Information Security Threats
Information security involves the protection of data, applications and computer systems from unauthorized access, disclosure or damage. There are three key principles that make up information security: confidentiality, integrity and availability. Techniques to ensure confidentiality include encryption, password protection and access controls that prevent unauthorized users from logging into your system. Integrity ensures that data is accurate and reliable, while availability means that information is available when needed. Techniques to ensure integrity include application security, database security and network security.
The most common threat to information security comes from external attackers. These include cybercriminals, hacktivists, hostile nation states and organized criminal gangs. They attack web properties, steal and manipulate data for financial gain or engage in industrial espionage. They use phishing, malware and social engineering to access privileged accounts, install software or compromise security infrastructure. They may also target physical facilities, tagging along with employees to steal data or cause disruption.
Malware is the most prevalent of all cyberattacks. It infiltrates systems through untrusted websites, email attachments or unwanted software downloads, and once inside, collects sensitive data, manipulates and blocks access to network components, steals IP and disrupts business operations. The threat landscape is crowded with millions of malicious code attackers, from “script kiddies” using off-the-shelf threats to sophisticated hackers.
Common Types of Information Security Threats
Viruses, worms and Trojans target operating systems to infect a device or host. Attackers then exploit the compromised systems to hijack data, steal privileged accounts and impersonate users. XML eXternal Entities (XXE) injection attacks exploit inherent vulnerabilities in legacy XML parsers to traverse paths and execute remote code, while cross-site scripting attacks target web applications that do not sanitize user input to remove JavaScript. Attacks can even be conducted at the network layer with man-in-the-middle attacks and Man-a-Back-door attacks.
Threat actors are constantly evolving their tactics and techniques. By conducting regular security audits, penetration testing and ongoing software updates, businesses can stay ahead of advanced threats.
While attackers often operate in groups, the most severe threats come from insiders. These are current or former employees with existing access to company networks, sensitive data and information and knowledge of company policies. They are a growing threat because they know the company’s vulnerabilities, attack patterns and defensive weaknesses. They can monetize their stolen data, disrupt operations or destroy critical systems. Attacks can be very difficult to detect, such as ransomware, which denies access to data until a fee is paid, or fileless malware that exploits native files in the OS without installing software on a device.
Privileged access management, data loss prevention and zero trust network architectures can reduce insider risk. In addition, ensuring that employees only have the software and functionality they need to perform their jobs can help prevent malware, unauthorized access and data breaches. By reducing complexity and adopting a security-first approach, organizations can strengthen their defenses against all types of information security threats.