We live in an era of digital evolution where we all have a complete track record of social and internet life. The digital prints have a trail of history. The truth is, there is no life without the internet and digital gadgets. Everything is connected to digital advancement. Whether it’s our personal life or profession, the IT industry has taken things to the next level. The high-end technologies, machinery, robots, software, digital banking, and many more things have added a new value to our lives. However, every ease comes with a price.
With each passing day, hackers and cyber attackers face a new hurdle in their quest to infiltrate these technologies to collect data and establish their worth. We’re not talking about ethical hacking here; we’re talking about malicious intent.
Digital footprints can be traced back by accurate forensic:
Let’s talk about data and privacy for a minute and consider a little-known fact: data cannot be deleted. Yes! True, you can erase or remove it, but a good extraction can reverse the process. That is why sensitive information is always burnt out or crashed away to prevent any harm to any organization. It all comes together with cyber security and data and IT forensics.
IT forensics is a significant domain these days. All buckled up to trace down every fishy and usual activity over the internet. IT forensics is based on checking for every possible intrusion and tracing the source of the assault. In short, forensic experts are dedicated to keeping the data secure in the most robust layers possible and tracking down the trespassers to keep you safe. So it means we stand a chance of safe internet surfing. However, What will IT forensics do for us? How Will Forensics Shape the Future of Cybersecurity? How can an organization stay safe and data remain untouched? What can be the solution to keep in a safe zone? Above all, what kind of cyber-attacks are there to prevent any digitally dangerous situation? To get the answers, keep reading below.
Before getting into further details, let’s have a look at the most common cyber attacks any organization can face:
In the light of research: there are three categories of cyber attacks:
- Cybercrimes: People or hackers who try to steal money or sensitive information. Such people can work in groups or individually to conduct the heist.
- Cyberattacks: In such attacks, the political connection is involved where delicate information is the real target.
- Cyber terrorism: The latest threat to the world, to create fear and panic in the people all around the globe.
Now moving towards the next phase, the methods to attack any organization. You may have heard a few terms commonly linked to hacking or manipulating delicate information; however, there are several different ways to control a device. Professional hackers use such methods.
- Malware: This software spreads the virus to damage your data or electronic device. Such viruses spread through SMS, emails, or attachments.
Let’s have a look at the types of malware.
- Virus: It is a self-replicating file that cleans or damages the existing files and spreads the virus over your device.
- Trojan: It is software that hackers make you download to your digital device to take control of it. It can be any movie, game, file, attachment that can be easily downloaded on your device.
- Spyware: This program copy or capture any data, and it is mainly used to capture credit card details and passwords. It is like making copies of your used website to capture sensitive information.
- Ransomware: Such a program attacks the device and locks the user’s file. After that, it shows a message to pay the hacker; otherwise, everything will get erased.
- Adware: Ads that spread awareness about malware; however, they carry a virus.
- Botnets: This one is undoubtedly for criminal activities. It is a network of malware that attacks a device and gives control to the hacker without the user’s permission.
- SQL injection: It is an attack on the database to hijack all the information for the ransom money. It will also create a hidden leakage in the sensitive information that can cause a cascade.
- Phishing: Here comes the most common cyber threat. It is the most simple one, as it starts to work by only clicking on a link that will let the hacker control your device. According to CROWDSTRIKE, phishing is one the most used cyber threat to get control of delicate data. Most middle-aged people get trapped in it as such emails come with a link or file that contains a virus. Most of the time, these emails or SMS are about a lottery you won that makes a person click on the link to claim the prize money.
- Man in the middle attack: It is like taping a phone; yes, you may have heard of it in movies. It’s like extracting the information from a call or chat. It is mainly linked to politics and big scams as experts decode the conversation and extract the information they want.
- Denial of service attack: This is the most common way to control without suspicious activity. It’s similar to completing a task to gain access to a website. In the meantime, attackers get access to your device and do the rest.
How to prevent cyber attacks?
There are multiple ways to avoid such situations; however, the honey trap is too strong for ordinary men. But some simple practices can help you out.
- Update your passwords regularly and always use complex passwords with special characters in them.
- Avoid downloading any cracked version of the software.
- Always use authentic links to access any website.
- Report any suspicious activity.
- Block the unknown email senders.
- Always take your time before opening any attachment or link.
- Keep your device’s password protected.
- Always keep an upgraded anti-virus on your devices.
Conclusion
The current world is all about digital devices, the internet, and, most important, data. This mesh connects everyone with a strong cord that an ordinary man can’t break. The same goes with the organizations where data is the real wealth. It is essential to have a functional IT department prepare for the worst times with proper tools and techniques to avoid such incidents. Such IT departments are also crucial to keep track of your employees’ activities and detect breaches or any suspicious file on any device. Preventing such mishaps only needs a closer observation and vigilant behavior towards the issues. Still, if you face any problem, cyber cells are active all around the globe to help you out.