Top Cybersecurity Attacks in 2024: Phishing, Ransomware, DDoS & More

Summary

In 2023, cybercrime cost the world $8 trillion, surpassing the GDP of several major nations. This video explores the top five cybersecurity threats of the year—phishing, ransomware, DDoS attacks, SQL injection, and malware—detailing how they work and offering practical protection advice. From phishing scams that stole millions to ransomware disrupting critical infrastructures, the threats are widespread. The video also emphasizes the importance of training, data backup, and compliance tools like Sprinto to safeguard against attacks. By understanding these dangers and adopting preventative measures, individuals and organizations can better protect themselves in 2024.

Takeaways

• 💰 The predicted cost of cybercrime in 2023 is $8 trillion, exceeding the combined GDP of Canada, Russia, Brazil, and the UK.
• 🛡️ The five most common types of cyberattacks are Phishing, Ransomware, DDoS, SQL Injection, and Malware.
• 📧 Phishing attacks involve hackers impersonating trustworthy entities to steal sensitive information, often using social engineering tactics.
• 💸 Evaldas Rimasauskas successfully defrauded Facebook and Google of over $120 million through a phishing scheme involving fake invoices.
• 🔒 Ransomware restricts access to systems until a ransom is paid, with notable attacks like WannaCry highlighting its destructive potential.
• 🚫 Experts advise against paying ransoms as it encourages further attacks; preventive measures include regular data backups and software updates.
• 🌐 DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks overwhelm servers, causing disruptions to services; Google faced an unprecedented attack in 2022.
• 🗂️ SQL Injection attacks exploit vulnerabilities in databases to access sensitive data; secure coding practices can help prevent these breaches.
• 💻 Malware encompasses various harmful software, such as viruses and Trojans, with the Stuxnet worm being a significant historical example.
• 🔍 Conducting a cybersecurity audit and utilizing compliance automation tools like Sprinto can improve overall cybersecurity and streamline the compliance process.

Q & A

What is the predicted cost of cybercrime in 2023?

$8 trillion is the predicted cost of cybercrime in 2023, which exceeds the GDP of several countries combined.

What are the five most common types of cyberattacks in 2023?

The five most common types of cyberattacks in 2023 are Phishing, Ransomware, DDoS, SQL Injection, and Malware.

How does phishing work?

Phishing involves a hacker impersonating a trustworthy entity to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information like login credentials or credit card numbers.

What was Evaldas Rimasauskas known for?

Evaldas Rimasauskas impersonated a legitimate hardware supplier to trick Facebook and Google into transferring over $120 million into his accounts.

What are some best practices to avoid phishing attacks?

Best practices include staff training to verify details, never clicking on suspicious links, and being cautious with emails requesting sensitive information.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is malicious software that denies access to a user's data or computer until a ransom is paid, often causing significant downtime and data leaks.

What is the most popular example of ransomware?

WannaCry, released in 2017, is one of the most well-known ransomware attacks, targeting Windows systems and demanding payments to restore access.

What is a DDoS attack?

A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack occurs when multiple compromised systems overwhelm a single target, causing service denial for legitimate users.

What is SQL Injection?

SQL Injection is an attack method that exploits vulnerabilities in web applications by injecting malicious SQL code to manipulate or access sensitive databases.

What are some methods to protect against malware?

Protect against malware by using reputable antivirus software, keeping systems updated, and being cautious with unsolicited downloads.