Cyber attacks are no longer a rare phenomenon but one which poses a threat to all companies ranging from Sony and Target to small enterprises. Around 50,000 cyber-attacks occur daily with the frequency of every 3 minutes. It is especially important to be aware and have the knowledge to prevent such security breaches.
- Target Data Breach in 2014
During the holiday season, target’s data was breached when cyber frauds illegally got their hands-on credit and debit card information along with personal data, risking identity theft. Target claimed that up to 40 million customers’ data had been procured by the thieves and later added that around 70 million customers have had their personal information compromised, as well. This came as a rude shock and made companies all over the world realise that it does not matter whether it’s a big company or a small enterprise; everyone is equally susceptible to cyber-attacks. Companies that heavily require internet services will always be at risk, and having modern up to date security, especially for the transaction with comprisable information is imperative.
- State Farm’s data breach
The credential stuffing cyber-attacks was discovered in 2019, and no personal data was exposed. Cyber-attacks are increasingly focusing only on sites which cater to individuals in the hope of common and similar credentials. Emphasising on unique initials is a must, using VPN services, multiple forms of authentication and restricted access can reduce the risk
- Verizon data breach
With evolving technology, the natures of the cyber attacks as well as the hackers, are growing exponentially. Thus, updating your cybersecurity is as important as verifying your personnel is. It is amazingly simple for an insider to compromise the company’s personal information, and it is reported that 20.6% of the total cyberattacks are due to insider’s misuse. While 15.3% happen due to device theft or loss, companies which have a huger client base should have compulsory cyber awareness training and information about the same. The risks involved with one single fraud email, or smartphone has serious repercussions, and all the personnel should be aware of it.
- Hacking of Vtech
One of the servers of Vtech was hacked into, and the personal data of around 5 million parents and 2 million kids were compromised. Since most of our gadgets now have the ability to connect via internet and transfer information including children’s’ toys, this reflects that cyber attacks are no longer limited to the workplace and making our homes secure of such threats is a need of the hour.
- Chinese cyber-attacks in 2015
Cyber-attacks are evolving from being just a single person activity but to actual organisations employed by the countries as well to gather information and pose as a threat for other countries. In 2015, China rolled out several spyware to gather information of citizens from the USA and Australia. Increasing work from home and bring your own devices to work has added to the risk of cybersecurity issues. Thus, having strict policies and regulating the devices which are brought into the workplace is a necessary caution to prevent such security breaches.
- Most threats are not necessarily new
What happened with Blaster in 2003 and then Sony in 2014 was repeated as WannaCry in 2017. Regular firewalls, VPN service and patching, could have prevented these attacks, and it was available prior to the attack but not heeding to the safety precautions, millions bore the brunt of this attack. It was easy to exploit, and had they taken the basic precautions it would have been prevented. The key lesson here is to learn from the past attacks and take note.
- The NotPetya cyber attacks
Applying patches such as Microsoft path MS-17-010, VPN services and firewall can protect your data. Backing up the data outside the network also works well and protects your data from being manipulated. Quick reporting of cyber-attacks also helps reduce the scale of the damage done.
- Capital One’s data breach
In 2019, a hacker broke into Capital One’s server by exploiting a configuration vulnerability in a web application firewall. Personal information of more than 100 million people was accessible. Applications or services involving the cloud need scrutiny, and the firewall needs to regularly be assessed. Configuration settings need to be restricted.
- 15 million T-mobile customers affected by Experian hack
Cybersecurity frauds have stolen 15 million T-Mobile customers’ personal data after hacking into the Experian’s computer systems, their credit reporting agency. This did not directly affect T-Mobile but instead the company which keeps track of potential clients. This led to the details of several customers being leaked. This reflected the entire need to do the research about your affiliates and associates cyber protections instead of being a victim of a cybercrime later on. Having sound information on the cybersecurity of all your partners is a must, especially third-party forms of authentication and restricted access can reduce the risk.
- Dunkin Donuts Credential Stuffing cyber attack
In 2018, Dunkin Donuts was at the receiving end for account breaches, where data was leaked from one site to another. The personal data was not the aim, but instead, the account credentials were procured to sell it illegally. Unique passwords and having multiple emails, two-factor authentication and layered protection, can also help. Observing network traffic and inquiries are indicators of attacks and should be a kept a watch on.
New cyber-attacks are generated every day, but the past is a great lesson to learn from. Being up to date about the attacks and malware, keeping your systems updated are simple measures which can do a long way in protecting your data and privacy. No cyber-attacks are limited to the company in question but instead can happen to the best of us. Refusing to accept the nature and the threat posed by these cyber-attacks does not increase your security or shield your organisation against them. Hire cyber-experts to get your system assessed regularly and watch out for any malware, and you and your data will be safe!