Introduction
Internet security refers to the security of actions and transactions performed on the Internet. It is included in broader concepts such as cybersecurity and computer security. In addition, it incorporates browser and network safety and proper online behavior. Occasionally, it is ruined by different types of attacks, which are intentional intrusions into the operating system of remote or local computer networks (Qiu et al., 2019).
Sometimes, it entails stealing essential data, possibly with criminal intent. There are various kinds, such as ransomware and phishing, insider threats, and AI attacks. They differ in nature and impact and need to be investigated. Even though ransomware and phishing are considered outdated, they are not easily recognizable compared to AI and insider threats.
Ransomware and Phishing Attacks
Ransomware is a type of malware used by cybercriminals to steal data. These hackers interfere with the proper functioning of the computer and require money to restore normal access to information. Access to the system or data encryption is prevented if a ransomware application has infected a computer or network (O’Kane et al., 2018). Cybercriminals ask their victims for a ransom to gain access to their data.
Ransomware is perhaps one of the easiest types of malware to write, and this is due to its widespread distribution. A Trojan gets onto the computer of a company or institution, gets access to files on the hard disk, and encrypts information, making it inaccessible to the user. Despite its easy mechanism, sometimes it is not simple to eliminate. Additionally, many ransomware programs are publicly available on the Internet, allowing anyone to download, modify, and infect other users.
Typically, a phishing assault entails the creation of phony websites that seem like the websites of well-known businesses, such as social networks, online shops, or streaming services. The user is supposed to enter personal information on the website, such as their phone number, login information, and credit card information, without seeing the counterfeit. If someone does this, the con artists will have their information.
Phishing tools are constantly evolving and getting more sophisticated (Qiu et al., 2019). This fact plays a sizable part in many individuals falling victim to online fraud (Qiu et al., 2019). It signifies that such technologies are almost impossible to recognize, which complicates the process of criminal revelation. Therefore, it leads to an unidentifiable scam and the robbery of personal data. Hence, many cybersecurity professionals can barely recognize if a threat is real or fake.
Insider and AI Threats
On the other hand, insider threats can sometimes be as destructive as the most dangerous external cyberattacks. It is a hostile attack launched against a computer system or network by a user granted access to the target system (Yuan & Wu, 2021). Attackers from within the system have a distinct advantage over outside attackers. This is possible since they can access the system and learn about the network architecture. Moreover, the penetration of artificial intelligence technologies in cybersecurity is a serious concern.
On the one hand, cyberdefenders can use technologies to mitigate attacks and neutralize threats. However, once in the hands of intruders, AI technologies will become a dangerous weapon and pose a serious threat. Despite their destructiveness, they remain easily identified and subsequently fought.
Cybercriminals have many opportunities now because of artificial intelligence, which allows them to dramatically enhance the pace, volume, and complexity of their attacks. Although an ordinary phishing assault can be effective in about 0.3% of cases, AI-based attacks can overcome conventional detection systems in more than 15% of situations (O’Kane et al., 2018). An attacker can actively interact with the machine learning system. These types of threats are considered more adverse; however, they are easily identifiable.
It implies that even though it is hard to prevent them, the identification means that they work properly (Qiu et al., 2019). It proves their elimination but increases the chance of their damage. Unlike ransomware and phishing threats, these are relatively new and are still developing to become invisible.
Spread of Ransomware and Phishing
Nonetheless, regardless of the destructiveness of these two attacks, phishing and ransomware remain unbeatable. The growth of websites is immense, meaning that many hackers are active. According to Donegan (n.d.), “like typical spear phishing campaigns, the evasive variety identified by researchers is highly targeted and personalized to the recipient” (para. 4). This signifies that hackers have harnessed the technologies and can easily steal any data.
Security researchers continue to investigate the nature of such attacks’ evasiveness. However, it is a complex process that demands transparency. Therefore, tracking criminals’ locations and other information is barely possible. It complicates the investigation of numerous cybercrimes and their consequences. Subsequently, it makes ransomware and phishing more elaborate than ever.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this topic is vital for IT specialists to understand the types of threats in cyberspace. In addition, it is useful to know that simple threats can be more dangerous as their disguises are barely identifiable. Cybersecurity remains a key issue, entailing increased attention from professionals to eliminate threats.
Ransomware and phishing attacks are considered old-fashioned since they are easy to create and fight. However, these threats have developed so much that networks can barely recognize them. AI and insider threats are more destructive yet easily recognized by the systems. It means that they are rarely left unnoticed and are often solved. Therefore, various viruses can be identified, and cyber safety is a priority in modern society.
References
Donegan. K. (n. d.). New evasive spear phishing attacks bypass email security measures. TechTarget. Web.
O’Kane, P., Sezer, S., & Carlin, D. (2018). Evolution of ransomware. IET Networks, 7(5), 321–327. Web.
Qiu, S., Liu, Q., Zhou, S., & Wu, C. (2019). Review of artificial intelligence adversarial attack and defense technologies. Applied Sciences, 9(5), 909. Web.
Yuan, S., & Wu, X. (2021). Deep learning for insider threat detection: Review, challenges, and opportunities. Computers & Security, 104. Web.