Common Cyber Threats & How to Protect Against Them

1. Phishing

What it is: Phishing is an attack where malicious actors trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details, often through fake emails or websites.

How to protect:

  • Verify the sender's email before clicking links.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA).
  • Use email filters to block suspicious messages.

2. Malware

What it is: Malware is malicious software that can harm your system, steal data, or disrupt operations. Examples include viruses, ransomware, and spyware.

How to protect:

  • Install reputable antivirus software.
  • Keep software and your OS updated.
  • Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.

3. Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks

What it is: DoS attacks flood a network or server with excessive traffic, making it unavailable for legitimate users.

How to protect:

  • Use firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
  • Implement rate limiting on servers.
  • Prepare a mitigation plan for traffic spikes.

4. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

What it is: MitM attacks occur when attackers intercept communication between two parties to steal or alter data.

How to protect:

  • Use secure protocols like HTTPS.
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi or use a VPN.
  • Enable end-to-end encryption for sensitive communication.