A cyber threat is an attempt to gain unauthorized access to a computer system, network or digital device. The goal may be to steal data, alter or destroy information, extort money or disrupt services. Attacks can be carried out by criminal groups or terrorist organizations, nation states or individual hackers motivated by financial gain, political agendas, revenge, espionage or sabotage.
The cyber threats we face are constantly evolving and becoming more complex. Attacks can take many forms including viruses, spyware, phishing attacks, worms, botnets, ransomware and data breaches.
Financial institutions are highly vulnerable to cyber attacks because of the large amount of sensitive information they handle. Attacks on these entities can cause direct monetary loss and damage a company’s reputation.
Government agencies and military installations are also very susceptible to cyberattacks. If a government agency is hit, it can affect the safety of citizens and their ability to provide essential services like power, water, and transportation. For example, the recent cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline – a company that carries gas and diesel fuel from Texas to New York – could have significant consequences for our daily lives.
Cyberattacks are a threat to everyone – individuals and families, small and large businesses, the SLTT and federal governments. To protect against cyberattacks, technology must be developed to give people and organizations the tools they need to stop them as quickly as possible. This includes next-generation firewalls, domain name system (DNS) filtering, malware protection and antivirus software.
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