In the last few years, the Internet has changed lives forever, and perhaps for the better. Today, you can do pretty much everything and anything you want online with a few computer keyboard’ clicks. However, all that convenience and Internet activity has led to an upsurge in criminal activity globally.
The main area is identity theft, where critical pieces of personal information commonly stored by government and businesses are stolen. These could be customer details, employee records, transactions, loyalty schemes, or data collection, which must be protected. Among other strategies, it is recommended to use SSL certificates like Multi Domain Wildcard SSL Certificate to secure multiple wildcard domains as the ultimate in preventing security breaches.
Ransomware is a Favorite of Cybercriminals
It is estimated that every 39 seconds, a hacker attack occurs, affecting one in three Americans annually. Every minute, every day, someone is trying to access data that they can use for cybercrimes. Currently, the leading technique employed by hackers is ransomware.
Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to capture and hold hostage a victim’s data until a certain amount of money is paid. Forms of ransomware include threatening to publicize the stolen personal data, also known as doxing or even blocking access to online accounts.
Skilled Cyber Security Professionals are in Short Supply
It would not be unreasonable to expect that with all the kind of heightened online criminal activity that every organization or company has a trained full team of cybersecurity experts on standby. However, the sad fact is many of the available cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled because of a dearth in quality applicants.
It is estimated that by 2021 the world will have 3.5 million unfilled jobs related to cybersecurity. This number stood at 1 million in 2014. In the United States alone, currently, there are over 300,000 such as unfilled cybersecurity jobs, and the figures are climbing rapidly.
More cybersecurity training is needed now more than ever before. More trade schools and colleges are adding courses to train cybersecurity experts. However, it will take time. The shortage in the workforce can last for some time as the cybersecurity unemployment rate is estimated to be 2%. By 2022, It is predicted that the global information security market is likely to attain $170.4 billion.
Small Businesses are Easy Prey for Cybercriminals
Hackers see a great and clear path when they want to invade small businesses. Primarily because of financial constraints, small businesses generally have weak or non-existent cybersecurity strategies. Therefore, the chances of being hacked are snowballing.
Small ecommerce business owners are often mistaken in their belief that because they are running small-scale businesses, hackers will not be interested. However, on the contrary, their innovative spirit may attract cybercriminals. One way of securing such sites is to buy SSL certificates for e-commerce. This helps prevent data from being misused by hackers or third parties for online fraud, such as identity theft or phishing scams.
Healthcare and Mortgage Industries are Particularly Vulnerable
Unfortunately, the healthcare industry is paying less attention to the risk of cyber-attacks. Because they do not often deal with direct financial transactions, healthcare firms do not give cybersecurity top priority. Medical research and personal records are typically the main areas targeted by hackers in such institutions. These are vital records that can then be sold to third parties.
It is estimated that over 75% of the healthcare industry may be infected with dangerous malware. These include health care agencies and medical treatment facilities. Mortgage companies are another prime target for cybercrime. Such firms are a treasure trove by the private and personal information that they typically gather from their customers.
Internet of Things Increase vulnerabilities
The age of the Internet of Things (IoT) is here. But just how vulnerable are our numerous Internet-connected devices? A research conducted in 2015 found several vulnerabilities in about 50 commercial devices. That partly explains why you need comprehensive cybersecurity coverage — it helps protect your privacy, devices, and personal information.
Interestingly, over the coming years, we can only expect the number of connected things/devices to grow, and cybercriminals see that as an opportunity. The degree of risk is reduced to somewhat extend if you buy an SSL certificate for e-commerce.
Employee Negligence Compromise Security
Imagine how it would feel if a company or organization lost your credit card information or perhaps your SSN? For many clients, which is an immediate red flag. If they cannot keep their most sensitive information or data safe from outsiders, how can you trust them? Customers will rightly seek services elsewhere.
Most hacks do not usually happen through the company’s IT department but employees. This may not be willful negligence by the employees, but this is sadly the reason why most data breaches happen.
An employee innocently opening an email from an unknown quarter can be the cause of the breach. Such can allow the email sender to infect the organization’s computer with viruses or malware, giving hackers access and control of the entire system. Once they are in, it is challenging to detect a hacker and even harder to stop. They can get away with using credit cards, passwords, SSN, and other vital information. This can be safeguarded when you buy an SSL certificate for e-commerce.
Cyber Threats Can Be Prevented
The 2019 ACR predicted that firms are vulnerable to ransom attacks every 14 seconds. Cybercrime, according to the report, will cost $6 trillion annually by 2021, a rise of $3 trillion seen in 2015. While the global news media loves to highlight colossal data breaches like Equifax or Target as they seem very complicated, the truth is that it is possible to prevent most cyber threats.
Be cautious when responding to emails, using reputable online services for sender verification, using secure devices, and never giving out your sensitive information. Using online services to verify senders’ identities, you can stop most cyber threats before they cause any damage.
Conclusion
The best defense, as the adage says, is an offense”. This also applies to matters related to cybersecurity. By taking simple steps like regularly updating your software, you can easily prevent hackers from accessing your data and other sensitive information?
