Feature: System security
Although social engineering is nothing new, it is predicted to grow in use in the coming years due to hybrid and remote working
reported a 1,885% increase in cyberattacks, from phishing to malicious apps. Te number of attacks targeting critical infrastructures is also
Y
Securing your network in the
“golden era of ransomware”
By Neil Ballinger, Head, EMEA, EU Automation
increasing. One example is the 2021 attack on a German fuel supplier, Oiltanking, that could have easily endangered lives. Tere are also reported attacks on hospitals and water treatment facilities. Yet, many organisations are slow to react with security measures;
in effect many are perplexed as to the best ways to prepare for them; to begin with, not many companies know well their system and network weak points.
Main points of attack Ransomware gains access to organisations via phishing attacks, typically conducted by tricking employees into giving out company details or clicking on links that will download the malware. Tis works by infecting devices with a virus that encrypts files and refuses to reveal the decryption key until a ransom is paid. In some cases, hackers threaten to publish sensitive data publicly if their requests are not met. “Social engineering” is a term used to describe a range of
malicious activities achieved through human interactions, usually using psychological manipulation to trick employees into making security mistakes or giving out sensitive information. Cybercriminals will oſten research an employee to gather necessary background information. Te attacker will then try to gain their trust using this information, in the attempt to persuade them to release sensitive data or give access to the network. Other techniques used include phishing, spear phishing, baiting, scareware and pretexting. Although social engineering is nothing new, it is
predicted to grow in use in the coming years due to hybrid and remote working. Te best way to combat such attacks is through educating the
employees: i.e., they should not to open any emails from unfamiliar sources or click on links, should not use unapproved USB devices
34 June 2023
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
ear 2021 saw a record number of ransomware attacks – the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) reported a 150% rise in attacks between April 2020 and July 2021, describing it as the “golden era of ransomware”. Tat same year governments worldwide
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
