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Zandre Janse van Vuuren identifies five of the most common cyberthreats and shares practical tips to help you defend against them.
By Zandre Janse van Vuuren | Service Delivery Manager: Cyber DFIR, BUI
As our world becomes increasingly interconnected through digital systems, the threat landscape for cyberattacks continues to expand. In 2024, global cybercrime costs soared to an estimated $9.22 trillion, with projections indicating a rise to more than $13 trillion by 2028.
These staggering figures highlight the need for robust security measures. Cyberthreats not only risk sensitive data, but can also disrupt operations and cause significant financial and reputational damage. Let’s take a closer look at five of the most common cyberthreats organisations face today, their potential impact, and actionable steps for mitigation.
Phishing remains one of the most prevalent cyberthreats due to its simplicity and effectiveness. Attackers often exploit human error, leveraging psychological tactics such as urgency, fear, and curiosity to trick people into revealing critical information.
Common phishing techniques include posing as trusted organisations like banks or government agencies, using realistic-looking fake websites to capture login credentials, and embedding malware in email attachments.
The rise of spear phishing (i.e., highly targeted attacks against specific individuals or organisations) has further increased the threat’s sophistication and success rate. Even tech-savvy users can fall victim if vigilance lapses, making continuous awareness and training essential.
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With the rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service platforms, even attackers with little technical aptitude can deploy sophisticated ransomware campaigns, making this threat more pervasive than ever. These platforms provide pre-packaged ransomware tools, technical support, and even revenue-sharing models, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for cybercriminals.
Compounding the issue is the growing use of double extortion tactics, where attackers encrypt data and threaten to publicly release sensitive information unless the ransom is paid. This evolution has made ransomware one of the most concerning and financially devastating cyberthreats today, affecting organisations of all sizes across industries.
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While external attacks often dominate headlines, insider threats can be just as damaging and sometimes more difficult to detect. Whether malicious or negligent, insiders already have authorised access to critical systems and data, allowing them to bypass many traditional security measures.
Malicious insiders may act out of financial gain, dissatisfaction, or coercion, while negligent insiders might unintentionally expose sensitive information through careless behaviour or a lack of awareness.
The dual nature of insider threats makes them particularly challenging to manage, underscoring the importance of comprehensive monitoring and regular employee training.
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Malware attacks are often the first step in larger, multi-stage cyberattacks, serving as a gateway for attackers to establish a foothold in a target’s system. These attacks can infiltrate systems through various vectors, including compromised downloads, malicious websites, infected USB devices, phishing emails with malicious attachments, and even unsecured IoT devices.
Once installed, malware can perform a range of harmful activities, from data exfiltration and credential harvesting to deploying additional payloads for ransomware or botnet creation. The versatility and adaptability of malware make it a cornerstone of many sophisticated cyberattack campaigns.
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As businesses increasingly rely on online services, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have become a favoured method for disrupting operations. These attacks flood networks or servers with overwhelming traffic, rendering them inaccessible to legitimate users.
Beyond their immediate disruptive effects, DDoS attacks are often used as a smokescreen to divert attention while attackers execute more invasive activities, such as data breaches or malware deployment.
The increasing accessibility of DDoS-for-hire services has further amplified the threat, enabling attackers to launch large-scale attacks with minimal resources or technical expertise.
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Understanding the most common cyberthreats is crucial for safeguarding your organisation. Phishing, ransomware, insider threats, malware, and DDoS attacks each present unique challenges, but proactive measures such as employee training, robust technical defences, and regular updates to security protocols can mitigate their impact.
Cybersecurity is a continuous effort that demands vigilance, adaptation, and a culture of awareness. You can protect your business assets, maintain trust, and ensure resilience in an ever-changing threat landscape by staying informed and prepared.
