The internet is a vast and often unpredictable place, which is why it’s important to stay on top of the latest cyber security threats and trends. With this in mind, here are five surprising cyber security facts that you may not have known:
1. The majority of cyber attacks are done for financial gain.
While some cyber attacks are carried out for political or ideological reasons, a whopping 90% of them are done for financial gain, according to a report by Verizon. This could include stealing sensitive information like credit card numbers, selling personal data on the dark web, or encrypting files for ransom.
2. Your smartphone is more vulnerable than you might think.
Many people falsely assume that their smartphones are safe from cyber attacks, but that’s not the case. In fact, mobile malware attacks have been steadily increasing over the past few years, and more than 4.1 million mobile apps are known to be malicious or suspicious.
3. Your password probably isn’t as secure as you think it is.
Despite the best efforts of companies and individuals to create strong passwords, it’s still shockingly easy for passwords to be cracked. In fact, the most common passwords are still “123456” and “password”, and approximately 81% of all data breaches are due to weak or stolen passwords.
4. Up to 95% of cyber attacks are caused by human error.
While it’s easy to blame cyber attacks on sophisticated hackers or advanced malware, the reality is that many of these attacks are caused by simple human error. This could be anything from falling for a phishing scam to leaving your computer unlocked in a public place.
5. The Internet of Things is making us more vulnerable than ever.
As more and more devices become connected to the internet, we’re opening ourselves up to a whole new world of cyber security threats. From smart home appliances to medical devices, any internet-connected device is potentially vulnerable to attack.
In conclusion, cyber security is a complex and constantly evolving field that requires constant vigilance. By understanding these surprising cyber security facts, you can take steps to protect yourself and your sensitive information from the many threats that exist online. Stay informed, stay safe, and always stay one step ahead of the hackers.
