This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Daniel Lacatus
Cybersecurity has become an essential part of our daily lives, especially with the rise of online activities, remote work, and the increasing digitalization of personal and business interactions. Cyberattacks, ranging from phishing and ransomware to security breaches and online fraud, put personal, financial, and corporate data at risk. In this context, adopting proactive measures is crucial to reducing the risk of falling victim to these threats.
Understanding Cyber Threats
To develop an effective cybersecurity strategy, it is essential to understand the nature and mechanisms of digital threats. Attacks are diverse and constantly evolving, exploiting technical vulnerabilities and human errors to compromise information security. Some of the most common threats include malware, phishing, Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks, software vulnerability exploits, and social engineering attacks.
Malware is a general term that includes viruses, trojans, spyware, and ransomware. These malicious programs can infect devices through downloaded files, email attachments, or compromised websites. For example, in 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack exploited a vulnerability in the Windows operating system, encrypting victims’ data and demanding a ransom for decryption. The attack affected over 200,000 computers across 150 countries, including hospitals and government institutions, demonstrating the severe impact of a single security breach. The exploited vulnerability, known as EternalBlue, had been disclosed by the hacker group Shadow Brokers, who reportedly obtained the data through a leak from the United States National Security Agency (NSA).
Phishing is another increasingly common online threat, involving fraudulent messages that imitate legitimate sources to trick users into providing sensitive information, such as passwords or banking details. A well-known example is the attack on Google and Facebook between 2013 and 2015, in which attackers managed to steal $100 million through phishing emails that mimicked real invoices from a legitimate supplier, Quanta Computer. The attackers sent fake invoices to the companies, which unknowingly made payments to hacker-controlled accounts without verifying their authenticity.
Man-in-the-Middle attacks involve intercepting communication between two parties without their knowledge. For example, in 2015, attackers exploited a vulnerability in luxury hotel Wi-Fi networks to intercept login credentials through a technique called DarkHotel. They distributed malicious software via fake updates, specifically targeting business professionals and government officials.
Exploiting software vulnerabilities is another preferred method among attackers. They analyze software and operating systems to identify weaknesses that have not been patched through security updates. A notorious example is the 2020 SolarWinds attack, in which hackers compromised the company’s software updates. The hacker group APT29, attributed to Russia, gained access to data from U.S. government agencies, including the Treasury and Commerce Departments.
Social engineering is a sophisticated method in which attackers emotionally manipulate users to gain access to confidential information. In July 2020, Twitter suffered a major cyberattack in which accounts of public figures and renowned companies were compromised. The attackers used social engineering techniques to gain access to the platform’s administrative tools, allowing them to take control of targeted accounts. They then posted fraudulent messages urging users to send Bitcoin to specific addresses, falsely promising to double the amount sent.
Understanding these threats is essential to adopting effective protective measures.
Implementing Technical Security Measures
Adopting effective technical measures can reduce the risk of cyberattacks and protect sensitive data. Some of the recommended actions include using a reliable antivirus and firewall, regularly updating software and operating systems, and using a virtual private network (VPN). Installing a trusted antivirus program can detect and block threats before they affect the system, while a properly configured firewall helps monitor network traffic and prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, applying security updates for operating systems and critical applications can prevent the exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
Creating and managing strong passwords plays a central role in protecting online accounts. Using passphrases — longer sequences of random words — can be a more secure and user-friendly alternative to complex passwords. Complex passwords, consisting of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, reduce the risk of being guessed or cracked by attackers. It is also important to avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts and to use a password manager for secure storage. Another crucial aspect is enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), which adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary verification method, such as an SMS code, an authentication app, or a physical security key.
Remember: prevention is always better than remediation.
This article was originally published in Romanian on Info Cultural under the title “Cum să te protejezi împotriva amenințărilor cibernetice.”
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Daniel Lacatus
Daniel Lacatus | Sciencx (2025-02-08T03:38:36+00:00) How to protect yourself against cyber threats. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/02/08/how-to-protect-yourself-against-cyber-threats/
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