The
Importance of Information and System Security
Our personal and professional worlds rely heavily on computer
systems, so information and systems security have become more critical than
ever. Cybersecurity must be a priority not only for individuals but also for
organizations of all sizes. Our personal and sensitive information, such as
credit card and Social Security numbers, can be compromised without appropriate
security measures. Personal data stored on individual computers, like passwords
and private communications, are also susceptible to these kinds of attacks.
This information can be exploited without consent, and the consequences of
these types of breaches could include the loss of finances and reputation.
Being able to understand threats is essential to developing effective defense
strategies. In this discussion, I will focus on phishing and malware/ransomware
to illustrate the severity and frequency of these cybersecurity threats
worldwide.
Phishing
Phishing attacks exploit human vulnerabilities to gain
unauthorized access to sensitive information due to their initial trust. These
attacks are often delivered by deceptive emails, text messages (smishing), or
fraudulent websites designed to appear legitimate. Attackers commonly attempt
to deceive users into clicking malicious links or divulging confidential
information such as login credentials or banking details. In many workplaces,
IT and cybersecurity teams actively distribute simulated phishing emails to
raise awareness and encourage employee vigilance. For instance, an employee
might mistakenly respond to a fraudulent email disguised as a message from
their supervisor, thereby compromising confidential company data. The
consequences of a successful phishing attack may include unauthorized access to
personal or corporate accounts, financial theft, and identity fraud.
Individuals can use numerous preventative measures to reduce
the risk of phishing, and one of those steps is practicing caution before
clicking links or opening attachments. Users should always check who an email
is from and watch out for signs of a scam, like bad spelling or strange links.
It is also good practice to use two-factor authentication
(2FA). This defense adds an extra step, like a code sent to your phone, which I
recommend rather than an email notification, so even if someone gets your
password, they still cannot get into your account without that second code.
Verification of email senders and remaining alert for common indicators of
scams, such as spelling errors or suspicious links, are high priorities when
preventing phishing. Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) has also
become a widely recommended security practice. In this method, an extra layer
of protection is added due to the user needing a second verification code to access the information.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (2023), phishing scams continue to be
one of the top threats to consumers, with attackers becoming increasingly
sophisticated in their attempts to mimic legitimate communications.
Malware and Ransomware
Malware is
software developed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer
systems, services, or networks. Destructive malware can present a direct threat
to an organization’s daily operations, impacting the availability of critical
assets and data (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, 2022). You will notice a system has been affected by
malware may because it may become sluggish in performance, have unexpected
error messages, or fail. Ransomware functions by encrypting a user's files or
locking them out of their system, subsequently demanding payment in exchange
for access. In ransomware incidents, access to vital files can be blocked
entirely, with attackers demanding ransom payments under the threat of
permanent data loss. There are several ways to defend against malware and
ransomware. One way to protect against ransomware is to regularly back up your
data so you can recover your system without paying hackers. It is also important to keep your software
up to date since updates often fix security issues that criminals try to
exploit. Cyber threats are always changing, so it is important to keep
improving your defenses.
Computers are a big part of everyday life but can be
vulnerable to attacks and steps need to be taken to protect information. This
can be done by making sure everyone stays alert updating software when
available, using two-factor authentication, and making sure to keep secure
backups, users can significantly lower the risk of being hacked through
proactive measures as they serve a critical defense strategy in the ongoing
effort to protect digital assets and privacy from malicious actors.
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Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency. (2022). Ransomware guide. https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa22-057a
Federal Trade
Commission. (2023). How to recognize and avoid phishing scams. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams
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