Threat - #CyberSecurity

Hello everyone as already mentioned in the previous article, now we will discuss about Threat, so what is a threat?

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A cybersecurity threat refers to any malicious or potentially harmful activity that aims to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of computer systems, networks, or data. Cybersecurity threats can come in various forms, including viruses, malware, ransomware, phishing, social engineering, and more.

Hackers, cybercriminals, and other malicious actors exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or to disrupt essential services. For instance, they may use malware to steal passwords, personal information, or financial data, or they may launch denial-of-service attacks to overload servers and prevent users from accessing websites or services.

Cybersecurity threats are becoming more sophisticated and widespread, and they can have severe consequences for individuals, businesses, and governments. They can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, legal liabilities, and even national security threats. Therefore, it is essential to take cybersecurity seriously and implement effective measures to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats.

Cyber security threats can be divided into two types: external threats and internal threats. External threats come from outside the organization, such as hackers, cybercriminals, or other countries, while internal threats come from within the organization, such as employees orformer employees. Here is a more detailed explanation of each type of threat:

A. INTERNAL THREAT

Internal threat in the context of cyber security refers to threats that originate from within an organization or company, which can be carried out by employees, former employees, or individuals who have access to the company's system or network. Internal threats can include:

• Insider Threat: Threats from within the organization can come from dissatisfied employees, angry former employees, or employees who are unaware of their actions. Internal threats can include data theft or deletion, software destruction, or leakage of confidential information. Facilitating an attack from outside by connecting infected USB media to the company's computer system.
• Human Error: Internal threats can also come from human error, such as sending an email to the wrong address, leaving a laptop open, or sharing a password with unauthorized individuals, inadvertently inviting malware into the network through email or malicious websites.
• Data Fraud or Misuse: Employees may steal or misuse data stored in the organization's system. Employees who have access to sensitive data can exploit this access for personal or commercial purposes.
• Administrative Errors: Errors in system configuration or management can create vulnerabilities that can be exploited by unauthorized parties.

Internal threats also have the potential to cause greater damage than external threats because internal users have direct access to the building and its infrastructure. Employees also have knowledge of the company's network, resources, and confidential data, as well as various levels of user or administrative privileges.

B. EXTERNAL THREAT

External threats in the context of cybersecurity are related to threats originating from outside the organization or company, which can be carried out by cybercriminals, hackers, or unauthorized parties to access or damage the company's systems or networks. External threats can include:

• Malware attacks: Cybercriminals can send malware into the company's system or network through phishing emails, insecure websites, or infected storage devices.
• DDoS attacks: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks can be carried out to make the company's network non-functional by flooding the network traffic with irrelevant requests.
• Phishing attacks: Phishing attacks involve email scams designed to trick company employees into disclosing important information such as passwords or financial details.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks: MitM attacks involve a third party attempting to access or manipulate communication between two legitimate parties, such as between employees and the organization's security system.
• Zero-day attacks: Zero-day attacks involve cybercriminals exploiting software vulnerabilities that are unknown to the developer.

External threats can be dangerous and highly detrimental, and can cause significant losses to an organization or company, such as theft of confidential data, system destruction, or theft of intellectual property. Therefore, organizations should take appropriate measures to prevent and detect external threats as quickly as possible. This includes using strong security software, regularly monitoring networks, and training employees to recognize phishing attacks and other cyber threats.

Avoiding cyber security threats from both internal and external sources can be done through several steps as follows:

• Increasing user awareness: Provide cyber security training to employees and users to identify threats and safe behavior when using systems and applications.
• Using security software: Install antivirus software, firewalls, and other security applications on systems and networks.
• Performing system patching and updates: Regularly update operating systems, software, and applications to avoid vulnerabilities and security gaps.
• Using encryption: Encrypt sensitive data when stored or transferred to prevent data leaks.
• Limiting user access: Provide appropriate access based on employees' tasks and responsibilities. Do not give unnecessary access to employees.
• Using multi-factor authentication: Use a combination of more than one authentication factor, such as passwords and tokens, to strengthen access security.
• Conducting monitoring: Routinely monitor system and network activities to detect suspicious activity or cyber security threats.
• Creating security policies and procedures: Create clear and consistent security policies and procedures for all users and employees.
• Keeping data backups: Regularly back up data to avoid data loss due to attacks or system damage.

By implementing these steps, organizations can reduce the risk of cyber security threats from both internal and external sources. However, protection from cyber security threats must continue to be improved as the threats and attack techniques continue to evolve.

As individuals who understand the importance of cyber security, we must not only raise awareness for ourselves but also work towards raising awareness and ensuring the safety of others from all cyber threats. This is especially important if we are part of an organization or company that holds important data that needs to be protected. This awareness will greatly benefit ourselves, our environment, and even the company we work for.

Overall, cyber security threats continue to evolve and become more complex with the advancement of technology. These threats can come from within or outside the organization and can have a negative impact on the organization's systems and data if not addressed properly. Therefore, awareness of cyber security and appropriate preventive measures are crucial to be implemented by organizations and individuals. By doing so, we can help reduce the risk of cyber security attacks and protect our systems, data, and identities from potential threats. Keep learning about the latest trends and technologies in cyber security and always be vigilant of any signs of cyber security threats that may arise.

That's all about cyber security threat, in the next article we will discuss about cyber war and its effects to us.

Mini E-book :

1. Versi Bahasa Indonesia : Unduh disini
2. English Version : Download here

References :

1. International Journal of Information and Computer Security

2. www.cisco.com

3. www.cssia.org

4. www.lms.onnocenter.or.id

Posted on 2023-02-26

Author : Ichsan Budiman Putra

Note : If you find some grammar mistakes in my writing, could you please correct me? Thank's...