Types of cybersecurity threats

Types of Cybersecurity Threats

Phishing

Phishing is the practice of sending fraudulent emails that resemble emails from reputable sources. The aim is to steal sensitive data like credit card numbers and login information. It’s the most common type of cyber-attack. You can help protect yourself through education or a technology solution that filters malicious emails. 

Social Engineering

Social engineering is a tactic that adversaries use to trick you into revealing sensitive information. They can solicit a monetary payment or gain access to your confidential data. Social engineering can be combined with any of the threats listed above to make you more likely to click on links, download malware, or trust a malicious source. 

Malware

Malware, also known as malicious software, is a collective term for malicious software designed to infiltrate and harm computer systems or networks. It includes viruses, worms, trojan horses, ransomware, and other harmful programs created to steal data, disrupt operations, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. 

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malicious software. It is designed to extort money by blocking access to files or the computer system until the ransom is paid. Paying the ransom does not guarantee that the files will be recovered or the system restored. 

Data Breach

A data breach (also called a security breach) occurs when there is unauthorized access to information that is intended or required to be stored securely. It’s common to think of a data breach as relating solely to the loss of electronically stored data. But, a data breach may occur anytime sensitive information is released or accessed, regardless of the format in which the information is stored.