We bang on and on about cyber threats, but it is for a good reason. They are becoming more and more common. Don’t let 2025 be the year you get targeted.
There are many reasons cyber criminals might attack your systems; to destroy your computer, steal you data, hold your sensitive information ransom or to take your money. Understanding what cyber threats are and how to protect yourself against them is incredibly important.
What are the Most Common Cyber Threats?
There are a lot of types of cyber crime; old, new, clever, tricky…
Here are some of the most common ones.
Phishing Attacks:
These attack will always be in style. They make you give away your personal data. It may involve a fake message or website. Quite commonly these messages will come in the form of an email but it could also be a text, phone call or even a message on Teams. Always check the senders email address, number etc and never click on a suspicious link.
Ransomware:
Ransomware locks your files/data and demands money to unlock them. This can be done through email attachments or unsafe downloads. Make sure you keep a regular backup of your files and keep your software up to date.
Malware
This is a particular type of software that can cause damage to your computer. IT can steal data, spy on you and can even take control of your systems. Use antivirus software and avoid downloading files from unknown sources.
How Can You Protect Yourself Online:
Here are some good tips to protect yourself from cyber threats.
- Use Strong Passwords or a Password Manager – Include letters, numbers and symbols
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication
- Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi – This is not secure and it is easy for hackers to utilise your vulnerability.
What Should You Do If You are a Victim of an Attack?
- Report the incident – An immediate report of the cyber attack should be made to the authorities. This can help investigations and reduce damage.
- Change Your Passwords – It might seem obvious but it is very important! This prevents further unauthorised access to your system.
- Let your IT provider know – If they don’t already know, ensure they are aware. They can also help to reduce damage and may be able to secure your systems for the future.
If you have any questions, concerns or wish to know more, get in touch.