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What Is BCM and How Does it Relate to Cyber Security?
Business continuity management is the advanced planning and preparation of a company to continue functioning or quickly resume operations after a disaster has occurred on the premises. It is usually done through continuity management software that is efficient and simplifies the work processes. Such a product also defines potential risks to cybersecurity and physical threats like fire or flood.
Managers tend to plan and identify a potential crisis within their company before it happens. They create procedures and plans and test them to validate the functionality. Periodically, these structures are reviewed and tested so that they stay up to date and operational.
Business Continuity Management Structure
In addition to preventing disasters and eliminating risks, it is key to enable operations before and during the disaster recovery. To do this most efficiently, setting solid BCM frameworks beforehand is crucial. Companies develop various policies and strategies that can be used when such an incident occurs.
BCM Strategies
The strategies define the management structure and the key parties, and they present why business continuity is a necessity in this phase. For instance, the starting component of a well-defined business continuity management strategy is knowing who is responsible for developing a business continuity plan checklist. The second component is selecting a team that is responsible for the implementation of such a checklist.
Defining the scope of the BCM is vital so that each involved party knows what this means for the organization and why it is essential to implement it well.
Scope Definition
Although the answers will be different for each organization, some of these questions are still key components in creating a well-defined BCM scope.
– Is the goal to keep applications operational?
– Are we working towards making all data accessible in times of an incident?
– Is the aim to keep products and services available?
– Or is the goal to keep physical locations and people safe?
Organizations need to be certain about what they cover with their business continuity management plan to undertake every needed step towards ensuring proper implementation. During this phase, management needs to assign roles and responsibilities and communicate them well to all affected parties.
Roles and Responsibilities
These will depend on the organization and may be based on the company’s job functions or, more precisely defined, based on the type of risk involved. People who get the roles may be based on previous experience or job-related tasks that fall in line with their specialty within the organization. Whatever the deciding process may be, it is of utmost importance that the structure, scope, and roles are clearly communicated and well supported.
Risk Assessment
The risk assessment encompasses the following forms of threats:
– Internal players
– Bad actors
– Competitor’s breach
– Market conditions
– Domestic and international political affairs
– Natural disasters
Depending on the organization’s nature and structure, there may be other potential risks to this list. To define all and prepare for each one, management should create threat and risk assessment plans that will help in the process. Here are some additional potential threats:
– The effect that personnel loss can have on the company
– Changes in market trends or customer preferences
– The company’s agility level when responding to security-related incidents
– Financial structure and volatility
Each of these risks needs to be detailed and planned. In the following phase of business continuity management, the company will need to determine the likelihood and the potential impact of each risk.
When the probability and potential impact have been determined, the organization can see which risks are a priority to handle or prepare. Then, as the importance is identified and the possible solutions found, the organization can evaluate and price all processes.
Of course, it is important to note that the business continuity plans evolve. Evaluating and pricing potential risks and their probability is an ongoing process that needs to be addressed regularly. Nothing is static as new technologies, geopolitical matters, and competition evolves continuously.
Agile Disaster Recovery
How well a company recovers from a disaster is determined by the quality of the preparations with the business continuity management process beforehand. The recovery of a disaster depends on the team’s activity and the work done to evaluate and remediate the risks. When recovering from a disaster, the organization is in specific incident planning as opposed to broader planning.
After the incident has occurred, the teams in charge need to communicate the tasks well and revise the set plans accordingly. Following the initial business continuity management, planning is crucial in handling the problems and recovering quickly.
Communication as Part of Business Continuity Management
Communication is critical in handling all BCM plans appropriately. This segment needs to be clear and transparent. This way, the organization can communicate with the customers, employees, stakeholders, and partners during and after an incident.
All messages must come from a unified corporate voice and be consistent.
The Potential Risks of a Lacking Business Continuity Management
There are many risks to not having a correctly set BCM plan or lacking one completely. From losing partners to losing customers and profits, here are some of the most significant problems that lie in ill-prepared BCM strategies.
– Prolonged downtime for all applications, systems, and cloud-based servers. The downtime can result in the loss of ample revenue.
– Loss of credibility in the eyes of consumers, stockholders, and partners. The brand identity an organization has been building for years could be lost in a matter of hours or days.
– Plummeting customer retention.
Business Continuity Management Bottom Line
By the end of this article, you have understood how important it is to have a solid business continuity management strategy in place. Establishing such a framework increases a company’s agility to handle potential risks and recover quickly without generating major losses in any segment of its working. Business continuity management should be an essential part of organizational culture in all organizations regardless of the industry and size.
Recent Hacks and their effects have been amplified by a drastic shift to a work-from-home strategy that expanded an already dynamic and fragile cyber threat landscape. Forced lockdowns and other control measures required organizations to uptake new technologies and operations to facilitate the adoption of remote working frameworks. For example, cloud services’ adoption rate skyrocketed since it gave an impetus for embracing new remote working methodologies.
As a result, the remote working culture saw a significant rise in cyber-attacks, such as phishing and ransomware attacks against health institutions. An expanded cyber threat environment caused the cybersecurity approaches of most enterprises to cave in, such that there was an accelerated rate of more breaches and hacks. According to a risk-based security report, more than 36 billion files and records were exposed in different cyber incidents in 2020.
Now that the COVID-19 vaccine spells hope amid an eventful 2020, we need to understand the top breaches and hacks that made headlines in the past year, including the lessons learned to strengthen cybersecurity processes and policies, controls, and practices.
Recent Hacks and Data Breaches
Recent Hack: Twitter Hack
The Twitter hack makes it to the top of the list of most notable breaches in recent months, not because it exposed numerous user accounts, but due to the prominent individuals whose accounts were hacked. A hacking incident in July 2020 left the micro-blogging platform fighting for its reputation since it compromised almost 130 user accounts.
One of the reasons why the breach made headlines the world over is the number of global superstars and celebrities whose handles were hacked. The Twitter accounts of prominent individuals breached in the attack included stars and corporate magnets like Jeff Bezos (Amazon CEO), Kanye West (rapper), Kim Kardashian (a global TV personality), Barack Obama (US ex-president), and Bill Gates (co-founder at Microsoft).
Fortunately, the FBI tracked three people believed to have masterminded the largest Twitter breach and pressed felony charges on various counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering crimes, and unauthorized computer intrusion.
Recent Hack: Data Breach at MGM Resorts
In February 2020, MGM Resorts, one of the largest hotels and casinos in the US, reported a massive data breach that compromised almost 10.6 million guests. Upon discovering the incident, the entity sought the assistance of two cybersecurity companies to investigate the hack. It also enhanced its cyber defenses to prevent similar breaches in the future.
Although MGM Resorts suffered a large data breach, it was fortunate that the breach data did not involve financial information or personal details, such as passports and personal identification documents like the license or social security numbers. All the same, MGM Resorts was quick to advise all its guests, whether affected by the breach or not, to reset their passwords and monitor their accounts for unusual activities.
Recent Hack: Marriott International Breach
Marriot International was the unlucky victim of a cyber incident that compromised the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of personal information belonging to approximately 5.2 million guests. When announcing the breach in March 2020, the hospitality group stated that there was evidence the attack began in mid-January 2020, and it was not discovered till February the same year. At that point, it was too late.
According to the hotel’s official statement, the cyberattack compromised the guests’ sensitive personal information, such as birth dates, gender, loyalty account numbers, room numbers that specific guests preferred, employer names, email addresses, and names. Nevertheless, Marriot International reported that passwords, payment details, and passport information were not compromised during the hack.
An investigation of the data hack revealed that an unknown third-party had used the login credentials of employees working at a group hotel under the Marriot’s operations, franchise, and brand to access the sensitive information. In response, Marriot International reported the incident to the investigating authorities and notified everyone affected during the data breach incidence. The hotel took a further step by setting up a website whose purpose was to assist the impacted guests.
Recent Hacks: Zoom Login Credentials Exposed in a Data Breach
Zoom, a video calling and conference platform, became a global sensation after countries began enforcing lockdown and work from home measures. In April 2020, news broke that hackers had stolen and put up at least 500,000 Zoom usernames and passwords for sale. The attackers uploaded the stolen credentials to the dark web, where they gave some freely while the hackers sold others as little as a penny each.
Security researchers at IntSights, a threat intelligence provider, investigated the incident and found the cyber actors behind the breach utilized a credential stuffing technique to gain access to the passwords. According to the investigation results, IntSights researchers found that the hackers used a four-phased approach to execute the data breach.
The first step was collecting databases from various dark web supermarkets and online crime platforms and forums containing passwords and usernames exposed in past attacks, with some dating from 2013. While they may seem outdated, individuals with unhygienic cybersecurity practices tend to reuse usernames and passwords across different platforms. The credentials were not used in past Zoom attacks but consisted of a vast collection of recycled, stolen credentials. Perhaps that explains why the prices were low while some were given away free of charge.
Secondly, the attackers needed to write a configuration file to be used as a testing tool for application stress. The hackers required the configuration file to point the stress tool to the application. In the third step, the hackers employed the credential stuffing attack technique, where they used numerous bots to hide the same IP address used to check multiple Zoom user accounts. The hackers took an extra step to hide their tracks by introducing lags in between credential stuffing attempts in a bid to retain a semblance of normal Zoom account usage. Introducing lags protected the hack from being identified as a denial of service (DoS) attack.
During the final phase of the attack, the involved hackers looked for credentials that indicate a successful login attempt. The process returned some additional information, such as meeting URLs and names. The hackers then collected all valid user details, collated them, and bundled them as a sale database.
Most of the impacted accounts belonged to colleges, including the University of Colorado, University of Florida, University of Vermont, Lafayette, Dartmouth, and renowned companies like Citibank and Chase. The compromised credentials comprised personal meeting URLs, passwords, email addresses, and host keys which permitted the malicious cyber actors to join meetings and execute Zoomboming attacks.
Recent Hacks: Wishbone Data Breach
An unidentified group of hackers was selling a wishbone.io database on the dark web. The database housed at least 40 million records and personal details of various Wishbone users. Wishbone provides users with a platform to compare their social with other users through a voting poll. Cyber adversaries advertised the data across different hacking forums, and the asking price was 0.85 bitcoin ($8,000).
The attackers claimed the data consisted of personal details, including phone numbers, emails, usernames, hashed passwords, and city/country/code. Also, the data comprised Wishbone users’ profile pictures. The attackers published a sample of the data to back up their claims. One particular example showed loaded images of minors, a trendy age category in the Wishbone App.
However, it remained unclear whether the hacker who posted the ads was the actual hacker. Security researchers refer to the individuals who create the ads as data brokers, a cybercrime technique specializing in buying or reselling hacked databases in different hacker forums. The threat actor was also selling databases obtained from other hacked organizations, which totaled more than 1.5 billion records. Some of the databases were from entities that reported data breaches in past years.
Recent Hacks: Unacademy Data Breach
Cyble, a cybersecurity intelligence firm, revealed that Unacademy, an Indian-based online learning platform, had been hacked, compromising the details of more than 22 million users. According to Cyble researchers, an unknown hacker group had put up 21,909,707 account and user records for sale for $2,000 on various dark web forums. The breached information comprises hashed passwords, last login date, first and last account holder’s names, usernames, date of joining, and other user profile or account details.
A small survey of affected users showed that the data on sale was accurate and contained authentic information. The last account to be created in the database is dated January 26, 2020. This information indicates that the cyber actors breached the Unacademy network after the creation of the last account.
Cyble also noted that multiple accounts created using corporate email addresses were stored in the database at the time of the hack. The emails consisted of accounts from Infosys, Facebook, Cognizant, Wipro, and Google. If the users used the same passwords to secure their corporate networks, it could have enabled the malicious actors to penetrate and gain access to the networks.
Attackers behind the attack also claimed that they had exfiltrated additional data other than just the user database. The cyber adversaries alleged to Cyble’s cybersecurity researchers that they had breached the entire database, but they were only user records for sale. Holding back other data indicated that it might have a higher value than the user records.
Recent Hacks: EasyJet Data Breach
EasyJet reported a data breach on May 19, 2020, which it believes was executed by highly sophisticated cyber adversaries. The low-cost, British-based airline group first learned of the breach incidence in January 2020. The company stated that the data breach affected at least 9 million customers and compromised sensitive information, such as travel details and email addresses.
However, the company was quick to point out that of the 9 million customers impacted by the breach incident, it exposed the credit card details of only 2,200 customers. EasyJet further noted that there was no evidence showing that the hackers misused the information for malicious reasons. The company urged all its customers to reset their passwords, monitor their bank accounts to identify suspicious activities and be on the outlook for social engineering emails.
While the company did not disclose the incident through an official notice, it shared with BBC that it informed customers whose credit cards were compromised in early April. However, it was aware of the breach in January. EasyJet did not reveal how the cyber actors compromised its security but noted that the attackers were after its intellectual property. Stealing the customer data could have been a secondary objective.
Recent Hacks: Nintendo Recent Data Breach
Nintendo, Japanese gaming and consumer electronics giant, initially reported a data breach that compromised more than 150,000 gamers’ accounts. However, after conducting an internal investigation, the company revised the number upwards as it confirmed an additional 140,000 accounts had been breached, taking the total number to 300,000.
Nintendo uses a unique Nintendo Network ID (NNID) to identify all users with gaming accounts. The unique NNID is a user ID, and users can link it to other accounts for login purposes. During the attack, the involved hackers exploited vulnerabilities in the NNID login system and gained unauthorized access to linked Nintendo accounts. The attackers made away with users’ sensitive data, including email addresses, countries, nicknames, dates of birth, and other personally identifiable information linked to the compromised NNID accounts.
The company stated that it contacted customers affected by the data breach incidence and rest the passwords of compromised accounts. Also, it reiterated that the breach impacted less than 1% of the user accounts.
News of a possible breach began circulating as early as March 2020 after Nintendo users complained that there were unusual activities in their accounts after being charged for various digital items without their consent. In response, the company sent out a tweet urging all Nintendo users to enable the multi-factor authentication option without providing a reason. Two weeks later, the company admitted that there had been instances of unauthorized access in some accounts.
However, Nintendo did not provide any details of how attackers could have gained unprivileged access to the accounts other than claiming that the hackers used means other than the company’s service to obtain legitimate login credentials. In that case, the implication is that the affected users could have been observing poor password practices such that it was easy to crack the passwords, or they might have reused passwords exposed in previous data breaches.
Recent Hacks: The SolarWinds Hack
The SolarWinds 2020 hack closes our list of the most notable data breaches and hacks in recent months. According to a White House statement, a Russian state-sponsored hacker group known as APT 29 or Cozy Bear executed multiple targeted attacks on various US government agencies by exploiting vulnerabilities and security flaws in the SolarWinds Orion IT management software.
The SolarWinds hack was highly impactful since the attack targeted government agencies holding critical information and responsibilities. In its SEC filing, SolarWinds revealed that the hack had impacted almost 18,000 customers using the SolarWinds management software and stated that it notified all affected customers.
However, the company did not disclose the affected customers’ names and took down its client list before revealing the attack. Nevertheless, the data regulators’ and government’s data breach disclosure policies and procedures require hacked entities to disclose the incidence. As a result, multiple companies and government agencies have come forward to reveal the SolarWinds hack.
Key Takeaways – Recent Hacks and Data Breaches
Today, data breaches are frequently happening and are more severe. The recent cyber incidents discussed above have taught us several lessons to keep in mind and to inspire our cybersecurity strategies:
Many organizations, including small and large enterprises, are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers are continually exploiting existing and emerging vulnerabilities to compromise all companies regardless of their size. Do not be complacent; limit internet access points and surfaces that hackers leverage to exploit.
Even with relevant security controls, back up sensitive data. After patching software and installing appropriate cybersecurity tools, storing crucial information in a separate location from the company’s network is essential.
Tighten up cybersecurity protocols with remote workers. It is misguided to assume all recent hacks come from outside the organizations. In most cases, companies overemphasize external attacks and overlook insider risks. Recent breaches remind us to start by learning how vulnerable our internal controls are, especially as we embrace work-from-home strategies. Enterprises should educate employees always to be vigilant and aware of potential threats.
Avoid ignoring third parties and supply chain attacks. SolarWinds incident is a reminder that an organization’s cybersecurity is as strong as the weakest link. You can secure your network, but it could all be for nothing if you ignore third-party risks.
Patch systems and stay current. Cybercriminals only need to discover one small opening to exploit and wreak havoc. Keep operating systems and software updated to eliminate vulnerabilities.
5G or fifth-generation is an advanced wireless network technology developed based on 802.11ac IEEE wireless standard. It replaces its predecessor, the fourth-generation network, increasing data transmission and communication by over three times. Most countries are already implementing a global rollout of the technology, and industry experts agree that 5G offers unlimited potential towards enhancing human life. It is considered a key enabler of developing more reliable and fast connections to smartphones and all other smart devices. 5G cybersecurity must be paramount. Some of the key advantages of the network include:
Ability to expand, thus increasing its capacity to connect more people and devices
A lower latency of 1 ms will enable users to come across lesser lags and delays when attempting to access data through the network. A latency of one millisecond is impeccable for fast speeds
5G networks will provide higher data rates, which can range between 1 and 20 Gbit/s, thus enabling users to download massive content quickly.
5G works alongside older 4G and 3G technologies to help drive an unprecedented increase in IoT innovations. It provides the platform required to process vast data amounts to realize a more connected and smarter world. To mention just a few applications, 5G connects everything, including connected autonomous vehicles, enables a surgeon to operate on a patient in a different country in real-time, and enables the realization of smart factories, homes, and cities.
However, the 5G network also raises considerable concerns in the cybersecurity sector. Launching the technology was a physical overhaul of other existing networks that have had huge impacts over the past or so decade. Also, since 5G was a conversion of most software-related networks, implementing future upgrades is like installing new updates to a smartphone or computer program. This is breading numerous cyber vulnerabilities such that security professionals have to contend with retooling tools and procedures to secure this essential network. Pursuing a fully connected future requires the world to place equivalent or greater focus on ensuring the connections, applications, and devices are secure.
Here are the top reasons why the 5G network is refining cybersecurity approaches.
5G cybersecurity use cases
The 5G technologies are being applied in numerous industries to promote better and quality services. As a result, they will have widespread use case scenarios that will need improved security levels. The following use cases are among the top reasons why 5G networks have created a redefinition of cybersecurity approaches.
5G application in IoT
5G rollout connects billions of IoT devices to the internet and supports interconnection between them. It will also contain faster internet speeds, thus allowing the simultaneous link of multiple IoT systems. However, this opens up many avenues and risks of cybercriminals executing different attacks. As a preventive measure, the sensors, radars, and IoT devices will need more sophisticated authentications and complex security controls to protect against unauthorized access and attacks.
Self-driving vehicles
Vehicles with the ability to move from point A to B without a driver are one of the incredible technologies that will be possible under 5G networks. The vehicles use data communicated with other vehicles regarding traffic, weather conditions, and best routes to get around and prevent accidents. They also move around with the help of sensors and radars. One can hence such smart transportation systems are prime targets of attacks. As autonomous vehicles become a reality and more ingrained in transportation, cyberattacks will also increase in intensity and sophistication. Robust security systems will, therefore, require evaluation and implementation.
Applying 5G in healthcare
Integrating 5G technology is revolutionizing the care process. Currently, physicians can use wearable technology to monitor patients remotely. Such wearables collect sensitive information such as blood pressure, heartbeats per minute, and others needed to monitor patients. With 5G, the care processes are expanding to include precision medicine administration, medical prescriptions in response to chronic illnesses, and online consultation and treatment. The data used for remote care provisions must be transmitted securely and be stored safely. Various privacy invasion possibilities might spring up, including theft and compromise of medical data or identity. Prevention will soon entirely rely on well-established cybersecurity measures.
Expanded cyber risks
5G networks, similar to all new technologies, results in an expanded cyber risk surface. The following are some of the widely expected reasons why 5G networks expanded cyber risk surfaces and why new cybersecurity approaches are required.
New network architectures
The 5G network infrastructure is different from that of its predecessors. It has moved from a hardware-based and centralized switching and distribution to a software-defined digital routing approach. The former allowed for the implementation of hub-and-spoke designs such that all activities in a network could be subjected to cyber hygiene practices in hardware choke points. This is not the case for 5G networks. 5G networks are based on a software-defined network where activities are pushed towards digital web routers spread throughout the entire network. As a result, it is impossible to identify or allow chokepoints to be used in security inspection and control. Since it must be secured anyway, it is vital to identify new ways of ensuring cyber hygiene practices are observed.
Software virtualization
5G network technologies lead to more complicated cybersecurity vulnerabilities by virtualizing software to high-level network functions. In older networks, physical appliances were designated to perform such functions. Most of the activities are developed and performed based on the Internet Protocol common languages and popular operating systems. As a result, it is easier for cyber adversaries to attack the software and manipulate them to performing activities aimed at causing harm. Hackers will attempt to compromise virtualized software functions since they can be controlled remotely instead of physical appliances, hence bringing to light the need for better and more sophisticated security solutions. Whether criminal actors or nation-states will target the virtualized software, it is clear that the standardized building systems and block protocols provide malicious users with tools for committing crimes. Thus, cybersecurity solutions for countering them must be developed.
Expanded bandwidth
5G networks have a dramatic bandwidth expansion. This increased bandwidth provides attackers with new avenues for launching cyber-attacks. One of the critical infrastructure requirements for implementing 5G networks is installing physically, short-range, low cost, and small-cell antennas within the area the 5G network should cover. These are the center of attacks as whoever controls them can control some of the network’s aspects. For the cell sites to be functional, they require 5G’s feature-capability known as Dynamic Spectrum Sharing. These allow multiple information streams to share the same bandwidth in the “slices,” and each slice contributes its own cyber risk degree. This means that the cyber protection practices must become dynamic as 5G sees more software permitting network functions to shift more dynamically. Besides, cyber protection should be dynamic rather than depending on the uniform approach of the lowest common factor.
IoT proliferation
Plans are already in place to continue to implement a diverse list of IoT-based applications. These range from use in military operations, transportation, public safety, healthcare, and smart urban centers. The devices permit individuals and organizations alike to run critical processes. However, adding billions of IoT devices also introduces numerous vulnerabilities. All the devices are hackable. This intonates the need to ensure they contain the best controls, access the latest security patches, and are protected using robust anti-malware/antivirus solutions.
Despite this, there are many instances where vendors fail to support their devices. This lack of support results in a failure to mitigate vulnerabilities. This provides hackers with stronger motivation for developing new exploits and using them to hack into the network. As the world continues to embrace 5G networks, it is necessary to adopt new approaches that ensure vendors prioritize IoT security before releasing and deploying devices on the network.
Yet, having recognized that 5G technology has challenged the traditional assumptions made regarding network security and application and IoT devices attached to the network, it isn’t easy to address them. This is due to the following factors:
Procedural rules in the industrial era make it cumbersome in any rulemaking process.
Stakeholders fear that risk factors identified internally can be exposed. This comes precisely when sharing such information regarding risk factors can facilitate a collective defense resulting in greater security value.
How can the world win the 5G race?
In what is considered the most valuable or important network, the real race is how to achieve sufficient cybersecurity solutions to realize unprecedented technological benefits. Here are some of the techniques that have redefined cybersecurity approaches.
Reversing the underinvestment in reducing cyber risks
The importance of proactive investment in cybersecurity cannot be underscored. Even in the older network topologies, a continuously changing environment requires organizations to make substantial investments in new technologies, processes and complying with emerging regulations. For most public companies and huge private corporations, cyber investments are often driven from corporate board levels all the way down to management. On the other hand, small and medium-sized enterprises lack the resources and capacity to invest in IT security, causing cybercriminals to prefer them as the favorite entry points for attacks. 5G technologies require substantial security investments since they breed new risks that can’t be contained using the current traditional means. SMEs, homeowners with smart technologies, and all companies that play a role in providing a critical infrastructure product or service must heavily invest in new processes to proactively address identified cybersecurity risks.
Cybersecurity begins with the 5G technologies themselves.
Most of the leading organizations and network providers involved in 5G commit valuable resources towards ensuring 5G network security. This is a crucial enabler for the technologies to be secure. However, many small and medium-sized internet service providers that serve rural and remote areas are hard-pressed in rationalizing robust cybersecurity processes. For example, a requirement is appointing a dedicated security officer or implementing a cybersecurity ops center that monitors network activities 24/7. Companies with 15 employees or less can find this an immense challenge but still provide 5G network services anyway. Now that all businesses are aware of the 5G cyber risks, they will expect companies providing the network’s services to demonstrate sufficient cybersecurity defenses that can sustain 5G network security. Whether small local ISPs or renowned brand names, they must implement successful cybersecurity programs to stand out.
Adopting lead indicators rather than log indicators
A 2018 report released by the White House indicated that the pervasive underreporting of incidences related to cybersecurity inhibits stakeholders’ ability and involved actors to respond immediately and effectively. Using log indicators regarding cyber-preparedness (post-attack logs) to respond to cyber occurrences has mostly defined the traditional approaches. Some affected companies fail to report some of the log incidences to relevant authorities, thus hampering efforts to remediate them. In such cases, cyber adversaries often get away with their crimes. This cannot be afforded in 5G networks, especially where critical infrastructure is concerned.
As such, 5G networks require adopting a leading indicator method in communicating cyber-preparedness between government entities responsible for oversight functions and interdependent commercial enterprises. One example that will be made possible is prioritizing shared cybersecurity risk assessments as a best practice for companies and their supply chain partners. Observing a regular program where government regulators and company boards frequently engage by using leading indicators develop trust, accelerate the 5G gap closure, and leans more towards constructive outcomes in case attackers are successful.
The growing need for DevSecOps
For most software developers today, creating secure apps requires them to integrate DevSecOps in their development processes. This is the practice of building security in every aspect throughout the entire development life cycle rather than incorporating security in an already finished product. It entails inserting cybersecurity in the development process as a design, sustaining considerations, and deploying all new projects. Since 5G is software-driven, it is more important than ever to integrate security, not only in the software but also in hardware and firmware development. This might see regulations springing up where regulatory bodies might enforce the minimum-security requirements in all 5G hardware and software creation environments and centers. Similar to the GDPR or the California Consumer Privacy Act, both stipulate the minimum-security guidelines for data protection.
Implementing AI and ML in security
One undeniable fact is the central role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in 5G realization. As much as innovations like driverless vehicles rely on 5G networks for real-time communication, they also require AI and machine learning technologies. They use a combination of AI, sensors, radars, and cameras to get around in a smart urban center without requiring human operators. From a security perspective, most of the attacks in 5G networks target software used to drive important processes. They need software-based and intelligent solutions countermeasures. It is illogical to deploy people as countermeasures for machine-based attacks. The advantage of using AI-powered solutions is that the security products effectively continue self-learning and updating to fit in a given environment.
Emerging best practices
Best security practices must evolve as new technologies emerge. Most of the previous network security standards are inapplicable to 5G technologies since they have entirely new infrastructures and threats. In the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Cybersecurity Framework, the best security practices are identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover. These might apply to securing organizations from external and internal risks but cannot be used to develop 5G IoT systems and devices. However, while industry-specific best practices are somehow effective, they can only be as strong as a weak link. They place the largest burden on poorly informed users who might be unaware of whether they are fulfilling the best practices.
How is 5G impacting the government approach to cybersecurity?
Harmonizing cyber regulatory relationships
Currently, cybersecurity structures prevent governments from getting ahead of 5G threats and determining detailed compliance requirements where adversaries will use the technology to change their tactics rapidly. Therefore, new cybersecurity paradigms must be developed, where the main goal would be to de-escalate adversarial relationships between regulators and organizations. This would ensure regular cybersecurity engagements between network providers and regulators.
Recognizing shortcomings in the marketplace
Economic forces often define corporate behavior towards factors like cybersecurity. For example, cybersecurity costs can determine whether Corporation A will invest in specific cybersecurity controls, irrespective of whether they will affect Company B. As such, it is only fair that organizations who step up their cybersecurity efforts in 5G not be punished by those that fail to do so. Governments should hence outline the security requirements for different industries in the race towards 5G security. Non-compliance should be met with the appropriate punishments, whereas a reward scheme should be used to appreciate complying entities. This will ensure that businesses operate within the same security baseline.
Consumer transparency
The leading cause of attacks is ill-informed customers who purchase technology based on cost rather than security. As 5G becomes global, numerous IoT devices and software will be used for critical tasks. Governments have the prerogative to ensure consumers have the necessary insight and awareness to ensure informed purchase decisions. This way, security will increase.
Inspecting and certifying devices
Protecting 5G networks from equipment vulnerable to attacks is essential to ensuring network security. Governments should hence inspect and certify all devices before they can connect to the 5G technologies. Certification should begin at the production level by verifying secure DevOps and end to the consumer level, where only certified items should be retailed.
Other important government contributions to 5G security are:
Stimulating closure of security gaps in 5G supply chains
Re-engaging international bodies to ensure 5G security practices are up to standard
What are the best cybersecurity Programming Languages? Although a shortage of cybersecurity skills and talent has contributed to the rising cybercrime cases, developing insecure applications and systems is also to blame. DevSecOps is a prerequisite for developing secure and resilient applications. The concept means development, security, and operations, and it involves observing the recommended practices to ensure a secure development environment to provide end-users with trusted and safe products. Cyber actors can, however, still work around and compromise systems with the highest security levels.
To prevent this, cybersecurity professionals need to possess diverse skills to detect security issues in a system and deploy sufficient mitigations. For this reason, having a strong programming background is important in the cybersecurity profession today.
Importance of Programming to Cybersecurity
Henrique, a Brazil-based Python expert, and trainer stresses that “besides keeping abreast with the latest happenings in the cybersecurity field, you also need to be acquainted with various programming languages.”
Jason Robert, a navy veteran with multiple cybersecurity certifications, also adds that security personnel should “determine the best programming language for cybersecurity, your particular corner of the quicky expanding cybersecurity world, and get familiar with the basics.”
Unquestionably, programming knowledge enables cybersecurity experts to analyze software to uncover security flaws and vulnerabilities, determine malicious programs, and perform tasks requiring cybersecurity analytical skills. However, the programming language choice depends on the desired skills, which can be in computer forensics, web application security, network security, malware analysis, and software security. In any case, a programming background provides cybersecurity professionals with a higher competitive edge over other professionals lacking the skills.
Other than that, the main reason it is necessary to learn to program is to gain the high-level skills required in an ideal cybersecurity expert. A competent cybersecurity professional must demonstrate unrivaled knowledge in virtualization software, networking, operating systems, system administration, system architectures, and other vital components that form an IT system. Understanding system architecture comprehensively permits cybersecurity professionals to see the bigger picture. They can pinpoint vulnerabilities accurately and provide appropriate recommendations on securing all access points to prevent breaches and attacks.
Cybersecurity professionals need to fully understand firewall management and configuration, network switches and routers, network architectures, and network load balancers. Virtualization and network technologies provide business operations with unmatched benefits, but the technologies must contain sufficient security. With cloud computing taking center stage of most business processes, cybersecurity teams must understand web browsers’ development and protection and other web-based applications. They provide the interface for accessing cloud services. Ultimately, advanced programming knowledge is crucial for cybersecurity specialists to provide adequate security.
Not all cybersecurity jobs require applicants to possess a programming background. For most entry-level positions, individuals do not require high-level programming knowledge. It is, however, a requirement for intermediate and expert professionals. An understanding of programming languages allows cybersecurity experts to remain ahead of malicious hackers. Having an intimate knowledge of a system architecture means it is possible to exploit it. As Jason Robert highlights, “not all cybersecurity professionals have, or need, coding skills. But without some knowledge or at least one language, you may find your path forward somewhat limited.”
More importantly, programming languages play an essential role in the development of secure applications and systems. In the recent past, most companies have shifted to Agile and DevOps methodologies to integrate business operations with their IT side. As Scott Prugh, the Chief Architect and Vice President of Software Development Operations for SSG International, states, “the goal is to put more effective working relationships in place to improve the flow of work, as well as the quality and speed of that work.”
Developers should concentrate more on ensuring a new web-based app or software has sufficient security processes during development. Inadequate security provides hackers with easily penetrable systems risking the loss and compromise of vital data. While most modern enterprises implement robust monitoring software and secured servers for information storage, they are still incapable of entirely keeping cyber adversaries at bay. As a result, developers have more substantial responsibility for ensuring the security of all products under development. The need for sturdy security highlights why it is so crucial to possess programming knowledge.
Best methods for learning code for beginners
Programming is not a required skill that can deny beginners an opportunity to venture into the cybersecurity profession. But since it is a crucial requirement for advancing to intermediate and expert positions, it is prudent for anyone considering a cybersecurity career to learn to code. A straightforward approach consists of two steps – developing a programming awareness and developing a programming proficiency.
1. Developing a programming awareness
It is important to note that the job requirements of an entry-level cybersecurity job are more general. Therefore, to develop programming awareness, beginners should consider using a technical position as a quick and easy way to gain hands-on skills and experience.
The beginning of a cybersecurity career is usually the best time to build on programming awareness to gain proven experience and skills. This strategy entails identifying the programming code, understanding the fundamental programming components and constructs, and reading code to decipher its purpose. A structured practice, which involves creating code as introduced in new programming concepts, is the best way to develop and build programming awareness.
2. Developing proficiency in programming
Programming proficiency does not necessarily mean being a fully qualified coding expert in a specific programming language. Instead, it can develop a unique code by utilizing the available resources and troubleshooting code created by other programmers. For example, a cybersecurity analyst who can create a script for automating repetitive tasks using the python language can be considered proficient in coding.
Developing a programming proficiency is similar to creating awareness. The difference is the need for advanced programming courses, either online or in a college, but focusing on applying the programming concepts to develop a secure solution.
What are the best cybersecurity programming languages?
1. Python – one of the best cybersecurity programming languages
Python has been a common language in cybersecurity for many years now. Indeed, it is one of the best cybersecurity programming languages to know. It is a server-side scripting language; hence coders do not require to compile the created script. It is also a general-purpose language and, therefore, used in thousands of cybersecurity projects.
Most security developers use Python to develop cybersecurity tools since it is easy to read and use. It has numerous white spaces that make it easy to learn for beginners. Python has become a popular choice over the years, not only for cybersecurity experts but also for data science professionals. Large companies, such as NASA, Google, and Reddit, use it for various development projects. The factors contributing to the popularity include an extensive set of libraries, a simple and clear syntax, and simple code readability.
As a writer on Medium states, “it doesn’t come as a surprise that Python is one of the most sought-after programming languages for cybersecurity considering its extensive library of powerful packages that supports Rapid Application Development (RAD), clean syntax code and modular design, and automatic memory management and dynamic typing capability.”
Cybersecurity professionals can use their knowledge in Python programming language to scan wireless networks by sending TCP packets without depending on other third-party tools, developing and simulating attacks, creating systems for detecting malware, and creating an intrusion detection system. Also, Python is a popular cybersecurity language since its features have high compatibility with scientific applications and the methods used for data analysis. Therefore, it is suitable for data analysis, desktop applications, and back-end web development, all of which are vital concepts in enhancing cybersecurity.
2. JavaScript
Very few people can attest to liking JavaScript, yet it is among the most used programming languages today. Currently, virtually all major browsers support it, and almost all web developers use it daily. JavaScript is among the most popular programming languages used for web development. Failing to understand JavaScript language can harm a cybersecurity professional’s ability to carry out tasks such as pen-testing web-based systems and applications and bug bounty hunting.
Besides, cross-site scripting attacks, which is one of the most common security flaws in web applications, are based on JavaScript.Cross-site scripting is where hackers identify an input flaw on a target website and use JavaScript to create scripts for taking over the website’s control functions. According to Jason Robert, JavaScipt is “one of the best cybersecurity programming languages you can learn. If you want to steal cookies, manipulate event handlers, and perform cross-site scripting, JavaScript is for you.”
Therefore, to ensure a website contains adequate security and mitigate and prevent cross-site scripting attacks, a cybersecurity professional must have a strong JavaScript background. Other JavaScript use cases for a cybersecurity expert include manipulating event handlers and working with cookies.
3. Structured Query Language (SQL)
Due to the high rates of technological adoptions, numerous enterprises have become data-driven. They must collect and process various data types to provide products and services, identify new market segments, and compete effectively with rival competitors.
Effectively, enterprises use databases to manage the collection and storage of business data. Developers use the Structured Query Language (SQL) programming language to create most database management systems, and it is one of the most sought programming languages in database management. At the same time, most attacks are data-driven since hackers often compromise networks and protected systems to access sensitive information.
Subsequently, understanding the SQL programming language can help cybersecurity professionals strengthen databases’ security of housing confidential information. For instance, malicious actors use SQL injection attacks to inject databases. An SQL injection involves identifying an SQL flaw and exploiting it to locate credentials belonging to various users for accessing a database. A hacker uses SQL to gain unauthorized access and output the information stored in a database. A cybercriminal also deploys SQL injection to add new information or modify data in a database server, thus compromising its integrity and confidentiality. To prevent and identify vulnerabilities in a database, a cybersecurity professional must possess significant knowledge of the SQL programming language.
4. PHP
Enterprises and individuals often use the PHP programming language for website development. As such, it is a good fit for cybersecurity professionals whose job descriptions involve protecting and securing websites. Additionally, PHP has increased in popularity in recent years as one of the essential languages developers need to learn. Understanding the language equips strong development skills that eventually enable a learner to transit to the cybersecurity industry.
Developers also use the language in desktop application development, mobile app development, and back-end development. Due to its numerous uses, PHP is a valuable language and a requirement for cybersecurity professionals. The language knowledge allows cybersecurity teams to secure and mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities in desktop applications, operating systems, mobile apps, among others.
It is also important to note that organizations use PHP as a server-side language that works together with HTML to provide an environment through which a website can operate correctly. Web developers use PHP language to link databases with website URLs to simplify the processes of updating sites.
As a result of its use cases, PHP language is highly vulnerable to cyber-attacks. By way of illustration, cyber adversaries can attempt to use DDoS attacks to render a website unresponsive and to shut it down eventually, deleting the site’s data in the process. It is vital to understand the PHP language and how PHP codes work as a cybersecurity expert. The knowledge enables infosec teams to identify security problems and resolve them before attackers can strike.
5. Java
Java is probably one of the best coding languages for cybersecurity professionals. It is a common language that proves useful in multiple situations. Java is one of the earliest languages and used to develop operating systems and platforms. These include Solaris, Linux, macOS, and Microsoft Windows. It is widely used across all industries since it powers both new and legacy web servers. These include Spring MVC and Apache Tomcat. Besides, with the Android operating system’s introduction, the Java programming code runs on billions of smart devices. As a result, contrary to most individuals’ opinion, Java is a vital language since hackers, and cybersecurity professionals apply it in their work in equal measure.
Java language has many applications in information security. For instance, cyber adversaries use it to reverse-engineer commercial software products to detect software flaws and exploit them. Cybersecurity professionals need to have a strong background to ensure they identify such weaknesses before the bad guys. Additionally, penetration testers use Java to curate highly scalable servers that they use in delivering payloads. Penetration testing is one of the vital roles of a cybersecurity expert, and being knowledgeable in Java simplifies the procedures.
Moreover, advanced ethical hackers use Java programming language to design and develop state-of-the-art programs useful in ethical hacking. The programming language is dynamic, in contrast to others, such as C++. Hence, using Java to write a security testing program helps ethical hackers run it on multiple platforms supporting it. Lastly, a strong background in Java is essential to creating hacking programs for pen testing Android systems. Android operating systems and devices are popular and widely used and require strong security to protect vital data.
An article published on Cybersecurity Guide states, “Java is important for security practitioners because it so widely used. A variety of industry sources estimate that over 95 percent of enterprise desktops run Java, and of all computers in the U.S., 88 percent run Java.
6. HTML
Although it is a markup language, organizations and individuals use HTML to develop almost all websites. Cybersecurity professionals require HTML knowledge since it is a simple and essential language for website development. It is one of the most straightforward and basic programming languages.
Like JavaScript programming language, hackers can inject HTML code on a web page as a cross-site scripting attack. The hacking method can enable cyber adversaries to spoof the website contents, provide the site visitors with falsified information, and deface the website to provide misleading information, thus preventing businesses from generating revenue.
Being knowledgeable in HTML is a crucial factor for cybersecurity professionals. Understanding the language can assist one in landing an employment position as a front-end developer. Such a job’s roles include implementing controls to mitigate vulnerabilities, allowing content spoofing and cross-site scripting attacks.
7. C Programming
The C programming language has been in existence since the 1970s. It is still popular today because it is easy to learn and enables cybersecurity engineers to identify vulnerabilities in applications and systems, and excellent for reverse-engineering procedures.
Using C language in reverse-engineering powers the development of antivirus solutions since cybersecurity teams can dismantle a malware program to understand its architecture, spread, and impacts. C programming is also essential for developers who must ensure that their codes do not contain security flaws or vulnerabilities. Cyber adversaries can also use the language to detect exploitable vulnerabilities in a system before launching attacks.
For example, Lint is a code analyzer designed for programs written in C. Since its inception, various variants have emerged. Cybersecurity professionals and attackers can use Lint to detect programming errors, locate bugs, and other flaws that pose security risks to a computer system. Programmers and cybersecurity professionals can use programs like Lint to analyze an application before launching in production. Failing to scan their code for vulnerabilities only allows cybercriminals to have a head start.
Knowing C programming provides several opportunities for individuals looking for a cybersecurity career. These include performing vulnerability assessments and researching and providing solutions on emerging threats, and implementing suitable mitigations. The C programming language helps cybersecurity professionals participate in forensics procedures and perform investigations on security incidents.
8. C++
Understanding the C++ programming language is also vital since it is an improved version of the C programming language. While the language was derived from the C coding language, it has some unique attributes. For instance, C++ supports objects and classes compared to C. Besides, C++ is faster and has a better performance than the C language.
As Bjarne Stroustrup, the creator of C++, puts it, “C makes it easy to shoot yourself in the foot; C++ makes it harder, but when you do it, it blows your whole leg off.”
Cybersecurity experts can benefit from learning the language since they can quickly locate vulnerabilities and security flaws. A scanning solution like Flawfinder can enable infosec teams to find security flaws in the C++ code. Running a scan using the tool provides a report that details the existing vulnerabilities and the severity levels and impacts on an application or system. The security tool utilizes a built-in database containing known risks of the language function. The tool is useful for detecting security risks, such as acquiring poor random numbers, format string problems, and buffer overflow issues.
Since C and C++ programming languages contain numerous similarities, most enterprises prefer cybersecurity staff with a strong knowledge of both. Some of the job requirements include developing mobile and desktop applications and making sure they lack vulnerabilities and bugs.
9. Assembly
Assembly is an imperative programming language since cybersecurity professionals can use it to dissect malware programs to understand their infection modes and spread. Cybersecurity staff must continuously defend from old and emerging malware, and it is necessary to understand better how malware works. Learning the Assembly language is simplified if a learner has experience with higher-level languages.
Assembly language is also crucial since cyber adversaries use it to develop malware programs. As such, the Assembly coding can be useful in reverse-engineering known malware to develop adequate solutions. The language plays a vital role in equipping cybersecurity engineers with the necessary skills to understand and defend against malware attacks. Also, Assembly coding enables the designing and implementation of mitigation measures against potential malware attacks.
Chrome extensions offer useful tools that enhance your browsing experience—except when they contain viruses that compromise your computer’s security. The ramifications of this can be quite serious. Think for a moment about all the sensitive information that’s stored in your browser. Passwords, access to your online workspace/social media accounts, and credit card credentials are at stake.
Even an innocuous-looking Chrome theme may contain malware (it’s happened to us!). The Chrome web store’s security isn’t as trustworthy as you might expect; it has pretty weak regulation. As an avid Internet user, you need to be prepared against the security breaches resulting from downloading extensions. Let’s get into how you can tell if an extension has hacked you and how you can prevent it from happening again:
Watch for the Warning Signs
Is your browser acting a little…off? Don’t just ignore it—the extension that you installed recently may be to blame. Pay attention to these behaviors, which might indicate that your Google Chrome has been hacked:
●The default search engine is different.
Searching for answers on Google is almost automatic to most of us. We fire up Chrome, type in our query, and wait for the list of results to load.
Pay attention to what your browser URL does when you search for something. Does it redirect you to any strange websites? Even if it reroutes you to Google eventually, this is still cause for concern. An extension may have hijacked your browser and is trying to bring traffic to another search engine.
The point here is that if Chrome takes you anywhere other than Google (and you haven’t set it to do so), you have reason to suspect that you’ve been hacked.
●Your social media accounts are liking strange posts.
The next time you open your Facebook or YouTube feed, you may notice something strange in your history. Your account may have liked spam or click-bait posts or subscribed to several new channels.
Any activity on your social media that you haven’t authorized means that someone else is accessing your account.
●You keep seeing strange ads.
Are the ads that you see starting to look a bit inappropriate? You haven’t visited any sketchy websites, but you keep getting ads that are risqué and downright malicious. This could mean that an extension has hijacked your ads.
If you notice any of these signs when you use Chrome, then your browser may have been hacked by an extension.
What Can You Do if You Get Hacked?
You’ve determined that your browser isn’t behaving as usual. The question is, how do you regain control of it and identify the issue?
●Scan for security breaches.
This website allows you to enter your email address and see if it’s been leaked in any data breaches. It will even tell you the source of the data breach. This is a useful way to identify risks.
Take it one step further by scheduling a Dark Web and External Security Scan. This detects whether your information is available on the Dark Web or if you have unsecured access points on your computer.
These scans and data-breach checks go a long way in protecting your computer against viruses.
●Change all your passwords.
We all know how annoying it can be to change your password. Get ready to enter in the wrong one for the next few weeks while trying to break the habit. But beefing up your password with extra security (like special characters, capitalization, and avoiding the most common passwords) is an effective measure to prevent security issues.
The longer your password is, the better. Amp up your protection with security questions that only you could answer.
●Delete the extension!
This should be your top priority. You need to identify which extension is causing the problem and delete it right away. Sometimes, it’s obvious—like when you downloaded an extension the day before, and you’ve already noticed strange things about your browser. But what if you got 10 new extensions in one day, and you can’t find the culprit?
Try to use a process of elimination to determine which extension is causing the problem. One by one, delete your extensions until the problem is resolved. Once you’ve found the malicious extension, you can reinstall the ones you discovered were not the problem. Alternatively, you can use a malware scanner like this one to identify the virus.
After you delete the extension, you’re left wondering: how can I avoid dangerous extensions in the future?
How to Protect Your Browser against Hacked Chrome Extensions
The solution here isn’t just to never download extensions—they add useful functionality to your web browser. What you need to do is be more skeptical of the extensions that you download.
Luckily, there are a few tools that can help you separate the safe extensions from the malware-ridden ones:
●View the source code of the extension.
This step is best for those with some knowledge of JavaScript, but even if you’re a beginner, it can help you in a pinch.
When you install this extension, you’ll be able to view the source code of other extensions with the click of a button.
When you read the extension’s code, you might be able to spot anything that’s out of place. Is it running several scripts? Does it contain any installation files? Are there any phrases that seem unusual to you?
It’s tough to spot a suspicious extension by the source code alone if you don’t have JavaScript experience. But for the tech-savvy readers out there, consider downloading this handy tool.
●Be skeptical of what permissions you allow.
Whenever you download an extension, you’ll need to grant it permission to access your information. It may also request the ability to perform certain tasks in your browser. Be careful about what you allow the extension to access.
Also, make sure that those permissions line up with what the extension is designed to do. An extension that changes your Chrome home screen shouldn’t need access to change data on websites you use.
If you feel uncomfortable granting permissions to the extension, it might be best to delete it altogether.
●Install Password Checkup.
You might be asking yourself: should I really install an extension to prevent hacked extensions? It might sound fishy, but Google itself offers this tool called Password Checkup. It compares the login credentials you use to any username or password leaked in a data breach. If it finds a match, it will suggest you change it. After all, you don’t want to use a password that’s easy for hackers to guess!
It’s a bit surprising how many hacked extensions are available on the Google Chrome Web Store. This is Google we’re talking about, after all. However, it doesn’t look like the company plans to implement any additional verification for extensions soon—that puts the burden on users to identify risky downloads.
Now that many of us are working from home, we’re more reliant on technology than ever. You can find a range of useful tools on the Chrome Web Store that enhance your browsing experience and help you save time on tedious tasks. However, just because an extension is available for download doesn’t mean that it’s safe.
Many of us know better than to download random files from the Internet. But not everyone is aware that extensions in the Chrome Web Store can be just as dangerous. We hope that this guide helps you stay safe from these viruses.
Cybercriminals who carry out phishing attacks have become much more proficient. These scams may hide behind people and organizations that you know and trust. If you click on the email, you could be the next victim. Be aware of the common phishing emails so that you don’t fall victim. You should also be aware of the steps you should take to protect yourself from fraud. So read on to get the inside scoop!
The Most Common Phishing Emails
Fake advertisements
In this phishing type, the scammer poses as a legitimate business by using brand logos to make their emails look genuine.
The scammers then send an advertising email containing a clickable link. They embed malware behind this link. When you click the link, the malware is downloaded onto your device. This allows the scammer to gain access to your device. They can then obtain sensitive information about you, which may be useful to them.
Order confirmation scams
Millions of people worldwide are using websites such as Amazon, eBay, and Buy.com to purchase products online. Cybercriminals have devised a new way to scam people by taking advantage of this popularity of online purchasing. In this type of scam, you receive an email telling you to click on a link to verify an order you made for a product. Clicking on the link will redirect you to a page where you will be required to provide personal information such as credit card details and bank account details. If you fall for this trick, you will be handing over sensitive personal information to the scammer.
E-cards
In this form of phishing, the scammer will pose as an e-card company and send you an email of a fake e-card notification. You will be required to click on a link that will supposedly lead you to your message. Clicking the link will download spyware or malware onto your device. This will give the scammer control of your device. Many people fall prey to this scam, especially with authentic-looking e-cards that you think is from someone you know.
Account verification
Scammers will send you a fake email saying that they have noticed suspicious activity on your account. They may also claim that there’s a problem with your account and that it may be shut down if you don’t verify your identity. You will then be asked to click on a link. On clicking the link, you’ll be redirected to a malicious page masquerading as a legitimate one. You will then be required to provide your log information to verify your account. This way, you give the scammer your log-in information, enabling them to access your account. They will then have complete control to make illegitimate transactions.
Lottery
Scammers understand that people love the idea of winning huge sums of money. That’s why so many lottery scams are successful. In this type of scam, you would get an email proclaiming a lottery win. The scammer will then require you to wire transfer a small amount to cover taxes, admin fees, or customs charges. If you do wire transfer funds, then you may as well say goodbye to that money!
Account suspension notification
If you get an email saying your account has been suspended, watch out. It is more than likely a scam. In this type of scam, you’d get an email appearing to come from your bank, cell phone provider, or a well-known company. The email will notify you that your account has been suspended, prompting you to click on some links to reactivate your account. Unsurprisingly, you’ll then be asked to provide passwords, account numbers, or personal information. So if you are unwary, you will fall prey to such a scam.
Zoom meeting scams
In this type of scam, you may receive an email from a scammer as a Zoom service provider saying that your account has been suspended, that you missed a meeting, or that zoom is ‘welcoming you.’ The message will then ask you to click on a link for more information. Be wary of this. Clicking on the link will plant malware on your device and control the device to the scammer.
Bank loan or credit card scam
In bank loan scams, the scammers pose as banking institutions. They spoof their email and send you an email message offering a low-cost loan. They will ask you to wire them an upfront fee or loan collateral. If you fall for this, they will cut off all contact with you.
With credit card scams, you get an email from a scammer pretending to be from your credit card company. The scammer tells you that they have noticed suspicious activity on your credit card account. The email message then asks you to click on a link to fix the issue. You then get redirected to a page where you’re required to enter your information. This affords the scammer to take control of your credit card and make purchases with it.
How To Avoid Email Frauds
Check the URL or email address.
The easiest way to spot and avoid a fraudulent email is by checking the URL link before clicking on it. You don’t have to be an expert to spot a fake/malicious URL. Just look for red flags such as unnecessary words and domains.
It would help if you also verified whether the sender of an email is who they say they are. You can use email lookup services for this, which will provide all the information about an email owner.
Avoid downloading or clicking on suspicious material.
You should avoid downloading any attachments on a suspicious-looking email at all costs. You should also never click on suspicious-looking material. By avoiding all this, you avoid the installation of malware on your device. This way, the scammer cannot have access to your device.
Google It
When you receive a suspicious email, it’s in your best interest to find out more before doing anything. Google knows everything! So if the email is a phishing attack disguised as a genuine email, you could easily find out by doing an online search. Other people may have published warnings, reviews, or scam reports regarding the same email.
Use the email filtering feature.
You can enable the email filtering feature of your email provider to analyze all incoming emails. The software will independently search for red flags that signal spam/phishing. Emails with red flags will then be moved to a separate folder where you are less likely to open them.
Always enter your bank’s website using the website address.
Never click on a suspicious link purporting to be a link to your bank’s website. Instead, when logging into your bank account, use their official website address. This way, you avoid providing your sensitive information on fake websites.
All in all, identifying and stopping a phishing attack is relatively easy. So when opening your email, always be vigilant of any suspicious mail. Follow the tips in this guide to avoid becoming a scammer’s next victim!.
Without a doubt, cybercrime is at an all-time high today. Hackers are devising new tactics and attacks to target businesses and individuals. Understanding the popular types of cyber attacks is essential in enhancing your cybersecurity posture.
This article covers the popular types of cyber attacks. We describe different human factor risks, malware, denial of service attacks, web application, and password attacks.
Human Factor Cyber Attacks
1. Phishing
Phishing is a social engineering attack used to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials to online banking, usernames and passwords to personal accounts, credit card information, and social security numbers.
A phishing attack occurs when a hacker posing as a legitimate, trusted individual or organization tricks a person into opening a malicious link, attachment, or email. Phishing is a popular cyber-attack since adversaries usually do not require sophisticated hacking tools or expertise. Phishing attacks can result in adverse results. For instance, online con artists use phishing to commit identity theft crimes. For an organization, attackers use phishing to gain a foothold and control its corporate network or as a foundation for more dangerous plots like advanced persistent threats.
Today, cybercriminals are exploiting the shift to remote work culture by launching phishing attacks on individuals and organizations. Statistics show that 97 percent of users are unable to recognize a sophisticated phishing email. Outrageously, only 3 percent of victims report phishing emails to the management.
How can you prevent phishing attacks?
Be vigilant – know how a phishing attack looks like
Avoid clicking on any link online or sent via emails
Install anti-phishing tools
Avoid sharing confidential information to unsecured and strange sites
Create complex passwords and rotate them regularly
Keep your operating systems and applications updated
Spear phishing is similar to phishing attacks. The significant difference is that the former sends phishing emails to targeted individuals. In contrast, the latter sends emails to hundreds of different users, hoping that one of the recipients click and open it.
Cyber adversaries use spear phishing techniques to target a specific organization or individual. They deploy spear-phishing attacks when attempting to gain unauthorized access to highly sensitive information, such as trade secrets, military intelligence, financial data, and business intelligence data. Essentially, brand impersonation accounts for 81 percent of all spear-phishing attacks.
Attackers craft spear-phishing emails cleverly such that they appear to originate from known individuals. Quite often, attackers use spear-phishing to execute attacks like state-sponsored hacks and business email compromise. Spear phishing attacks enable criminals to steal and sell confidential information to rival entities and hostile governments.
Shockingly, Ninety-five percent of all attacks targeting enterprise networks use spear-phishing—a single spear-phishing attack results in an average loss of $1.6 million.
You can follow these tips to prevent spear phishing attacks:
Install a security solution that detects and blocks spear phishing attacks, including brand impersonation and business email compromise (BEC)
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. MFA complements the security of using a simple username and password
Train employees to recognize and report suspected phishing emails
Beat spear-phishing attacks by calling a message sender before responding
Always lockdown personal information
3. Types of Cyber Attacks: Baiting
Baiting is phishing’s and spear phishing’s devious cousin. As the term implies, baiting is a type of human factor attack that uses a false promise to arouse a victim’s curiosity or greed. Cybercriminals use something of interest to the targeted victims to lure them into a trap to infect their computers with malware or steal their personal data. One of the most widely used baiting techniques is the use of physical media to spread malware.
Attackers may leave a malware-infested flash disk – the bait – in a conspicuous area where the targeted organization’s employees can see it easily. The drive may be labeled as Company A’s payroll list to give it an authentic look. Anyone who picks it and inserts it into a computer out of curiosity may be exposed to severe risks like malware attacks.
Do not take the bait! Always be alert and aware to avoid baiting and other social engineering attacks. When you come across an unattended USB stick with that payroll tag, please think twice before inserting it into your device. Besides, keep your antivirus and antimalware solutions updated so they can flag potentially and harmful malware in bait techniques.
4. Vishing
Vishing is a social engineering scam where hackers use phone calls to trick users into revealing confidential, personal information. The attack begins typically with a text message like ‘Dear customer, your online bank account has been breached.’ immediately followed by a ring.
The hacker may claim to be a representative from the bank or investigative authorities and offer to help you ‘solve’ the problem. However, the attackers create one since they use the established trust to collect sensitive information. Seventy-five percent of vishing victims reported that vishers already have some personal information about them, utilizing it to target them and getting more confidential data.
In essence, vishing is one of the many types of phishing attacks that attempt to exploit a victim’s trust to gain something. Technologies like voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) make it easier for scammers to place thousands of vishing calls at a time. This form of social engineering attack has been on the rise over the past few years, representing nearly 30 percent of all incoming mobile calls. Very soon, almost half your phone calls will be spam and scams.
How can you prevent vishing?
Always verify phone requests in a different way other than asking the caller. For instance, you can confirm the caller’s details using an official directory or a second call to the company’s main office.
Be suspicious of callers requesting personal information like usernames and passwords over the phone.
Avoid sharing sensitive information over the phone
Better still, hang up! The moment you suspect it’s a vising call, do not feel obliged to carry on a polite conversation – hang up and block the number.
5. Quid Pro Quo
Quid pro quo uses the ‘something for something’ approach to trick targeted users into installing harmful software or divulging sensitive personal information. It is a type of baiting attack, but instead of using bait to attract victims, they promise to offer something of value in exchange for something.
A scenario is when hackers contact ignorant individuals and promise to show them how to earn online, but they first need to collect their social media profiles and access credentials.
Another example a hacker impersonating an IT staff member of a specific organization and contacts employees instructing them to disable their antivirus software to allow a software upgrade. Instead, the attacker utilizes the opportunity to install malware and gain unauthorized system access.
Be vigilant! Security awareness is the first line of defense against any social engineering technique.
6. Types of Cyber Attacks: Pretexting
Pretexting is a type of social engineering attack where hackers use a series of clever lies to gain unauthorized access to protected information. Perpetrators initiate the scam by pretending to require confidential information to complete a crucial activity. Verizon’s 2018 Data Breach Incident Report states that phishing and pretexting represent 98 percent of social incidents and 93 percent of breaches.
The first step in a pretexting attack is establishing trust with the targeted victim. Malicious cyber actors may impersonate government officials, such as tax officials, police, or other professionals with a right-to-know authority. Once the attackers have established reasonable trust levels, they ask questions requiring victims to reveal and confirm their identifying information.
In most cases, pretexting allows hackers to obtain all sorts of crucial information, including social security numbers, employee vacation dates, banking details, personal addresses, and driver’s license details.
One of the best ways to prevent pretexting is to be aware that it is a possibility. Email and phone spoofing can make it difficult to authenticate your caller. Be wary whenever a caller or an email begins requesting your information.
Ransomware is a harmful program designed to block users from accessing critical system parts, files, and data. Attackers use ransomware to threaten victims into paying a demanded ransom, or they will upload the data to the dark web or destroy it.
The estimated cost of ransomware was $20 billion in 2020, a rise from $11.5 billion in 2019 and $8 billion in 2018. Ransomware attacks have cost U.S. healthcare organizations $157 million since 2016.
While some simple ransomware attacks are easy to reverse, more advanced ransomware utilizes cryptoviral extortion to encrypt the target system in a manner that makes it almost impossible to recover with the correct decryption keys. Ransomware attacks are common since they target critical sectors, like the health industry, where service delivery is necessary.
It’s not just big businesses that are vulnerable. You can follow these steps to prevent ransomware attacks:
Avoid clicking links in emails
Use an antimalware tool to scan emails
Install firewalls and endpoint protection
Keep a data backup
Notify employees of out-of-network and first-time sender emails
8. Types of Cyber Attacks: Drive-By Attacks
Cybercriminals use drive-by attacks as the preferred method of distributing malicious programs. A drive-by attack is a technique where hackers insert a malicious script into an insecure website’s PHP or HTTP code.
Attackers usually design the malicious script to install malware directly on a user’s computer once someone visits the website. The script may also redirect a user to another website under the hacker’s control.
Drive-by attacks are widespread since cyber adversaries can target anyone who visits the malware-laden website. In contrast to most cyber-attacks, drive-by attackers don’t require a victim to do anything to enable the attack other than clicking the harmful website. That means that the attack does not rely on someone opening a malicious email attachment or download to become infected. Drive-by download attacks exploit vulnerabilities in the operating system, web browser, or app installed on the host system.
As with many aspects of cyber hygiene, caution and awareness are the best defense against drive-by attacks. Website owners and businesses should keep their website components updated. Besides, they should remove unsupported or outdated components on their websites.
On the other hand, employees should use strong passwords and usernames for their online accounts.
9. Trojans
A Trojan, also called a Trojan horse, is a malicious software program created to execute harmful functions but hides in a useful, legitimate program to evade detection.
A trojan horse is similar to a computer virus, with the primary difference being that a Trojan cannot self-replicate. According to statistics from antivirus program maker Avira, this form of malware was the world’s most dangerous online. Trojan horses alone account for 60 percent of Avira’s online threats, with more than 788 million detections during the period.
Hackers install a Trojan horse on a targeted system to launch attacks and establish a back door to provide cybercriminals with access for further exploitation. For instance, attackers may program a Trojan to open high-numbered ports on the victim system to enable them to listen and execute more attacks.
How to keep the gates closed:
Avoid opening email attachments of running programs when you are not 100 percent certain of the source.
Always keep your operating systems and other software updated
Install an antivirus or a trojan remover
10. Types of Cyber Attacks: Adware
Adware is a software program designed to enable companies to market their products and services. It consists of advertising banners displayed when an individual uses specific applications, such as a web browser.
The adware may download automatically to a user’s computer where it utilizes resources, such as CPU, processor, or memory, while running in the background. Although adware is not necessarily harmful, it can be a nuisance since it runs without user permission and may cause slower performance.
Statistics gathered between October and December 2019 by Avast’s Threat Lab experts show that adware was responsible for 72 percent of all mobile malware. Avast’s insights indicate that adware is a rising problem, with its share among all android malware types having increased by 38 percent.
Follow these simple tips to prevent adware attacks:
Download apps from official app stores
Check app ratings and comments from other peers
Carefully review the permissions an app requests before allowing
Install an adware blocker or an antimalware solution
11. Spyware
Spyware is a malicious program designed to collect user activities, such as browsing habits, sites accessed the most or online banking activities. The malicious program also collects confidential user information, including usernames, passwords, and credit card data, among others.
It is a malware program since it sends all user activities to a command and control center under the hackers’ control. Cyber adversaries with access to such kind of information can use it to commit identity theft cybercrimes. Attackers can also command the spyware to download and install other types of malware remotely.
Overall, business detections of malware rose 79 percent from 2017 due to increased spyware and other information stealers. Don’t fall into the trap. Practice cyber hygiene through these steps:
Avoid visiting untrustworthy websites.
Install an antivirus and antimalware application with real-time scanners
Verify the source of emails
Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments in emails that appear to come from an unknown source.
Keep your operating system and other software updated.
12. Botnets
Botnet comprises numerous systems containing a malware infection and under a hacker’s controls. Attackers use bots, otherwise called zombie systems, to execute attacks like Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks against a targeted network or system.
DDoS attacks performed using botnets overwhelm the target networks’ processing capabilities and bandwidth disrupting vital operations. It is also difficult to trace the DDoS attacks since attackers use botnets located in different locations to hide their tracks.
Organizations can mitigate botnets through black hole filtering, which prevents undesirable network traffic from entering protected networks. You should install a firewall as your first layer of defense. Always keep your software and systems updated to the latest versions.
Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Types of Cyber Attacks
13. SYN Flood Attacks
During a TCP SYN flood attack, hackers target and exploit the buffer spaces’ use during the TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) session handshake initialization. The cyber adversaries then use a device to flood the system’s in-process queue with numerous connection requests but fail to respond once it replies to the requests. As a result, the target system times out as it waits for the attacker’s device to respond, resulting in network crashes and unavailability.
Some of the available countermeasures include placing servers behind a robust firewall and increasing the connection request queue’s size. Administrators can mitigate SYN flood attacks using micro blocks. This measure involves allocating a micro-record (as few as 16 bytes) in the server memory for each incoming SYN request instead of a complete connection object.
14. Smurf Attacks
Smurf attacks involve using ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) and IP spoofing to saturate a network with unwanted traffic. The attack method utilizes ICMP echo requests directed towards the broadcast IP addresses.
For example, a hacker would spoof ICMP echo requests from the intended victim IP address, say 10.0.0.10, to a broadcast IP address, say 10.10.255.255. The request would target all IPs within range, while all the response goes back to the spoofed IP address (10.0.0.10). Attackers may choose to automate the process since it is repeatable to generate vast amounts of undesirable network traffics.
The primary prevention measure is to disable IP-directed broadcasts at the network routers. A straightforward mitigation measure involves disabling IP broadcasting addresses at each network router and firewall. In most cases, older routers are likely to enable broadcasting by default, while newer ones likely have it disabled.
15. Ping of Death Attacks
Ping of death is a type of DDoS attack that utilizes IP packets to ping a targeted network with an IP size exceeding the IP packet size of 65,535 bytes.
Systems do not allow IP packets exceeding the maximum size, and attackers, therefore, fragments the IP packet. Upon attempting to reassemble the oversized packet, the target system may experience buffer overflows and crash.
Organizations can block ping of death attacks by configuring a network firewall to examine the fragmented IP packet to ensure it does not exceed the maximum size. Many sites block ICMP ping messages altogether at their firewalls. You can selectively block fragmented pings, allowing actual ping traffic to pass through unhindered.
16. Teardrop Attack
A teardrop attack is a process where attackers send fragmented packets to a computer. It causes the fragmentation and length of offset fields in sequential IP (Internet Protocol) packets to overlap each other on the targeted system. As a result, the compromised host attempts to reconstruct the IP packets but may fail. The system then becomes confused and may crash.
Teardrop attacks are more common in older operating systems, including Linux kernel before 2.1.63., Windows NT, Windows 95, among others.
An efficient firewall network can deliver a reliable protection method. The security solution filters junk and infected data and keeps it away from the network spectrum. Businesses can also implement secure proxy to inspect the incoming packets.
SQL is an acronym for the structured query language. Databases require SQL programming language to communicate with other databases. Most servers that house essential data need SQL language to manage data in various databases.
SQL injection attacks target servers that rely on SQL language, where malicious actors insert a harmful code to instruct the servers to divulge sensitive data. Hackers execute the attack by first exploiting existing SQL vulnerabilities so that the targeted SQL server can run the harmful code. For instance, attackers can target a vulnerable SQL server and type a code on a website’s search box to force the server to dump stored passwords and usernames.
SQL injection attacks can be problematic if the targeted server stores personal information. The attacks represent two-third of all web app attacks. Besides, SQL injection errors and cross-site scripting (XSS) have topped, or nearly topped, the Open Web Application Security Project’s (OWASP) list of top 10 web vulnerabilities for more than a decade.
You can prevent SQL injection attacks by trusting no one. Assume all user-submitted data is evil and use input validation to prevent dangerous characters from passing to a SQL query in data.
Update and patch applications and databases that hackers can exploit using SQL injection attacks.
Install a web application firewall (WAF) – either an appliance or software-based to filter malicious traffic.
Use appropriate access controls and privileges to prevent misuse and malicious activities.
18. Types of Cyber Attacks: Cross-Site Scripting
XSS attacks are similar to SQL injection attacks. A hacker identifies and exploits SQL vulnerabilities present in a website server and injects a malicious code for exfiltrating data during an SQL attack. Similarly, XSS attacks involve the same approach, where the attacker injects a malicious code into a website to target visitors.
Hackers do not attack the website itself but instead target visitors. The malicious code runs on the users’ computers once the visitors click on the compromised website. One common way attackers execute a cross-site scripting attack is by injecting harmful code on a script designed to run automatically.
XSS attacks can impact a business severely. For instance, victims of a cross-site scripting attack may opt to file a class-action lawsuit, which may cripple a business’s finances and reputation.
You can follow these steps to prevent XSS attacks:
Prevent XSS vulnerabilities from appearing in your applications by escaping using input. This measure involves taking the data an application has received and ensuring it’s secure before rendering it for the end-user
Any untrusted data originating from outside the system can be malicious. It would help if you validated input by ensuring an application is rendering the correct data and blocking malicious traffic from harming the site
Sanitize data to make it permanently unrecoverable through physical or digital means. This method prevents hackers from accessing confidential information.
19. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF or XSRF)
Cross-site request forgery attacks, also referred to as session riding or one-click attack, is a malicious website exploit where a user on a trusted web application is forced to executed unwanted commands.
Cyber adversaries executing CSRF attacks typically use social engineering methods to manipulate an authorized and authenticated user into executing the commands without their consent. For example, a user may innocently click on a link in a chat message but unwittingly enable the attacker to share their access privileges and identity. Therefore, attackers can assume the victim’s identity and use it to commit more crimes.
CSRF attacks are more dangerous where the targeted user is a web administrator since the attacker can compromise every other user or software on the web application’s network.
A CSRF attack can harm both the entity operating the compromised website and users accessing it. Moreover, CSRF attacks may negatively impact an organization’s reputation, destroy customer confidence, and cause financial losses.
You can prevent cross-site scripting request attacks using an anti-CSRF token. Additionally, you can use the SameSite flag in cookies.
20. Insecure Direct Object References
The insecure direct object reference is an access control vulnerability that occurs when a software application accesses objects directly using user-supplied inputs. The security weakness happens when an app developer gains direct access to internal implementation objects using an identifier but fails to provide additional authorization or authentication checks.
There are many examples of insecure direct object reference vulnerabilities. For example, a database user is usually referenced using the user ID. The same user ID is a key that can provide access to the database column containing sensitive user information generated automatically. An attacker can use the user ID to enumerate other database users.
You can prevent insecure direct object references using instance-based features for specifying access control lists applicable to domain objects. Besides, organizations can use secure hashes instead of actual object references to make it harder for attackers to tamper with user-controllable values.
Password Cyber Attacks
Passwords are among the most used cybersecurity mechanisms for authenticating users before allowing them to access an information system. Cybercriminals execute password attacks since they are effective methods of gaining access to protected data or systems.
Password attack methods range from simple techniques like searching the targets’ desks to identify written passwords to advanced techniques, involving trying multiple passwords until the correct one works.
The following are some popular password attack methods:
21. Brute-Force Types of Cyber Attacks
Brute-force attacks involve using special tools to combine all known letters and symbols, hoping that the information system under attack will accept one. Depending on the target’s habits, hobbies, job title, and personally identifiable information, attackers can apply logic to make the attack process more effective.
Five percent of confirmed data breach incidents in 2020 stemmed from brute force attacks.
22. Types of Cyber Attacks: Dictionary Attacks
A dictionary attack is a cyber-attack where malicious cyber actors use a dictionary of common passwords to gain unauthorized system access. One of the common ways to execute dictionary attacks is copying an encrypted file containing the passwords, applying the same encryption file to a dictionary of common passwords, and comparing the results.
Follow these steps to prevent different password attack techniques:
You can follow these tips to prevent brute-force attacks:
Increase the password complexity
Increase the password length
Implement captcha in web applications and login/contact us forms
Use multi-factor authentication
Refresh passwords by requiring users to cycle passwords regularly
Force captchas after multiple failed logins to slow down an attacker
Businesses can configure web apps to lock an account after a specified number of attempted logins
Cyber attacks are a threat to businesses of all sizes and in all industries. With cybercrime rising by 600% during the pandemic, businesses are more vulnerable than ever to the financial and reputational repercussions of cyberattacks.
To help business owners prevent and respond to such incidents, this guide will go over statistics on types of cyberattacks and actionable tips to prevent them.
Costs of Cybercrime
By 2025, it is estimated that cybercrime will cost businesses worldwide $10.5 trillion annually. With the global cost of cybercrime at $3 trillion in 2015, that’s more than a threefold increase over a decade.
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Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to cybercrime and face the most severe consequences. A study by Accenture reports that 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses, while only 14% are equipped with adequate cyber defenses.
Depending on the severity and scope of the cyberattack, it can have a serious and lasting impact on your company’s infrastructure.
In addition to financial loss resulting from cyber attacks, your business may also suffer from system downtime, damage to brand reputation, lost data and lost productivity.
For these reasons, it’s critical for businesses of all sizes to be cognizant of the impact that cyber attacks can have in order to minimize the consequences and prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Common Types of Cyber Attacks
Knowing the most common types of cyberattacks will help you develop a keen eye for suspicious activity so that you can act wisely to prevent theft and fraud.
Ransomware attacks occur when malicious software is used to restrict access to a computer’s systems or data until a ransom is paid to the perpetrator. These attacks are becoming more prevalent and more advanced as technology evolves. In 2016, a business faced a ransomware attack every 39 seconds, but this is expected to rise to every 11 seconds in 2021.
Phishing is a type of online scam that involves sending an email or other virtual communication impersonating a seemingly-reputable source, such as a bank or a government entity. These emails usually ask for personal information such as social security numbers to steal identities, money, or open new accounts in someone else’s name. An FBI report revealed a loss of $57 million in one year to phishing scams.
Malware is malicious software that gets downloaded onto devices without one’s consent. It can cause devices to crash or allow hackers access to computer activity and files. Malware is often downloaded onto devices when users are prompted to click on unsecure links. Statista has reported nearly 678 million malware detections in 2020, almost four times the number of cases in 2015.
4.Man-in-the-Middle
A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack occurs when a user intercepts communication between two people, or between one person and a machine. For example, a hacker might guide a user into a fraudulent site that appears to be the user’s bank’s website to collect their data. According to Netcraft, 95% of HTTPS servers are vulnerable to these attacks.
5.Data Breaches
On average, it takes a company 197 days to discover a cybersecurity breach and up to 69 days to contain it. Needless to say, the longer it takes to discover a security breach, the more a company’s reputation and assets suffer. That’s why it’s essential for businesses to have a data breach response plan to be prepared if a breach ever occurs.
Industry-based Vulnerabilities
While it’s important for businesses in every industry to take comprehensive measures to combat cybercrime, certain industries are at greater risk than others.
It’s within expectations that companies in industries that possess users’ personal information are the most common targets of cybercrime. These industries include:
●Financial institutions. Not only do banks and credit unions have access to users’ personal information such as addresses and contact details, but they also manage financial assets and credit card numbers.●Healthcare institutions. Hospitals and other healthcare institutions safeguard sensitive patient data such as medical history, insurance information, and patient records.●Corporations. Corporations house not only data on employees and clients, but also the highly valuable intellectual property, product concepts, and contracts.
With increasing cyber threats, especially due to the rise in remote work, businesses need to be as prepared as possible to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks. Here are some cybersecurity best practices that your company should follow to strengthen security and prevent cyber attacks.
1.Minimize data transfers. In a corporate setting, it’s nearly impossible to prevent the transfer of data between devices. Be mindful of how many devices contain important data and try to make transfers as minimally as possible, especially when it comes to sensitive data.2.Verify download sources. Before making any downloads, scan the website you’re downloading from to ensure that it’s verified, and only click on legitimate download links.3.Update software regularly. Software developers are continuously updating their applications with the best available security measures, so updating your programs and devices whenever possible is a great way to protect against cyber attacks.4.Encrypt where possible.Encryption tools can be used to protect data from outsiders. When encryption isn’t possible, password protection is a great alternative. Be sure to choose complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and characters, and to change your passwords regularly.5.Monitor data. Data breach monitoring tools will alert you when there is suspicious activity regarding your data. These tools will help you prevent data theft in real-time.6.Have a breach response plan. Breaches can happen to even the most prepared businesses. When they do, having a codified, organization-wide plan can help prevent further damage and speed up recovery efforts.
Cybercrime is becoming more frequent and more advanced every day, posing a threat to businesses and individuals everywhere. Rather than waiting to respond to a cyberattack, be proactive by bolstering your security measures to lower the risks of encountering an attack.
Biometrics is an element ingredient of cybersecurity. Technology makes things more comfortable, but rapid advancements come with new flaws and challenges. This makes security a primary concern. Protection of cyber-space from identity theft, theft of data, or even computer resources is referred to as cybersecurity. Hackers are continually evolving. As technology advances, they also take advantage of the new tools and skills and set security systems, making passwords inefficient as a protective mechanism.
Because of such reasons, biometric security is fast gaining widespread adoption among companies, organizations, and individuals as the preferred way to safeguard cyber-space from hackers and other malicious individuals. Led by tech giants such as Apple Inc., technologies such as facial recognition, fingerprint scanners, and iris scans have become mainstream.
Technology plays a significant role in fighting cybercrime, although it has associated risks as well. The two primary issues that organizations and individuals need to be aware of to enjoy the full benefits of biometric security and protect the digital information they hold can be stated as:
Organizations and individuals need to understand that they are not immune to attacks. Facial recognition and fingerprint can still be penetrated by cybercriminals to either spoof or steal biometric data.
Organizations holding extremely significant third-party data such as financial institutions and hospitals should understand the security implications of a data breach and their potential liability in case of an incidence.
For sensitive documents, advanced biometrics are used to provide an extra layer of protection. For instance, voice recognition is already being used by Citibank to identify clients. The British bank Halifax is also developing devices to monitor heartbeat as a mechanism to verify their customer’s identities.
In the automobile industry, Ford is incorporating biometric sensors in their cars to enhance security. The technology does not only perform a one check on the driver. Instead, it analyzes users’ behavior in real-time to verify whether or not they are themselves throughout the entire session that they are logged on to the digital platform.
Is Biometrics Cybersecurity indicating a New Age in Cybersecurity?
Yes, it appears so. And there is no doubt that the technology would bring massive improvements to cybersecurity infrastructure. The techniques make it more difficult for hackers to access systems remotely. Even with the passwords at hand, hackers still need various biometric scans to penetrate a network. The technology has been designed and developed to be a one-stop system. But can it stand alone in providing ultimate protection to data? Let’s have a look.
Is Biometrics cybersecurity sufficient on its own?
You know that ace hackers easily fool these systems for anyone who has ever watched a spy movie. If you protect your systems with facial recognition as the biometric protection of choice, then theoretically, a highly skilled hacker would still manage to penetrate using a high-quality photo of you facing the camera.
The point here is, if someone is desperate to hack your system, then they will do everything possible. So, as much as biometric security is a step in the right direction, it should be an extra layer of protection and not a stand-alone technique.
Functionalities of a Biometric System
Biometrics is not only a fascinating invention to learn and read about. It can be a highly enabling technology if it is carefully used. The technology can be used to reduce cybercrime, provide user-friendly machines, and provide a safer society through the following three basic functionalities;
1.Verification – is this really Legit Joe? Based on the biometric data stored in the servers, the technology can, with high certainty verifies a claimed enrollment authentication. For example, suppose a person claims that they are Legit Joe within the authentication system and gives their fingerprint. The system compares the offered fingerprint to the one enrolled in the system and is associated with the claimed identity. If the two matches, then the person is granted access. The person is denied entry if they differ. 2.Identification – this is merely determining whether the person is in or not in the database. There may be millions of enrolled identities in the database. The system counterchecks the given biometric data and what is stored to identify if there is any correlation. Some of the typical identification applications include criminal investigation, parenthood determination, welfare disbursement, voter identification cards, identification of missing children, border control, etc. 3.Screening – to determine whether an individual is on the watchlist radar. For instance, the screening services can be used as security in public rallies, airport security, and other surveillance activities.
Different types of Approaches to Biometrics
Biometric technologies use an array of physical characteristics, with some being more secure than others. We’ll now look into some of these solutions that focus on recognizing the following physical traits;
Iris pattern
Voice
Fingerprints
Vein patterns
Typing behavior
Facial structure
The list consists of just a sample of physical characteristics used better to understand the technology and not all the features. For instance, you can notice that retinal scans have not been included. However, as we examine some of the setbacks facing the listed technologies, you can use the same ideology as missing from the list.
So how does the technology work?
Biometric security is a sequential process executed in a specific order; it starts with enrollment, then storage of the enrollment to management, scanning, verification of the offered data, and finally to object integration. Below is an outline of the steps;
Step 1: the first stage is the enrollment stage, where an administrator supervises the collection of one or more biological characteristics. This is done through a sensor that is connected to the biometrics enrollment application.
Step 2: the enrollment application creates a reference template.
Step 3: the template is then connected to a user’s identification and stored in a database.
Below is a diagram representation of the biometric model.
In the case of an employee working for a given organization, they will be required to provide the specific characteristics collected during enrollment for them to begin work.
Evaluating Biometrics
There are various types of biometrics, and they differ in multiple ways. A unique set of advantages and disadvantages is associated with every approach that necessitates careful analysis while selecting a solution for specific access control. Therefore, before we examine the above-listed biometrics technologies, let us look at some of the setbacks experienced while implementing these solutions, such as;
The enrollment process is delicate, and there are possibilities of human error or error due to inadequate vendor solutions. Remember, the acquired characteristics are stored in a database as a reference template. Therefore, if the reference template is faulty, even to the slightest degree, the same error is reflected at the login time, hence wastage of time and, at worst, denial of access for the right identity. This shows how vulnerable information is at the time of input and how a slight error can lead to a system failure.
Business continuity
Imagine if an enterprise is running on a single Active Directory domain controller. This implies that no one can authenticate if the domain controller fails, and consequently, the business activities will have to terminate.
Forgery
There are body parts that can be easily forged compared to other parts. For example, it’s relatively easy to get a fingerprint impression that seamlessly works for various fingerprint recognition systems compared to generating vein scans.
Datastore contamination
After the reference templates have been stored in the database, the context in which they operate, how the software accesses them, and other attack surface considerations determine the degree of risk of cybercriminals contaminating or replacing the store templates. Suppose the reference templates fall into malicious hands. In that case, they can be used to compromise the systems in various ways, such as using the templates to gain access to the system or creating multiple forgeries of the measured characteristics.
Accuracy
Accuracy challenges are mostly associated with engineering faults during the manufacture of the relevant sensors. Errors in sensors are measured in two ways: false rejection rate and false acceptance rate. If a legitimately enrolled user is scanned and the biometrics system fails, it is a false rejection error. While on the other hand, if a biometric system verifies a person who has not gone through the enrollment process, it is a false acceptance error.
Selecting the right Approach to Biometric Solution
As for the remaining part of the article, we will look at various biometric technologies. Both the pros and cons of every solution as no specific technology can suit all access control challenges.
Fingerprint Recognition
When most people hear of biometrics, all that comes to their mind first is a finger scan. For example, I present one of my index fingers to a fingerprint sensor and key in my phone number to access my school library. Several organizations track their employees’ working hours using fingerprint scanners to monitor clock in and clock out time. Although it is ubiquitous, it has some flaws and can be bypassed by ace hackers; hence not always the right choice.
How does it work?
When you scan your finger, the sensor picks specific characteristics like the one shown in the figure below. The scanned information is then converted to the information referred to as the trial template using an algorithm.
Advantages
several solutions available
Less expensive to install compared to other biometric technologies
Disadvantages
It is highly sensitive to environmental factors
Ease to forge
Facial Recognition
The technology uses an image of a user’s face to enforce security.
How it works
The technology uses an algorithm to recognize a face in the camera image uniquely. There are databases with different face shapes that help differentiate the human face from other body parts in the camera’s view.
The various nodal points used to identify a user’s face uniquely include
The shape of the cheekbones
Jawline length
Nose width
Depth of eye sockets.
Advantages
Difficult to forge
More acceptable approach compared to contact-based techniques.
Relatively cheap compared to solutions requiring a separate sensor
Fast
Disadvantages
Highly influenced by the lighting of the environment.
High possibilities of error due to racial differences
Iris Recognition
Iris scanning is the best solution for looking for high levels of accuracy and low rates of forgery.
How it works
The technology reads retina patterns by shining light into the back of the eye. The data collected is then converted into a reference template for verification, just like other biometric solutions. Below is an image of the human eye (a) and another image showing the iris scanning process (b).
a.
b.
Vein Recognition
There is a complex network of veins lying below our hands. Each individual has a unique pattern that can be used for digital identification. The pattern can be captured using infrared waves and then stored as reference templates for biometric access control. An example of a vein scanner is shown below.
The technology was first engineered by Fujitsu and was designed to be a contactless recognition technology. It relies on specific characteristics of blood in veins known as deoxidized hemoglobin. The blood carried back to the lungs lacks oxygen as the body cells have already consumed that from it. Deoxidized hemoglobin appears black when exposed to light waves of near-infrared wavelength. The ability of deoxidized to absorb such waves and change color makes it easy to identify the unique vein patterns that can then be captured, stored as a reference template, and finally as biometric access control. The picture below illustrates how near-infrared waves extract blood vein patterns.
Advantages
Likewise to iris recognition, a vein scan does not require physical contact with the sensor.
The very low error rate
Nearly impossible to forge
Disadvantages
This is a new technology that is still evolving, implying that it has no objective standard.
Voice and Typing
Unlike the above-mentioned biometric technologies used to enhance cybersecurity, voice recognition and keystroke dynamics are much less popular and have not gained widespread use.
Voice recognition
Voice recognition is easy to adopt for users, but cybercriminals can easily forge it. The technology uses algorithms to make reference templates using voiceprints. It is less accurate compared to other approaches and subjects to identity theft through recording devices. Voice recognition works well for mobile-based authentication, although it has various hiccups when a user has to speak into a microphone. Thus, voice authentication is highly affected by environmental factors such as background noise, hence not suitable in cubicle-dense areas.
Keystroke dynamics
How slow or fast individual types can be used to identify a person uniquely. The technology is easy to implement in a business setup, though not very accurate. The approach does not require any external gadget, and enrollment automatically occurs as the user executes their day-to-day activities using a computer. When looking for a biometric process that is less expensive, a second layer to multi-factor authentication, and easy to implement, then keystroke dynamic is the technique to go for.
Final thoughts
Technology is fast evolving, creating more attack vectors and increasing attack surfaces. New defense mechanisms come with improvements and security for newly designed threats. However, cybercriminals exploit the latest technologies by using more sophisticated techniques such as deep learning to mimic the voice to overcome approaches such as voice recognition.
Biometrics alone cannot be used as a stand-alone mechanism to protect cyberspace devices because a determined hacker will still find their way through the system. Therefore, biometric security technology should be used as part of a multi-factor authentication system.
As technology is continually advancing, so are viruses and malware. These cybersecurity threats are always evolving and becoming more dangerous, making it harder for computer users to keep their data protected.
The first step towards protecting yourself is identifying the possible threats so you can come up with an effective solution. The viruses are getting harder to detect, but with the right strategy at hand, you will be in a better position to beat the threats.
In this article, we will look at the top 10 most dangerous new malware and security threats in 2022.
Clop Ransomware
This malware works by encrypting your files and asks you to pay a certain ransom amount to have them decrypted. It is one of the most dangerous and feared ransomware variants, and it mostly targets Windows users. This advanced security threat starts by blocking most of the Windows processes, so you will not detect when it does the encryption. It will disable most essential security applications such as Windows defender, so your computer will have no chance of protecting the files from encryption.
Fake Updates
Fake Updates is a new strategy that cybercriminals are using to trick users into hacking themselves. They will send fake emails, asking you to install an OS update, and as soon as you do, you will be opening doors for hackers to your computer. The hackers will lure you by telling you that the update is something that you need to boost your computer operation while, in the real sense, it is a ransomware program. When installed, the ransomware encrypts your files and demands that you pay a particular amount of money to hackers, failure to which they will use your data for malicious acts. The worst part is that this program is not easily detectable by many anti-Malware software. You can, however, take your time to study a comprehensive malware removal guide and how you can protect yourself from this security threat.
Zeus Gameover
This virus is one of the common Zeus family viruses. It mainly targets finances and can easily access your bank account details and get away with all the available funds. The worst part about the malware is that it does not incorporate a centralized command and control server, unlike most viruses. This makes it a bit hard for authorities to target and locate it. The malware can bypass even the most robust centralized servers and integrate its independent servers to get into the system. This means that you cannot trace the stolen funds.
News Malware Attacks
This has become a common trick where hackers use trending news to target unsuspecting people. For example, with the ongoing Coronavirus crisis, the hackers can take advantage of the outbreak to send updates via email, which most individuals will deem legitimate. They will send a link that the targets need to click to access the ‘updates’ on COVID-19, but as soon as they do, they will be creating a way for hackers into their computers. The links contain a virus that is designed to copy the files on the devices and steal information.
Social Engineering
Cybercriminals are now shifting from computers to humans as they find them weaker and easy to trick. They are using deception to lure them into giving out personal details. For example, the hacker may contact a targeted company pretending to be a specific individual. Cybercriminals mostly use financial-related information to convince their targets that they are legit. They will then trick them into giving sensitive information about their accounts, which they will then use to access the accounts and steal data. Although this is not a virus, it is still a security threat that people and companies should be worried about.
AI Attacks
Hackers are taking advantage of artificial intelligence technology to create links to help them get into any system. This is the technology that many cybersecurity companies use to combat hackers. Unfortunately, it seems like cybercriminals are getting ahead of them and using the same trick to bypass any blocks. With this, they can expand their moves and no longer have to spend a lot of time and resources to commit a cybercrime. People should be prepared to deal with a more advanced and destructive artificial intelligence-based virus in 2022 and the years to come.
Cryptojacking
This virus is specifically designed to help hackers mine cryptocurrencies. Bitcoins are continually gaining popularity, with their value increasing day by day. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of this to mine digital currencies effortlessly by installing Cryptojacking malware entities on phones and computers.
Freeware
Although this application is not considered a significant cybersecurity threat, it should be something to worry about. Over 600 million mobile phone users have already downloaded this malware without realizing its potential harm. With time, the virus charges the users large amounts of money even after uninstalling the app.
RaaS
Also referred to as Ransomware as a Service, RaaS is one of the most common and popular security threats of the year. It is more like a community where people pay expert hackers to carry out the cybercrimes on their behalf. The community is growing at a worrying rate, which calls for more serious protection measures.
IoT Device Attacks
This hacking trick continues to gain traction this year, primarily because many individuals do not understand how it works. The hackers target IoT devices, which could be anything from smart devices and bells. Most of these devices do not contain extra security measures, making it easier to manipulate to access data, which the criminals can then use to access your accounts.
Protecting yourself from malware and cyber threats
You have to do whatever it takes to protect your funds and personal information from these malicious characters. The easiest way to do so is by:
Many hackers and script kiddies like the best keyloggers for hacking because of the tools’ capabilities. The easy-to-use software or hardware collects every activity going on in a victim’s device. Keyloggers are a threat to users and information, but as an ethical hacker, you should be aware of how you can leverage the tools for ethical hacking.
This article lists some of the best keyloggers for hacking. The post also helps you understand keylogging basics, which is essential in combating keyloggers’ usage by cybercriminals. However, you should use the tools cautiously.
What is Keylogging?
Keylogging is a process of recording each keystroke you enter, including mouse clicks. There are both software and hardware keyloggers available for the task. Users install software keyloggers, just like any other computer program. On the other hand, they use a hardware keylogger by inserting the tool between a keyboard and CPU.
Keylogging became popular in the mid-1970s with the advent of the Soviet Union’s hardware keylogger targeting typewriters. In the same period, spies installed keystroke loggers in the US Embassy and Consulate buildings in Moscow. Perry Kivolowitz developed an early software keylogger and posted it to the Usenet newsgroup net.UNIX-wizards, net.sources on November 17, 1983.
Since then, a tool that was previously uncommon and popular among top examination organizations and spies became a typical element accessible to all individuals.
How Does a Keylogger Function?
Keylogger software or hardware is easy to install and use. After the installation process, the tool collects every activity happening in a victim’s computer. Some keyloggers record every activity with screenshots. Depending on the tool and setup, the keylogger can save the information on the victim’s system, mail the attacker, or upload the files to an FTP server. Some keyloggers send recorded information via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
A keylogger takes a screen capture when a victim performs an action like clicking the mouse. It functions without the user discovering that a tool is recording all the keystrokes.
Some of the user’s actions that keylogger records include email messages, writings, and website URLs that a victim visits.
Apart from keyboard-triggered activities, some keyloggers can capture additional information like clip logging, which involves anything duplicated on the clipboard. The tool can also perform screen logging by logging randomly coordinated screen captures. Some keyloggers can record program queries, instant message conversations, FTP downloads, and other Internet activities. Other keylogging tools can track activities like recording and taking screenshots of every open program, window, and folder.
Using Keylogger as a Hacking Tool
Hacking a device remotely is difficult. But when a hacker has physical access to a victim’s target machine, the task becomes incredibly simple. A hacker can install a stealthy little USB hacking device into the back of the target PC or laptops to install keylogger programs.
Keyloggers give hackers a path of least resistance. These hacking tools are difficult to detect. In the case of a hardware keylogger, the tool sits silently in the back of the victim’s device.
Cybercriminals can distribute and install software-based keyloggers programs when unsuspecting users click on links or open attachments from phishing emails. In other cases, hackers use webpage scripts to install keyloggers. They exploit a vulnerable browser and launch the tool when a victim visits a malicious site.
An ethical hacker commissioned to pen-test a client can install a keylogger from the get-go without knowing the target. The penetration tester can install several keylogging devices and software into unsuspecting employees’ PCs. This tactic generates results that stun and impress the client in equal measure.
Apart from hacking, guardians use keyloggers to monitor their kids’ online activities. Employers use the tools to monitor their employees’ keystrokes to improve productivity for remote workers.
Best Keylogger for Hacking
These are some of the keyloggers that you can use for hacking:
Hardware-Based Keyloggers
1. KeyGrabber TimeKeeper USB
This tool is a masterpiece at disguise. The keylogger looks so innocuous it will almost escape the attention of an unsuspecting user. The KeyGrabber tool records each keystroke using a timestamp. The tool transmits recorded information via a Wi-Fi signal. KeyGrabber’s installation is straightforward since it does not require any extra drivers.
Besides, the hardware keylogger features a massive 8 GB of data, so you can be sure that it will track each keystroke for years to come. The scary thing is that, for the most part, KeyGrabber is transparent to regular PC operations, and users cannot detect it easily with security scanners.
This tool emails automatic reports featuring recorded keyboard data. The keylogger provides 100 percent MAC compatibility. Developers designed the Wi-Fi Premium USB MCP keylogger with the laziest hacker in mind due to its user-friendliness.
The keylogger has a built-in timestamping module and offers a huge memory capacity of 2GB.
You attach the KeyGrabber Pico USB to the back of a PC tower and then place a regular USB make end into it. The device is one of the smallest in the market, with a length of 0.8″ (20 mm).
The keylogger works with any USB keyboard, including those with built-in hubs. Users do not require extra software or drivers to install and use KeyGrabber Pico. The tool is also transparent to computer operations and undetectable for security scanners.
The Keylogger Mini USB 3.0 does not require remote configuration. The device is suitable for ethical hackers with physical access to a targets’ machine.
The keylogger works on popular operating systems, such as Windows 7, 8, and 10, where it records all keystrokes to a hidden file.
The tool acts like a normal USB storage device with 4GB storage.
However, Keylogger Mini USB 3.0 does not work on Linux or Apple.
5. AirDrive Forensic Keylogger Pro
This USB hardware keylogger features Wi-Fi connectivity, 16MB flash, email, and live data transfer. AirDrive Forensic Pro is one of the smallest keyloggers in the market, with a size of 0.4″ (10 mm).
The tool emails reports, timestamping, and live data streaming over the network. It is also compatible with barcode readers. AirDrive Forensic Keylogger’s memory is protected by hardware encryption.
Apart from hardware-based keyloggers, you can download some of the best free keyloggers from the Internet. So, keep reading this post to learn more about the best software keyloggers.
6. BestXSoftware
BestXSoftware Keylogger stores all keystrokes, chats, emails, Facebook email, passwords, and URL visits. The tool sends recorded information to hackers via emails.
BestXSoftware capabilities include recording keystrokes, monitoring clipboard, capturing screenshots, monitoring internet activities, monitoring local applications, creating HTML reports, offering advanced filtering, scheduling monitoring, and protecting passwords.
Besides, the keylogger has a friendly report and screenshot viewer. The tool works invisibly in the background, and it is password protected. In that event, only the user who installed the keylogger can see or open the tools using the password. Even antivirus software cannot detect BestXSoftware.
7. Actual Keylogger
Actual keylogger monitors any user activity on a target computer, letting you know what your target is doing on the device. The software keeps track of programs run or closed, websites visited, and keystrokes pressed. Actual Keylogger can also record screenshots and clipboard content.
Actual keylogger is available for Windows and Mac. Once configured, the software screen captures for a set time, encrypts log files for all activities, and generates reports in HTML and text formats.
Apart from that, the keylogger offers advanced capabilities like standard and hidden operating modes, invisibility in all operating systems in hidden mode, a convenient interface for screenshot and log view, fast installation, and flexible configuration.
8. Revealer
Revealer Keylogger Free 2020 is a popular free monitoring software with over 10 million downloads. The software’s powerful algorithm can record everything users type on the keyboard, including passwords for any application such as Facebook, Skype, and email accounts.
Revealer provides an automatic screenshot feature where you can watch all the actions performed on the target computer. The tool captures active application screens when a user types or uses the mouse.
You can view the recorded text remotely with delivery via email, Dropbox, FTP, or LAN with Revealer. You can adjust the delivery frequency of the recorded screenshots and texts.
Revealer also features an invisible mode that allows the tool to remain undetectable in Windows tools like Windows Task Manager, Windows Explorer, or the registry.
CNET describes Revealer as the number one monitoring software, while Wired recommends the keylogger for Windows. According to Softonic, Revealer is among the most downloaded keylogger software with over 3 million downloads.
9. Spyrix
Spyrix provides full remote cloud monitoring. You can use the keylogger to monitor all the activity remotely from any location. Instead of downloading recorded files, Spyrix allows you to log in to an online account to view keystroke information.
Spyrix also offers live screen and web camera viewing. The tool is available for Windows (from XP and above) and web version on any desktop or mobile. The keylogger also monitors and records the activities conducted on social media platforms like Facebook, Messenger, Viber, Skype, WhatsApp, and Twitter.
You can create and download recorded data report from your online account.
10. Elite Keylogger
Elite Keylogger for Windows and Mac monitors a target computer to discover information about activities. The tool operates as a hidden camera. Parents can deploy Elite Keylogger to protect kids online, while employers use it to improve employees’ efficiency.
Hackers can deploy Elite Keylogger to record all keys typed on a computer while remaining completely invisible to the victim. The tool collects logs that can reveal passwords, documents, emails, chat messages, and everything that a user enters.
Elite Keylogger can record information a victim shares on different platforms, such as Skype, GTalk, AOL, and MSN. It can record both incoming and outgoing messages.
Elite Keylogger monitors computers remotely and emails logs to the hacker or uploads them to a server. The tool also offers excellent URL interception and a user-friendly interface.
11. Wolfeye Keylogger
Wolfeye Keylogger is a software solution to monitor user activities on a computer. The keylogger records all keystrokes, even passwords to email and Facebook accounts. Wolfeye captures all chats and instant messages.
Hackers can use this keylogger to steal email passwords and get access to social media accounts. Wolfeye also takes regular screenshots to reveal what the user views. The software conveniently emails all monitored data to the hacker.
12. All-In-One Keylogger
All-In-One keylogger is one of the most fully-featured keyloggers on the market today. The invisible tool collects keystrokes, screenshots, visited websites, sent and received messages in social media cates, printer tasks, change of files and folder directories, and more.
The keylogger is easy to use, with a one-click or preconfigured installation.
If the device you are monitoring has a webcam, All-In-One Keylogger can deploy it to record sounds or snap images in the room. This capability turns a victim’s device into a simple security surveillance system.
All-In-One keylogger offers various convenient log delivery methods, including FTP, email, LAN, or copying collected information to a USB drive.
Besides, the keylogger provides enhanced privacy through password protection and log encryption.
13. Total Logger
Total Logger is a comprehensive monitoring tool that can boast an impressive capability range, including keystrokes logging, screenshots capturing, file operations recording, site URL tracking, and social media chat monitoring. The keylogger also records sound and video from the victim’s webcam.
Reviewing Total Logger records is not a problem. The tool delivers the logs via email, LAN, FTP, or Dropbox. Hackers can get a complete picture of the victim’s PC activities without ever touching the computer.
Ultimately, a keylogger that records keystrokes and other actions on a target computer may look harmless. However, in the hands of cybercriminals, the tool can steal crucial information, such as passwords and financial data. Ethical hackers can learn more about keyloggers and use them for regular activities like penetration testing and training. This post features information about the best hardware and software-based keyloggers for hacking. Users should stay vigilant with a proactive and comprehensive security strategy to combat sophisticated keylogging activities.
Email registration best practices guide a secure method for opening and maintaining email accounts. Email communication has taken root as a preferred method for sharing sensitive information. Individual users and businesses use emails to reach customers, family members, and business partners. Email messaging has a lot of value to an enterprise. Spending $1 on email accounts generates $38, which is a staggering 3800% ROI.
Whether users manage a company’s inbox or use email for personal communication, they are bound to come across confidential information requiring adequate protection. It is essential to ensure proper security when registering and operating an email account.
Email Usage and Security Statistics
Communicating through email is one of the oldest and most effective methods for transmitting sensitive information. It has become a norm for companies to provide employees with new email accounts to facilitate connectivity and information sharing.
The following email usage statistics underscore the essence of adhering to email registration best practices.
More than 3.9 billion people use email technologies daily, with the number expected to reach 4.3 billion users by 2023.
By 2019, the number of active email accounts exceeded 5.6 billion.
At least 35% of businesses and marketers prefer email communication when contacting customers, most sending an average of 3-5 email messages per week.
More than 78% of companies have witnessed an increase in email engagement between 2019 and 2020.
In 2019, the US spent more than $350 million on email advertisements.
These and other statistics indicate that email constitutes one of the most used communication platforms globally.
Email engagements will continue rising, but this could have some security concerns. It is vital to understand the current email security environment to inform the best measures to consider when registering an email account.
Phishing is a common and widespread email security headache: A 2020 Data Investigations Report by Verizon found that almost a quarter of company data breaches in 2019 involved phishing. The report further reveals that email is a top vector for delivering phishing malware, which causes data breaches and network downtime and damage.
Phishing emails have worsened since the COVID-19 outbreak: Between February and May 2020, phishing attacks rose sharply, with some areas recording a 600% increase compared to previous incidents. Many cybercriminals used the coronavirus pandemic topic as bait to trick email users into clicking malicious weblinks and attachments.
Cybercriminals have perfected the art of getting email users to click: A study done in the UK targeted 62,000 business email users with nine phishing emails. The study results showed that 24,758 users clicked the attached links and documents, as the emails contained authority cues, such as a sense of urgency. Hackers continue devising better ways of increasing their success rates, increasing the need for email registration best practices.
Credential theft and account takeover continue rising: Credential theft and account takeover are on the rise. It is challenging to identify and halt the attack vectors, a security concern for individual email users and company employees. A recent study on email security trends and attack vectors found that phishing techniques are pervasive. 48.7% of the study participants reported crooks impersonating other vendors or colleagues in attempted phishing attacks. The study also revealed that 42.4% encounter brand impersonations of organizations like DocuSign, Google, and Microsoft. 33.6% of involved IT experts also reported they mitigate email-based attacks daily.
Common email security risks
A growing need for online-based communication has seen email dominate for many years. However, it is a top security concern given that classic interventions like antivirus solutions do little to block email attacks. As such, all business sizes and individual users must identify the best approaches for ensuring a secure email. An email security breach can severely harm company and customer reputation and lead to the loss of essential information. Email users should be wary of the following risks when registering an email account:
Domain squatting: Domain squatting is a security risk where malevolent cyber actors use or sell a domain name to use another person’s trademark for profitability. As such, individual email users and companies can be victims of targeted phishing attacks and domain squatting.
Email security gaps: Identifying and addressing weaknesses in the provider configurations of email services can help stop attacks. Email service vulnerabilities can enable hackers to infiltrate a protected network system and make away with classified information.
Client-side attacks: Attack vectors that can enable hackers to compromise internet users continue rising by the day. For instance, a single click on a malicious link can take down an organization’s network and systems. The client-side attacks are dangerous since they target a user’s mistakes and ignorance. Businesses need to strengthen their email service components’ security through employee training and anti-phishing solutions.
Misconfigurations: Poor configuration practices often cause serious and adverse incidents that can result in a communication crisis. For example, a misconfigured email service can permit users to send email messages without authentication. Cyber adversaries can exploit the vulnerability and send phishing emails to random employees and commit other nefarious acts, such as identity theft.
File-format exploits: File-format exploits are one of the primary threats to a business’s information security approach. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities by creating carefully created malicious files. The files trigger flows like buffer overflows in web applications. The vulnerabilities are scary since most are cross-platform and can compromise multiple systems, applications, and operating systems.
Fraudulent payment: Cybercriminals design scams like business email compromise to impersonate executives and high-ranking personalities, such as CEOs, to increase their success. Many employees fall for the scams since the emails appear legitimate and from an authority figure. There are numerous employees in critical positions, such as finance or procuring, falling for email scams, and making fraudulent payments.
Recommended email registration best practices
Implement multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication is a proven measure for combating cybercrimes. It provides email users with the ability to verify their authenticity every time they log in to their email accounts. Multi-factor authentication is a scheme where an email user must provide multiple authentication items to verify that they are who they claim to be. The items can be an application, verification code, or biometrics that are only accessible to legitimate users. Email companies implement the authentication scheme but are mostly disabled by default. Users require to enable the option to thwart any of the security mentioned above risks. The second step immediately after an email registration exercise is complete should be turning on multi-factor authentication.
Create an easy to remember but hard to guess password
A common perception in cybersecurity is that passwords are the first line of defense. Creating a weak and easy-to-crack password means that the first defensive line is weak and cannot withstand aggressive intrusion attempts, such as brute-force and dictionary attacks. The days of creating passwords like qwertyuiop123 or using personal information are long gone. Motivated malicious hackers can use personal information readily available on various social media platforms to decipher a user’s password.
While many email providers require new users to include a special symbol or lowercase and uppercase letters when creating a password, it is the users’ responsibility to ensure the passwords are complex. Using a password manager to protect passwords used for multiple accounts can enable users to remember the correct password.
Avoid using public wi-fi networks for email communication.
Sometimes, it is possible to avert email security threats. For example, email users can protect their accounts by only using trusted and secure networks to share sensitive information. Using email services when connected to a public wi-fi network places information shared through email at the mercy of hackers. Attackers can easily intercept all user communications or install malware on the network that steals email messages in real-time. Therefore, when registering for an email account, it is vital to ascertain secure wi-fi networks when transmitting data. Some of the best practices include avoiding checking new email messages using free internet connectivity in airports, coffee shops, and other public areas.
Utilize the spam filter feature
Numerous email platforms, including Office 365 and Google email services, contain a built-in spam protection feature. More often than not, users forget to turn on the feature and configure it appropriately when registering for an email. Spam protection permits users to customize the spam filters to prevent emails from specific senders or those with certain words from reaching the inbox. It is also necessary to identify unknown email addresses that send suspicious email messages, links, and attachments and add them to marked spam. Spam protection is essential to protecting email users from phishing attacks and other social engineering scams.
Prohibit the use of personal emails for business use
When registering a new email account for a new employee, system administrators must ensure the employees understand the dangers of using personal emails for work reasons. It is nearly impossible to monitor personal emails using company security infrastructure, thus opening new cybersecurity challenges.
Personal email accounts are easy to target and breach than company accounts since most contain the provider’s security configurations. Moreover, users use personal email accounts to subscribe to various websites and communicate with numerous individuals. However, company email accounts are more secure since most businesses implement sophisticated email security systems to monitor and scan incoming messages for malicious links and attachments. Companies must prohibit employees from using personal accounts when registering a new email account.
Learn to identify phishing emails
New email users are susceptible to phishing attacks. Yet, phishing techniques are among the oldest and widely used methods for hacking emails. New email users need to understand what phishing is, identify and report a phishing email, and the danger of opening it. Phishing is where internet scammers pose as reputable individuals or companies and trick victims to gain and exploit their trust.
Most phishing emails come from renowned entities where attackers craft them to resemble the original organizations. They use the same themes, formatting, and embedded images to increase their success rates. However, some signs can enable users to identify if an email is a phishing email. They include poor spelling, robot-like writing methods, and improper use of grammar. Also, new email users should be on the lookout for the following phishing practices:
Spear phishing: it is where hackers use a target’s information to gain the victim’s trust and increase the success rate
Deceptive phishing: the scammer sends email messages disguised as a reliable company to gain the trust of the victim
Whaling: it is a type of phishing that targets top executives, such as CEOs, to penetrate an organization from the top tier
Dropbox/Google Drive phishing: it is a phishing method that is among those that are extremely hard to identify. The method duplicates cloud folder login requests and pages regarding a user’s login information. Hackers with access to the information usually access a large plethora of sensitive data.
Ensure that the encrypted communications protocol is turned on
The nature of email communications is insecure since emails run over an unencrypted Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. As such, a sent email message may go through several SMTP relay servers before it reaches the intended recipient. However, since the messages are unencrypted, the content may be compromised if they go through a malicious relay server. Employing Transport Level Security (TLS) encrypts all email messages and protects them from unauthorized access.
Be cautious when clicking the unsubscribe link.
While spam protection plays a vital role in weeding out spam emails, some still find their way to the users’ inbox. In such an eventuality, suspicious users may be tempted to click on the unsubscribe button to do away with future emails. However, hackers nowadays use unsubscribe links to direct email users to a phishing website. Besides, the link could provide attackers with backdoor access to the network or system. New email users must be aware of such emails and unsubscribe links.
How many cybercriminals are caught is a question that we should all understand. Can cybercriminals and entities supporting their activities be caught, held accountable, and prosecuted? What more can countries do to increase cybercrime conviction rates?
It is pertinent to answer these and other pressing questions since a growing cybercrime wave affects all global economy sectors and threatens international security. Despite the rising cybersecurity threats, a serious gap exists in how law enforcement agencies respond to adverse cyber incidents.
The past decade has seen a significant increase in hacks and data breaches as cybercriminals embrace sophisticated technologies and malware programs more and more. Some renowned companies have been victims of huge data breaches and continue to be plagued with numerous cybercrime events.
For instance, Equifax suffered a vast data breach that affected more than 147 million customers. The attackers managed to access sensitive information like social security numbers, credit card data, dates of birth, and home addresses. The company also incurred huge losses of up to $671 million in a class-action lawsuit settlement with the affected customers.
But actually how many cybercriminals are caught?
The primary danger of cybercrime is that a guilty criminal is rarely caught or prosecuted. Subsequently, the low conviction rate leaves governments and businesses vulnerable to multiple targeted attacks.
According to the Third Way think tank, an approximated 0.3% of all reported cybercrime complaints are enforced and prosecuted. It translates to 3 out of 1,000 malicious cyber incidents that are arrested and prosecuted. The large cybercrime enforcement gap gives malicious cyber actors the confidence to engage in nefarious activities without the fear of being caught, prosecuted, or punished. Moreover, a large percentage of cybercrime victims do not report the cases, and the enforcement gap may, therefore, be lesser than 0.05%.
Mark Lanterman, the CTO of Computer Forensic Services, made a similar observation by estimating that less than 1% of hackers get caught and convicted. Catching a cybercriminal can be compared to locating a needle in a haystack, where the needle might even not exist. Good hackers understand the evidence generated upon executing a specific attack and will go to great lengths to ensure the evidence is non-existent. As a result, many businesses may be hacked and remain unaware that they have been compromised.
Even if the hackers leave traces of evidence, it is usually insufficient to identify the responsible group or individual. In addition to computer forensic evidence, law enforcement agencies often rely on interviews with security professionals, which poses numerous challenges in identifying a cybercriminal. In 2014, the Justice Department announced the arrest of 90 individuals involved in a Blackshades malware case. The investigation required the cooperation of 19 countries, hundreds of searches in Canada, the US, and Europe, and it took two years to complete.
It is also worth noting that cybercrime has escalated significantly in recent years, as more individuals begin the vice for monetary rewards. Recent research found that some cybercriminals earn up to $2 million every year, while others earn between $40,000 and $1 million annually. However, attackers spend as much time planning for and designing their malicious activities as they devise methods of remaining stealth and under the radar. The dark web provides hackers with a perfect platform for engaging in various cybercrime activities, further increasing the difficulties in apprehending them.
For example, fraud and cybercrime have become the most prevalent offenses, where 10% of the population have been victims of various hacks. At least five and a half million cyberattack incidences occur every year, accounting for nearly 50% of the total UK crime. Despite the massive scale of the issue, at least 80% of the crimes go unreported to law enforcement, such that cybercriminals are rarely apprehended or prosecuted.
Furthermore, hackers use sophisticated measures to cover and hide their tracks. Most police forces cannot uncover the tracks due to the scarcity of required technology and resources. An estimated 5% of cybercriminals get caught and punished for their crimes, demonstrating the challenges law enforcement goes through to arrest and prosecute the offenders.
Why it is difficult to catch and prosecute cybercriminals
For malicious cyber actors, the notion that crime doesn’t pay is laughable since Internet crime has spiraled to unprecedented levels. It has become more lucrative than ever as cybercriminals become more confident that there are lesser risks of being apprehended. Hackers usually use sophisticated tactics and secure software to remain anonymous and cover their tracks.
For example, cyber adversaries use tools like proxy servers to conceal their identity, funnel communications and bounce their IP addresses across multiple countries and locations to evade detection, and use technologies like Tor and VPN encryption to mask their identities. The combined use of technologies allows hackers to execute high-profile crimes without being detected. Other reasons why it is challenging to catch cybercriminals are as follows:
Jurisdiction Issues
Jurisdiction challenges are a leading barrier to arresting and prosecuting cybercriminals. Many hackers commit cybercrimes while located in a different country or in locations where prosecutors and judges lack legal jurisdiction. It is challenging enough to oversee a successful prosecution of cybercriminals within the same jurisdiction as the victim, but nearly impossible when both are in separate locations.
In many cases, law enforcement may gather sufficient legal evidence and verify the perpetrator’s location and identity but lack the legal permission to arrest the individual. While some nations have established reciprocal, cross-boundary legal rules with their cyber allies, some countries fail to participate. Jurisdiction barriers make it extremely challenging to catch and prosecute cybercriminals.
Many Cybercrimes are Unreported
Most victims of online cybercrimes never report them creating challenges in tracking and arresting cybercriminals. It is understandable why people fail to report them as most are unaware of where to report, and if they do, they rarely get a positive report. Failing to report cybercriminals makes it hard to keep an accurate count of solved cybercrimes. It also denies law enforcement the opportunity to collect evidence required to track and prosecute masterminds behind an attack. Unreported cybercrimes highly contribute to the low numbers of caught cybercriminals and a lower prosecution and conviction rate.
Inability to Prosecute
It has taken decades for legal systems and law enforcement agencies in developed countries to get up to speed on how to prosecute cybercrime. Many countries, especially underdeveloped ones, lack strong legal systems and equipped law enforcement departments to catch and convict cybercriminals.
On the other hand, those with established systems have had to commit a tremendous amount of resources to train law enforcement officers to identify different types of cybercrimes. They have also had to overcome challenges in gathering and to preserve forensic evidence effectively and hiring, retaining, and training specialized cybercrime investigators. After years of runaway cybercrime, it is only now that nations are beginning to comprehend how to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in various cyber crimes successfully.
Challenges in Collecting Legal Evidence
While many investigators believe in their ability to collect digital legal evidence that might lead to a cybercriminal arrest, the evidence may not hold up in court. Unquestionable cybercrime evidence is difficult to collect. For instance, it is possible to collect an accurate log showing the presence of an unauthorized intruder breaking into a system. The log data can be copied and presented to the police, but it might not withstand a defense attorney’s cross-examination.
The log data may raise questions in court, such as: What if someone tampered with the log file? Who was authorized to access the log file? How can it be determined that the date time stamp is accurate? What if the IP addresses were faked? And so on. Whenever there is an arrest, law enforcement officers and cybercrime investigators must ascertain that the evidence presented in court is foolproof and can hold up.
Recommendations for reducing the enforcement gap
The world must be prepared to not only identify cybercriminals but also to bring criminals to justice. The following recommendations can assist in catching and prosecuting more cybercriminals to reduce the wide enforcement gap:
Rump up Efforts for Identifying Responsible Individuals
Failure to identify cybercriminals inhibits the ability to capture and prosecute them. Identifying the individuals responsible for an attack is usually tedious and requires the input of multiple investigators, cybersecurity experts, and law enforcement agencies. Technologies like VPNs, advanced encryption, and TOR networks enable malicious hackers to mask their identities.
Other machine learning tools assist in reconnaissance and information gathering methods such that cyber actors can execute attacks with a high degree of precision and accuracy. Therefore, identifying the criminals requires closer cooperation between the victims and all involved parties in apprehending perpetrators.
Nations can achieve cooperation by allocating technologically advanced resources used in cyber investigations to enhance attribution levels. Furthermore, building and maintaining alliances improves information-sharing mechanisms and procedures, streamlining processes for identifying individuals involved in cybercrime.
Adopt a Carrot and Stick Approach
Some cybercriminals may be difficult to catch if they have organizations and nations that provide a haven. A carrot and stick approach is a comprehensive strategy that can facilitate the apprehension of cybercriminals. In such an instance, the carrot means using a reward-based scheme to provide an incentive for sharing information to apprehend malicious hackers. The stick is enforcing targeted sanctions on perceived cybercriminals and possible organizational or nation-state sponsors. Using both strategies can enable a country to begin imposing various consequences even if a cybercriminal remains at large.
Reforms in International Coordination and Cooperation
All countries must transform their law enforcement domestically and internationally. Since the inception of the Internet, bureaucratic hurdles have repressed attempts to identify and apprehend cybercriminals due to the involvement of multiple jurisdictions.
Numerous countries and law enforcement agencies face numerous challenges in getting international partners to cooperate in tracing or arresting a cyber adversary. Cyber threats are globalized and require deliberate and dedicated coordination and leadership to achieve international cooperation to minimize the enforcement gap. Countries must engage effectively in cyber incidents calling for international coordination in the efforts of catching a cybercriminal.
Enhance the International Capacity for Catching Cybercriminals
Successful prosecution reduces the enforcement gap but depends on how many cybercriminals are caught. The law enforcement of almost all countries barely makes a dent in fighting the cybercrime wave, which is why it is essential to build a greater enforcement capacity on the international stage.
In this regard, countries with advanced technological innovations, such as the US, China, and Russia, must expand their support in building and realizing a global cybercrime enforcement capacity. They can provide help in building capacity through international judicial programs, development, and strengthening diplomatic relations.
Examples of Arrested cybercriminals
1. On September 30, a Russian national, Yevgeniy Nikulin, was found guilty of hacking Formspring and LinkedIn in 2012. The perpetrator stole credentials and information belonging to more than 100 million Americans. The hacker was sentenced to a 7-year jail term.
2. Authorities in Poland announced the apprehension of four suspected hackers in a coordinated strike targeting cybercrime. The operation consisted of cooperation between the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw, cybercrime departments in Europol and provincial police headquarters, and the Polish Police Centre Bureau of Investigations.
3. Global security agencies cracked down on various individuals who use the dark web to sell illegal goods. At least 179 vendors involved in the illicit trade were arrested in an operation codenamed DisruptTor. The operation was successful since it was comprised of complementary but separate operations by European and North American authorities.
4. A British national, Nathan Francis Wyatt, was sentenced to five years in prison for assisting a group known as The Dark Overload to steal information from various US companies. The suspect pled guilty to conspiring to commit fraud and participating in aggravated identity theft. He was further ordered to pay a restitution amount of $1.5 million. This and the examples mentioned above demonstrate that the provided recommendations on reducing the enforcement gap of cybercriminals are effective.
