These days, we constantly hear about new data and security breaches; there’s a good chance that within the past few years, your own personal information has been compromised as a result of a web-based attack. However, with so many types of cybersecurity threats lurking around the Internet, it can be difficult to keep up. What are some of the most pressing threats to be aware of in 2019 — and what steps can you take to protect your information (and your users’)?
Top Security Threats to Watch Out For
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but there are four main cyber threats to know about.
Software Subversion
This type of attack is nothing new — but it is expected that a significant rise in these types of attacks will occur in 2019 and beyond. Specifically, a software subversion attack occurs when hackers identify and exploit security flaws, most often in open-source software programs. They then use these flaws to incorporate malware and other viruses in software libraries, which then affects users of the software and could put their personal information at risk.
DDoS Attacks
Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks are becoming increasingly common, not just in frequency but in size. Today, it seems as though no site or server is completely safe from the large DDoS attacks that are frequently being carried out. Some have clocked in at hundreds of gigabits per second.
A DDoS attack occurs when “fake” web traffic floods a server in an effort to bog it down. If the server cannot handle the influx of traffic, the site may slow down, or the server may crash completely.
Cryptocurrency Attacks
With cryptocurrency becoming used more frequently than ever, it only makes sense that hackers are looking for ways to take advantage. Think of it as the electronic equivalent of robbing a bank. Hackers are using their resources to attack online businesses that accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment — and they’re pocketing somebody else’s hard-earned money as a result.
Ransomware Extortion
Ransomware and extortion attacks are becoming especially common and problematic. Unfortunately, these attacks also show no signs of slowing down. A ransomware attack occurs when a hacker gains access to a victim’s hard drive; the files are then “held hostage” and the victim is unable to access them again until he or she pays a ransom.
Protecting Yourself from Attacks
These are just a few of the more common types of cybersecurity threats we’re seeing today. While there may be no way to guarantee you’ll never fall victim to one of these attacks, there are some steps you can take to protect your data.
If you aren’t doing so already, now is the time to begin backing up your data on a regular basis. Doing so can help you recover important files and other information if they’re ever compromised in an attack. You can also take measures to protect your users’ data on your website by hosting it on a dedicated server. A dedicated hosting plan will provide you with the security features you need to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of many of these types of attacks.
Some hosting companies, such as ReliableSite, even offer free standard DDoS protection with the option to add more as needed. This can give you the added peace of mind that you need in today’s world of frequent web attacks. With a little planning and some extra precautions, you can keep your information safer on the web and protect your website users in the process. Contact ReliableSite today to get started.