and potential security threats, users and developers have taken a proactive approach to problem solving. Manufacturers are always on the lookout for new ways to keep user data secure.
From mobile device management to monitoring software, you can employ an arsenal of protective measures. Hiring a professional service that specialises in cybersecurity and compliance with data protection laws is also a highly recommended course of action, as they will be able to protect your business at a very high standard. There are now more ways than ever to ensure that your sensitive information remains in the right hands.
Ransomware Use Grew Dramatically
Over the years, multiple high-profile cyber attacks have peppered the news. Ranging from information leaks to identity theft, digital criminals are getting even more creative.
The frequency of ransomware, or the extortion of digital data for the purpose of monetary gain, has risen exponentially.
Some of the most well-known ransomware attacks in the past five years include WannaCry and SimpleLocker. In recent years, attackers have preferred to solicit payment in the form of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.
Additionally, growing dependence on mobile applications and devices gives attackers even more ways to access personal data.
Attacks Occur on a Much Larger Scale
The biggest data breach in history occurred in 2013. Hackers gained access to data from the entire Yahoo user base. In total, three billion accounts were compromised.
This breach caused Yahoo to face at least 40 consumer-based lawsuits. As a result, the company’s sale price was reduced by $350 million.
Yahoo’s infiltration is just one example, and high-scale data breaches continue to happen on a regular basis. Only now, more accounts are being targeted. Hackers are much more organized and dynamic as a whole.
Another major attack, which happened in 2015, targeted the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. More than four million personnel files were compromised. This exposed sensitive information from millions of people, such as fingerprints and background investigation files.
The cyber security is more important than ever. Cyber criminals are moving faster than the growth of technology.
In the past five years, online security measures have shifted drastically. And, they’re expected to keep changing and growing. As we become even more dependent on technology, we need to adjust cyber security measures to ensure that our data is safe and protected.
