A cybersecurity threat is a situation or event that could negatively impact an organization’s operations, functions, brand, reputation, image or other aspects related to its information system. Cyber threats include unauthorized access, exploitation of vulnerabilities and disruptions in an information system.
In recent times, individuals and businesses have become highly dependent on online processes and services to perform tasks, including communication and e-commerce. With the rise of connected devices and the Internet of Things (IoT), there are now countless opportunities for cyber attackers to attack and exploit digital systems.
The rapid growth of technology has also introduced new methods and tools for cyber attackers, allowing them to quickly adapt and improve their attacks. As a result, cybersecurity teams must continually update their preventative measures and implement new technologies to keep up with the latest cyber threats.
Among the most common cyber threats are malware, viruses and worms, which can steal data, hijack systems or cause denial of service attacks. Trojans, which are designed to look like innocent programs and can be hidden in apps, games or email attachments, are another popular form of malware that is increasingly targeting mobile devices.
Whenever a business is attacked, it has to pay the costs to repair and clean up the damage caused. For example, if a gas pipeline is shut down because of a hack, millions of people experience shortages and airlines have to cancel and re-route flights to account for the interruption in service. The same goes for other businesses and services such as healthcare, where consumers must bear the burden of paying extra to get their treatment back on track.