Cybersecurity are efforts to protect individuals and organizations from cyberattacks. The industry has grown over the last two decades in response to the increased use of technology and the need for security measures against attacks (Li and Liu 8176). The increased integration of technology into organizations and personal lives has contributed to increased attacks and subsequent demand for cybersecurity measures. Cybersecurity is consistently evolving to ensure continued security for stakeholders as attacks increase in complexity and frequency. National security has also integrated cybersecurity as a crucial element given the role of technology in economic, government, and non-government organizations (Li and Liu 8177). The goal of this study is to assess the emerging threats of cyberattacks, the different types of attacks and the steps being implemented to mitigate them. The study also defines what cybersecurity is, why this industry is vital for the well-being of society, and why a lot of the positions in the industry are going unfulfilled.
Definition of Cyberattacks
A cyberattack is a deliberate attempt by an individual or organization to try breaching an information system using malicious methods. Most cyberattacks are usually unauthorized and aim to alter, steal, destroy, or expose information held within an information system. The attempts also target personal computer devices, computer networks, and infrastructures. Cyberattacks have become more prevalent in the past two decades due to the increased digitization of organizational and business functions. Unauthorized access to information systems presents significant threats to the people and entities that rely on communications technologies for different functions. Cyberattacks have led to significant losses over the two decades in companies that have become victims of malicious attacks.
Types of Cyberattacks and Their Impacts
Denial of service, viruses, Trojan horses, sniffers, logical bombs, botnets, and worms are the most common and vital cyberattacks. Denial of service entails access to a system by an authorized user who uses their privileges to deny other users access. The attackers focus on blocking the legal flow of data by inserting different messages on target computers to disrupt information transfer. It prevents communication or internet use by the system, causing significant impacts depending on the targeted system (Topping et al. 3). Denial of service can also be widespread, leading to failures in multiple systems. The second type of attack is viruses, which befoul system files through programs embedded into files. Loading infected files into a system leads to the infection of other files after the files are accessed. A Trojan horse is a program created to appeal to a user but contains harmful code that the user will willingly run when using the program (Mao, Che, and Deng 304). Execution of the code leads to negative impacts on the system based on the attacker’s intentions.
Sniffers are attacks in the form of program that collects specific information like passwords. The programs are coded to assess data streams, identifying specific information that the attacker can use (Aljabri et al. 23). The logic bomb entails creating and entering a code into a system whereby the code performs destructive activity when a specific event occurs (Li et al. 208). Botnets are a network of infected remotely controlled systems that steal messages and other forms of data by distributing spam, malware, and coordinated attacks. Attackers install botnets secretly on targeted systems, which gives them remote control over the targeted systems and the achievement of their goals. Worms are autonomous system programs that recreate through copying from one system or computer to the next.
The impacts of cyberattacks are profound and have been evident in the past two decades. The most profound impact of cyberattacks is the exposure of confidential information that leads to financial and non-financial impacts on companies and individuals. Cyber attackers have targeted several companies over the years, revealing various forms of confidential information that lead to damage to organizations. Stakeholders usually demand compensation when their confidential information is shared without their authorization. The financial impacts can be crippling to companies and threaten their survival. Also, the public image of a business declines when its systems are breached and information is revealed. Competitors benefit from such events since business-specific information is revealed to everyone.
Increased costs from measures taken to protect information systems result from cyberattacks. Companies and institutions must implement cybersecurity structures and measures to ensure the safety of their information systems. Several factors go into achieving cybersecurity, including acquiring relevant technology and professionals, notification of stakeholders when a breach occurs, insurance premiums, and public relations support. These requirements have increased over the past two decades and coincide with the increase in the frequency of cyberattacks and adverse impacts. Businesses also experience operational interruptions from cyberattacks that lead to revenue losses and other outcomes that adversely affect the organization. Cyberattacks lead to changes in company practices, like stopping the storage of customer details from avoiding breaches and adverse outcomes. The loss of intellectual property is an adverse outcome that every company aims to avoid. Reputational damage is usually experienced when a company is attacked, and information is released to the public. Clients lose their trust in the business because they believe they are no longer protected.
Analysis of the Rapid Increase in Cyberattacks in the Last 20 Years
Cyberattacks have increased in the last two decades rapidly due to several reasons. The first cause of the increase in digitization in nearly every organization. Companies and institutions have adopted information systems and other computer infrastructure to support their processes. The increase in organizations with information systems encourages attackers who look for vulnerabilities in each entity. The digitization of services and the increasing number of people using online platforms have facilitated the rapid increase in cyberattacks. People now rely on online platforms for several things, which makes them a convenient platform for cyberattacks. The number of attackers has also increased as knowledge and expertise improve.
Impact of Cyberattacks on Society
Cyberattacks lead to unauthorized access and release of personal data that damages the reputation of community members. Several breaches in information systems have occurred, leading to the exposure of information that most people do not want to be shared with the public. The events negatively affect people and businesses who must address the exposure. Cyberattacks have also made people feel less secure. Technology is nearly everywhere, and the knowledge that it can be breached to collect personal information or cripple systems raises concerns in public. Technologies like Amazon Echo are vulnerable to attacks, increasing concern among users since the devices are used at home and work and can collect a lot of data.
Defining Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a continuous process of protecting critical information systems from online attacks. The process aims to ensure that systems are safe from data exposure, theft, damage, or alteration. Cybersecurity is a function that was adopted after it became evident that attacks on information systems were frequent and led to interferences with critical organizational functions and losses. Security is an evolving process in information technology because of the frequency and increased complexity of attacks. Cybercrime has become more sophisticated in the last twenty years as criminals find new ways to breach computer and network systems. The increase in the number of attacks has led to the development and implementing of several mechanisms to prevent attacks. Companies are now investing heavily in cybersecurity to avoid breaches and mitigate the impacts of such events. Organizations are also investing in ensuring that all devices connected to their systems, including the personal devices of their employees, are protected to avoid breaches. Cybersecurity is the culmination of cyberattacks that require existing systems to evolve and address frequent attacks continuously.
Cybersecurity Role in National Security
Cybersecurity has become one of the integral activities in maintaining national security due to the use of technology in government and the influence that technology has over people. Cyberspace currently hosts social, cultural, commercial, and economic activities (Li and Liu 8176). It has emerged as a crucial area of interest due to the level of investment and dedication that companies and the government channel towards it. Governmental institutions, non-governmental organizations, and individuals now rely on cyberspace for communication and other activities (Li and Liu 8176). Cybersecurity is vital in facilitating these processes in two primary ways. First, it prevents unauthorized access to information and network systems responsible for communication and other crucial processes. Second, it ensures mitigation measures in case of security breaches. National security relies on cybersecurity to protect critical systems like commercial and financial systems that are now web-based. It also ensures that breaches are minimized or reduced through continued assessment and improvement of security.
Job Growth in the Cybersecurity Field for the Last 20 Years and Future Projections
Job growth in cybersecurity has been observed over the last 20 years and is bound to increase in the future. Cybersecurity is a broad industry that addresses several issues facing information and network systems. The growth in jobs over the last two decades is attributed to a continued rise of cyberattacks and the sophistication of attacks. The industry requires specialized individuals who can counter attacks from different areas. Job growth is also attributed to the increased types of attacks. Over the past two decades, there has been a general rise in the types of attacks. Attackers are always looking for ways to breach security systems, which demands hiring more professionals to address new and existing threats. The sector has also grown due to the demand for cybersecurity services and tools from the various organizations and institutions that rely on cyberspace. The future will experience greater growth in the sector through jobs as the demand for services and products is bound to increase through the introduction of new technologies and the evolution of cyberattacks.
Unfulfilled Positions
Positions in cybersecurity are unfulfilled due to insufficient professionals who can address current and future problems. Cybersecurity is a sector that demands excellent skills from professionals. The sector requires its professionals to continuously be updated about threats and be ready to address the issues as they emerge (Dawson and Thomson 4). Professionals with basic cybersecurity skills cannot usually counter sophisticated attacks from attackers. It has left a deficit in the field as the industry experiences new threats and evolving technologies that demand better cybersecurity.
Skills and Qualifications Needed in the Field
Cybersecurity requires individuals with advanced skills in computing to address its needs. Some of the skills required in the field include coding and scripting, which are responsible for developing programs deployed in mitigation measures. The sector expects its experts should be knowledgeable and have the experience to meet industry needs (Dawson and Thomson 3). Expertise in intrusion detection, network security controls, operating systems, incident response, cloud, and other areas in the field is required. Qualifications in cybersecurity vary based on the role one wants to apply for or work. Qualifications can begin with college-level diplomas and go as high as master’s and PhD levels in the selected area of focus.
Cybersecurity Versus Cyberattacks
Cybersecurity and cyberattacks go hand-in-hand. Cyberattacks are responsible for the existence of a robust cybersecurity industry. Cyberattacks have led to the emergence of a field of study focused on studying the types of attacks and the development of mitigations against them. Cybersecurity experiences challenges due to the evolving nature of attacks of cyberattacks. The co-existence promises to be crucial in future as efforts to ensure greater security for information systems continue (Snider 1). Their current existence is not balanced since there are more attacks than defense mechanisms.
Effect of Emerging Attacks on the Cybersecurity Field
New emerging attacks are a challenge for cybersecurity due to the threats they present to targeted systems. System security is strongest when mechanisms in place are based on knowledge of the threat. New threats are a challenge to the sector since they require experts to study them and develop prevention measures immediately after they emerge. The issue of new threats is persistent since attackers look for ways of overcoming existing systems. They challenge the robustness of current measures and present the risk of a breach since they exceed existing prevention measures.
Measures That Cybersecurity Professionals Should Take to Mitigate Threats
Cybersecurity professionals are experiencing several challenges due to the evolving nature of threats and technology. Coping with frequent changes is difficult since professionals are usually left behind in assessing and developing mitigations. Overcoming the challenge can be achieved through proactive efforts to determine weaknesses in systems and research into vulnerabilities that facilitate the creation of interventions. The professionals should also be proactive in the technology development process, assessing technologies for vulnerabilities and implementing relevant measures to prevent attacks. Proactivity and anticipation of attacks are the most effective measure to mitigate threats.
Measures That Individuals Can Take to Protect Themselves
Cyberattacks are preventable through standard mitigations recommended by experts. Individuals can protect themselves by using strong passwords that adhere to guidelines for creating strong passwords. Strong passwords increase security on personal devices. People should also avoid using the same password for every account since it makes it easy for attackers to acquire them. Setting unique passwords is essential in maintaining the security of accounts since having one password would give attackers access to all other accounts when hacked. Avoiding clicking on unknown links is also an effective prevention measure. Individuals should also use proven security tools from reputable companies to protect their devices and accounts.
Works Cited
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