A cybersecurity threat is any situation that could negatively impact an information system through unauthorized access, destruction, disclosure, modification of data or denial of service. This includes exploitation of vulnerabilities in hardware, software or firmware that allows attackers to access devices, eavesdrop on conversations and manipulate data. Malware like phishing emails, drive-by downloads and USB infections deliver malicious code that can steal sensitive information, disable systems or hijack them for criminal purposes. Man-in-the-middle attacks allow attackers to spoof and impersonate trusted entities, and bots can automate activities with malicious intent.
Cyberattacks can have a huge financial impact on businesses of all sizes. Ransom payments, forensic investigations, regulatory fines and legal fees add up quickly. In addition, damage to reputation and customer dissatisfaction can have long-term impacts. The threat is even greater as innovation, hyper-connectivity and digital dependencies outpace our cybersecurity defenses.
People are an indispensable asset, but they’re also the weakest link when it comes to preventing cyber incidents. In fact, human error is responsible for 95% of breaches. It’s important to train employees on how to avoid common threats, but many organizations fail to protect their people from the most dangerous attacks.
Cyberattacks come from all directions, including nation-states, rogue terrorist organizations and criminal groups. But most of all, they’re launched by people who seek profit or power for personal reasons. Disgruntled or former employees may launch an attack to steal data and sell it, or to harm an organization that they feel treated them unfairly. Other hackers, known as white-hat hackers, do it for the intellectual challenge and to help organizations improve their security defenses. These researchers, along with those who create and strengthen open-source tools, make the internet safer for everyone.