<No.700> |
More Dependence on Internet Leads to More Cyberattacks Worldwide |
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From the power grid
to major corporations,
no one anywhere in the world is immune
to cyberattacks
and the problem is growing.
"The internet is becoming more and more integrated
into our lives every single day,
and we as citizens,
and we as corporations and governments
are becoming more interconnected
and using the internet
as part of that backbone of communication and collaboration.
This means that
there’s increased attack surface
for those who wish to be malicious."
More digital information on the web
means greater financial gain
for criminals.
In the last year,
there has been an increase
in cases of ransomware.
"It’s becoming easier and easier
in part because the tool kits needed
to break into many of these systems
are becoming more readily accessible
on the dark web."
Tracking down the criminals is not easy.
"We do think that
reporting cyber intrusions is underreported
to law enforcement,
whether it’s the FBI, Secret Service or another entity.
I think
it’s a business decision.
They’re concerned
about the publicity."
"Most cyberattacks require
multiple weaknesses or vulnerabilities of some form
in order to be able to reach the final goal
of the attacker.
One of the greatest weaknesses of any corporate network
is the human element."
So, it’s not a matter of if an attack will happen,
but when.
The FBI says building partnerships is critical,
so there can be a plan
before an attack occurs.
Another way to prepare
is to rethink how systems on the web are designed.
"Understand that individuals are going to get in,
but make sure that
the structures of the systems are designed
to contain the damage that can occur."
So when one part of the system is compromised,
the entire system is not affected
and can still be operational.
Elizabeth Lee, VOA News, Los Angeles |
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