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Stats and facts behind cyber security attacks

In today’s digital world, staying vigilant is more important than ever. No one is immune to a cyber security attack; in fact, a��,��with an average of 2,200 incidents daily. Many of these — nearly 86% — are financially motivated.��Malicious actors work around the clock to gain unauthorized access to data, whether it’s to steal, damage or hold it for ransom. That��means it’s essential to familiarize yourself with cyber threats and how to prevent them.

The key to avoiding a cyber attack is understanding systems and where vulnerabilities may exist. We have all heard that knowledge is power. That includes knowledge that focuses on defending networks, servers and data against��unauthorized hacking attempts.

DIY ways to stay safe

Engage multifactor authentication (MFA)

Multifactor authentication is a layered security approach that allows you to��use two or more authenticators to confirm your identity��when logging in to your online accounts. This way, if one authenticator has been compromised, that second one is in place to safeguard your account.

Multifactor authenticators usually consist of��something you know��(e.g., password or PIN),��something you have��(e.g., smart card, mobile token or smartphone) and a��biometric factor��(e.g., voice recognition, facial recognition or fingerprint). As malicious hackers continue improving password-cracking techniques, MFA is more important than ever to protect your data.

Individuals can secure MFA by purchasing a��security key, which is one of the most effective MFA methods on the market. Security keys can be inserted into your computer or used wirelessly; some even have built-in fingerprint biometrics.

If you don’t want to carry a security key or are worried about losing it, you can use an��authentication application��on your phone. When logging into an account, the authentication app will send you a one-time authenticator code to log in successfully.��Popular MFA options include Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator.��

Watch out for social engineering attacks

Estimates identify 98% of cybercrime results from social engineering tactics. Hackers will use phishing (email), vishing (voice phishing) and SMiShing (SMS text messages) attacks to gain access to your data.

Have you received an email or text message that appeared to come from a legitimate source but had a weird email when you inspected the sender’s address? That is a phishing attack. A phishing attack is a social engineering tactic to deceive recipients into��clicking a link, sending confidential information or downloading malware��that gives hackers access to data.

Malicious hackers use tactics that appeal to fear, urgency, curiosity or greed. Once hackers have accessed your data, they can charge your credit cards, steal photos and videos, impersonate you, drain your bank account,��compromise your network��or withhold your information until you pay them a ransom.

Watch out for phishing attacks

Phishing has become alarmingly common in recent years.��, 80% of the ransomware attacks it observed in 2022 began with a phishing email. And CompTIA reported����during the first half of 2022.

The following are some ways you can mitigate your vulnerability and reduce cyber attacks:����

• Be creative with the��naming convention��of your email address. Uncommon email addresses will make it more difficult for hackers to send you phishing emails.
• Pay close attention to��hyperlinks, content and the email domain. All are opportunities to identify red flags like grammatical errors, misspellings or the use of numbers rather than letters.
• If you are unfamiliar with the source of the email, voice message or text message, do not respond, open or click on anything.
• Be cautious of pop-up windows.
• Avoid sharing personal data��over text messages or emails.
• Be skeptical of communication with��emotional lures, like “I’m in jail and need Amazon gift cards.” No one posts bail with gift cards.
• Update your browser frequently. When you implement the latest features and security fixes, you’re better protected from known security issues and you get added protection from viruses, phishing, scams and other cyber threats.

Protect your password

Stay cyber savvy

While social engineering and brute-force hacks are common cyber attacks, they aren’t the only ones. Here are more ways you can prevent becoming a victim of cybercrime.

• Avoid or severely��limit the personal information you share��online. (Social media, anyone?)
• Make sure to establish the��most secure privacy settings��you’re comfortable with for your phone, email and browsers.
• Avoid or��limit using location features.
• Keep your computer software up to date.
• Back up personal information��regularly.
• Encrypt sensitive information.
• Use videos, literature, blogs, training, workshops, academic credentials and industry certifications to��learn up-to-date cybersecurity measures.
• Trust your intuition. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.