Landscape OF Security threats are changing in ever connected ✓ Solved

Security and vulnerabilities, system hacking are not just started in recent years; personal users, organizations, and government are facing these security threats for a long time since the late 80s. We have seen cyberattacks that have increased rapidly, one of the major increases in the cyberattacks attributed to the widespread usage of the internet and the dependence on advanced technologies in organizations. As users of IT have grown, so have concerns regarding attacks, particularly with the emergence of new technologies that introduce vulnerabilities. Cyberattacks in organizations and government have surged in recent years, particularly with cloud service models like SaaS. There is a pressing need to control vulnerabilities and identify potential threats associated with the internet and its components.

The scope of this review is vast. Most cyberattacks are evolving over time; if we compare the past three decades, the attacks are new and different, reflecting a world connected to the internet and various applications. We will further discuss how data security attacks and cyberattacks target victims and adapt based on data demand. Initially, malware was often written as an experiment to highlight security vulnerabilities or to showcase technical capabilities. Today, however, malware and cyberattacks are primarily used to steal sensitive data, whether personal, organizational, or governmental, as well as disrupt national processes such as elections.

The motivations of hackers have taken a negative turn over the last two decades. They are now often depicted as digital thieves intent on identity theft and unleashing disruptive viruses into cyberspace. Initially, PC programmers were regarded positively, seen as innovators eager to improve technology. This perception shifted with the rise of viruses and cybercrime, which led to mainstream vilification of hacking. Malware is often used to target government or corporate websites, aiming to steal guarded information or disrupt operations. In many cases, it is also used against individuals to obtain personal information, such as social security numbers or credit card details. The rise of inexpensive and faster broadband Internet has prompted malware designers to focus increasingly on both secrecy and profit.

Analyzing historical data, Trojans accounted for a substantial portion of malware threats. In 2012, they continued to dominate malware statistics, increasing to 73% of all malware by 2011. The current trend shows that nearly three out of every four new malware strains created in 2011 were Trojans, which highlight their use as a tool for cybercriminals to facilitate network disruption and data theft (Julian & N, 2014). Cyberattacks are now closely associated with the internet and computer devices, where hackers commit fraud, damage intellectual property, steal identities, and invade privacy. Cybercrime is not confined to a single sector; any area where computers and the internet are utilized is ripe for such attacks.

When computers and the internet first emerged in the U.S., the initial attacks were concentrated there, attacking personal property and stealing identities. Cybercrime shifted its focus toward digital mediums as the prevalence of computers increased, leading to the broader categorization of "cyber" as a prefix for crime (Gloria.L, 2019). Common types of attacks can be categorized for organizations and individuals. Common organizational cyberattacks include:

  • Malware

  • Phishing

  • Spear phishing

  • Man-in-the-middle attacks

  • Trojans

  • Ransomware

  • Denial of service attacks

  • Attacks on IoT devices

  • Data breaches and malware on mobile apps

For individuals, motives for cyberattacks vary, but can include identity theft, privacy invasion, internet fraud, ATM fraud, wire fraud, and various forms of digital harassment or theft. Even though the motives may differ, ultimately, cyberattacks constitute an invasion of personal space.

This review of how cyberattacks have evolved sets the stage for investigating how the landscape of attacks is changing in our ever-connected world of the Internet of Things (IoT). In the last decade, major companies have heavily invested in cloud platforms, altering the trajectory of traditional IT setups in organizations. Notably, companies like Amazon have developed Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), providing services and security for the infrastructure they host, but responsibility for application-level security often lies with the business itself.

In an IaaS service model, a cloud provider hosts the infrastructure components traditionally found in on-premises data centers. This includes servers, storage, infrastructure hardware, and the virtualization or hypervisor layer. The need for robust security policies from cloud service providers becomes paramount before offering services to clients or end users (Michelle.B, 2020).

Paper For Above Instructions

As we delve into the evolving landscape of security threats in our connected world, it is imperative to acknowledge the multi-faceted nature of cyberattacks and the underlying motivations driving malefactors. Current times demand vigilance and preparedness as threats are cloaked in sophistication and intent, targeting a range of victims from individual users to large organizations and governments alike. Understanding the shifts in methodologies, tools employed, and the evolving nature of attacks is essential for enhancing our cybersecurity measures.

The past few decades have illustrated a veritable transformation in the landscape of cyber threats, evolving from rudimentary hacking into complex operations that exploit vulnerabilities inherent in our interconnected systems. Historical data from early malware manifestations reveals the baseline from which we have advanced, yet the current reality is marked by a rapid pace of change that necessitates proactive measures in both organizational policies and individual education regarding cyber hygiene.

Given the increased reliance on cloud services by organizations today, it is pertinent to explore the implications of services such as IaaS on cybersecurity. Cloud providers have an obligation not only to safeguard their infrastructure but also to ensure that adequate measures are in place at the application level to defend against emerging threats. Users must be educated on their roles and responsibilities, reinforcing the principle that cybersecurity is a shared endeavor between service providers and end-users.

To illustrate this evolving landscape further, it's essential to mention that cybercriminals continually adapt their strategies, often capitalizing on new technology trends to facilitate their attacks. For instance, with the proliferation of IoT devices, the attack surface has multiplied markedly, offering new entry points for hackers who target less secure endpoints. Strategies that once focused solely on traditional computing environments must be rethought to encompass the diverse range of devices that are now integral to both personal and professional life.

As we consider the implications of cybersecurity in the context of IoT and cloud computing, several key themes emerge. First, organizations must prioritize the implementation of robust security policies that are adaptable to an ever-changing threat environment. This may comprise a layered security strategy incorporating real-time monitoring, breach detection, and active response protocols.

Second, fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness across all levels of an organization cannot be overstated. This aligns with ensuring that both employees and stakeholders are continually updated on the latest security practices, helping to avert potential attacks stemming from social engineering tactics, such as phishing.

References

  • Gloria, L. (2019). Cybercrime: Additional Information.

  • Julian, J. J., & N, S. (2014). A survey of emerging threats in cybersecurity.

  • Michelle, B. S. E. (2020). Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

  • Symantec. (2020). Internet Security Threat Report.

  • McAfee. (2021). Cybercrime’s Impact on Individuals and Organizations.

  • Kaspersky. (2021). The Evolving Threat Landscape of Cybersecurity.

  • Cisco. (2021). Cybersecurity Trends: Protecting the Digital Landscape.

  • Palo Alto Networks. (2020). The Future of Cybersecurity in the Era of IoT.

  • FireEye. (2020). Understanding Attacker Behavior in Cyberspace.

  • World Economic Forum. (2021). The Global Risks Report.