Did you know that there are an estimated 26,000 cyberattacks per day or 18 per minute? Experts say that any computer that is connected to the internet is at risk. A cyberattack is any offensive maneuver that targets computer information systems, computer networks, infrastructures, or personal computer devices.
With the shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are working from their homes or other locations that do not necessarily have the proper safety protocols in place. Our personal and business data is more at risk than ever. Knowing the most common types of cyberattacks and how to steer clear of them will help keep you and your data safe.
The Most Common Types of Cyberattacks on Government Systems are:
- Malware
- Malware is intrusive software that is designed to damage or destroy computers or computer systems.
- Common types of malware include viruses, worms, Trojan viruses, spyware, adware, and ransomware.
- Ransomware
- Ransomware is a type of malicious software that infects a computer and restricts users’ access to it until a ransom is paid to unlock it.
- It can lead to temporary or permanent loss of sensitive or proprietary information, disruption to regular operations, financial losses incurred to restore systems and files, and potential harm to an organization’s reputation.
- Phishing
- Phishing is a type of social engineered attack often designed to steal user data, including login credentials and credit card numbers.
- It occurs when an attacker, masquerading as a trusted entity, dupes a victim into opening an email, instant message, or text message.
- People-Centric Cyberattacks
- This occurs when people become targets through their social media sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook
How Can these Attacks be Prevented?
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends specific protocols to prevent cyberattacks, including:
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication
- 2FA requires a secondary possession factor such as a hardware key, smartcard, or one-time code delivered by an app.
- Take Measures to Prevent Ransomware
- Keep your operating system patched and up to date to ensure you have fewer vulnerabilities to exploit.
- Don’t install software or give it administrative privileges unless you know what it is and what it does.
- Scan all incoming and outgoing emails to detect threats and filter executable files.
- Enroll in Cybersecurity Training
- Utilize Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)
- ATP uses technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to identify cyber threats early in their lifecycle, allowing them to break the attack chain and prevent the attack before it can cause significant damage.
What is GrantSolutions Doing About Cybersecurity?
Remembering multiple passwords for different systems can be frustrating and time-consuming. Many government systems, including GrantSolutions, are moving to Login.gov to reduce grant recipient burden. Login.gov allows grant recipients to use one password across multiple government systems with the added benefit of an extra layer of security through two-factor authentication.
These preventative measures can help prevent the cyberattack before it happens and ensure an organization’s safety. When it comes to cybersecurity awareness, it is a priority for GrantSolutions to remain up to date on preventative measures ensuring the safety of the systems we use. Through efforts such as Login.gov, frequent security scanning, and checks, GrantSolutions is helping to guarantee Partners’ data is safe.
