Figure 1. Overview of Internet Security Threats

Figure 1 shows A cyber security threat refers to any possible malicious attack that seeks to unlawfully access data, disrupt digital operations or damage information. Cyber threats can originate from various actors, including corporate spies, hacktivists, terrorist groups, hostile nation-states, criminal organizations, lone hackers and disgruntled employees. [1]

In recent years, numerous high-profile cyber attacks have resulted in sensitive data being exposed. For example, the 2017 Equifax breach compromised the personal data of roughly 143 million consumers, including birth dates, addresses and Social Security numbers. In 2018, Marriott International disclosed that hackers accessed its servers and stole the data of roughly 500 million customers. [1]

web-based threats, or online threats, are a category of cybersecurity risks that may cause an undesirable event or action via the internet.

Web threats are made possible by end-user vulnerabilities, web service developers/operators, or web services themselves. Regardless of intent or cause, the consequences of a web threat may damage both individuals and organizations. [2]

The Scale of the Cyber Security Threat:

According to Forbes, 2022 will present us with a pack of diverse and terrifying cyber security challenges, everything from supply chain disruption to increased smart device risks to a continued cyber security talent drought.

According to Cybercrime Magazine, cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025! Furthermore, global cybercrime costs are predicted to rise by almost 15 percent yearly over the next four years.

Concepts such as the pandemic, cryptocurrency, and the rise in remote working are coming together to create a target-rich environment for criminals to take advantage of. [3]

Threats diversify and multiply in the 2000s:

In the early 2000s criminal organizations started to heavily fund professional cyberattacks and governments began to clamp down on the criminality of hackings, giving much money serious sentences to those culpable hackers and Information security continues to advance as the internet grows as well but, unfortunately so having the viruses. [4]

Threat to Trust:

Aside from the potential for breach of privacy, loss of money, and disruption to infrastructure from cyber-attacks, there's another genuine and pressing problem that's often overlooked: A loss in the trust in tech and data. Emerging technology and data have the potential to do real good in the world, including solving massive problems like ending the energy crisis, feeding the hungry, protecting the environment, and curing disease. [5]

References:

1. https://onlinedegrees.und.edu/blog/types-of-cyber-security-threats/
2. https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/web
3. https://www.simplilearn.com/tutorials/cyber-security-tutorial/what-is-cyber-security
4. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/history-of-cyber-security/
5. https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2022/03/18/the-biggest-cyber-security-risks-in-2022/?sh=1db6ecb87d7b

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), Overview of Internet Security Threats, AnaTechMaz, pp. 79