Hackers are attacking more and more often: Why not underestimate cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity and its building blocks

You could find several definitions of cyber security. In a nutshell, it can be defined as the overall protection of networks from cyber attacks and threats to keep digital information, devices and assets secure. These include personal information, files, accounts, photos or money.

CIA as pillars of security

CIA stands for triad of information security and is defined by the following words:

• Confidentiality: only authorized persons have access to information.  
• Integrity: the information is delivered to the user without unwanted changes or modifications.  
• Availability: the authorised user can retrieve data from the system at any time if necessary. Availability is ensured by hardware and software updates and network optimisation.

Based on these 3 facts, an information security benchmark template is created and used to assess the information security of the organisation.

Cyber attacks in the Czech Republic

The severity of cyber attacks and the importance of cyber security is well illustrated by the fact that the National Office for Cyber and Information Security was established in 2017. This is the central administrative authority for cyber security, including the protection of classified information in the field of information and communication systems and cryptographic protection. According to the statistics of this authority, in January 2023 there were twice as many hacker attacks as in the previous month. 

In January, it is true (but it is a general rule) that the largest number of cyber attacks in the Czech Republic was directed at the state administration. However, the healthcare, financial, transport, energy and digital infrastructure sectors are also at high risk. However, cyber protection is important for all users of information technology - from large public institutions to individuals. Tens of millions of hacker attacks take place every day, and they can hit virtually anyone, as both people and companies move more and more information and access into cyberspace.  

How do hackers attack us?

The most common types of attacks include malware, phishing and DDOS.  

Malware

Attackers often use highly effective malware to infiltrate a user's device and subsequently the device at work. Malware can cause data loss, cause an attacker to gain access to your accounts (including online banking) or take control of your device altogether. Hackers use a variety of methods to get malware onto your computer. Most of them rely on the activity of the victim themselves, who downloads an infected file or clicks on a suspicious link. 

→ Tip: Antimalware programs can protect you from malware. We recommend choosing a comprehensive solution that also includes antivirus, firewall or DLP.

Phishing attacks

This type of attack targets your sensitive and personal information. Attackers try to hunt you down through emails and other communication tools, including fake social media profiles, which have become very popular among hackers recently. The user receives a message or fake advertising message pretending to come from a trusted source (bank, work, friend).  

The organisation mentioned in the message contacts the user with a trivial matter for which they have to log in to their account with the company. After clicking on the link in the email, entering the login credentials and submitting them, the attacker is empowered with these credentials. Often this is how victims' accounts are hacked and money is stolen.

DDOS attacks 

In a DDOS attack, hackers aim to make certain websites inaccessible to other computers. Their domain is that the attacks are conducted from a large number of computers spread all over the world. At one point, a hacker sends so many commands to a site that it literally overwhelms the server and it crashes. There can be several motivations for this type of attack. Unsurprisingly, it's often money. Attackers blackmail their victims by promising to "unblock" the site after paying a ransom. Some hackers have reasons a bit more flashy. You may have heard the term hacktivism, where hackers make a website inaccessible because of political or ethical ideals. But the reason can also be, for example, unfair competition or to mask more serious attacks.

A little emphasis on protection

Despite the fact that companies are exposed to cyber threats on a daily basis, most companies in the Czech Republic invest only 0-5% of their annual budget in anti-virus protection and cyber security. Attacks can result in data loss, shutdown of programs or outright theft of funds. It is not only the investment in technical measures that is important, but also the training of employees. 85% of data leaks are the fault of untrained employees. Very often, companies underestimate the training of their people in cyber security, resulting in completely unnecessary data leaks or attacks on employers' websites due to visits to malicious websites.

Not all hacking is malicious

There is also ethical hacking, which in turn is beneficial for companies because it detects potential threats, analyses and evaluates the risks and suggests measures to minimise the impact of these threats. Assessing the current state of protection is very important for designing measures that will increase it. 

As we wrote in the introduction, the number of cyber-attacks continues to increase over time, and with it the value of information and resources stored in cyberspace. Join the ranks of responsible companies that pay due attention to these threats. After all, prevention is much easier and cheaper than dealing with the problems that arise.

Contact us and we will conduct a detailed cyber security analysis, design security measures and train your employees.