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Recent Cyber Security Threats and How to Avoid Them

Published

6 months ago

7 October 2024

Recent Cyber Security Threats and How to Avoid Them

Cybersecurity has grown to be a concern for tech companies and government agencies in the era of connectivity that we live in today. We have been talking about it as though it is somehow not a key issue that impacts all of us, from the individual to multinationals. While technology changes, the threats remain in the dark, citing irrelevance to time-innovated security measures. In this post, we will discuss five of the most common threats to cybersecurity and tips on how you can protect your data from these dangerous minds.

Comprehending the Current Cybersecurity Landscape

The digital world is such a conflicting thing with itself. This means it provides convenience and connectivity like never seen before but is also filled with lots of vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals are becoming more skillful and using sophisticated methods to manage vulnerabilities.

The Rise of Ransomware

Ransomware attacks have increased recently, focusing not only on small businesses but larger infrastructure as well. These types of attacks involve ransomware that infects a target device with software that locks the users’ data and demands payment to release it.

The 2021 Colonial Pipeline attack was a powerful global reminder of how destructive ransomware can be — remember when it messed with the Eastern US’s fuel supplies?

Prevention Tips:

* Back up your files on an external hard drive or cloud service.
* Patch your systems, operating system, and software regularly to address security gaps.

The Growing Threat of Phishing Scams

One other highly developing class to observe is phishing scams — they accounted for the fourth-highest legion of assaults detected at greater than 93 million in June.

Gone are the days of spamming around phishing emails with bad English. Fast forward to today, and they are finely tuned, frequently appearing to be real communications from your regular providers. Spear phishing, where attackers craft individualized emails to fool people into revealing confidential information, is on the rise.

Prevention Tips:

* Beware of cold emails/messages — especially ones that require any personal info.
* Check the email address from the sender and see whether there is any discrepancy.

Cybersecurity Emerging Threats

Technology changes, and so do the threats that require updating security postures.

IoT — Internet of Things Vulnerabilities

Smart homes, filled with all sorts of connected devices — from smart thermostats to car sensors — have generated new cybercriminal hackers in the home. Unfortunately, these are mostly insecure devices, as they do not come with strong security capabilities, making them vulnerable to attacks.

For instance, 2016 saw an exceptionally large distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack that took advantage of insecure IoT devices during the Mirai botnet attack, which targeted some of the biggest websites.

Prevention Tips:

* Don’t use default passwords on any of your IoT devices.
* Keep device firmware updated to improve security.

Cybercrime and the Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Although AI provides many advantages, it can also be a double-edged sword and give cybercriminals the automation and scalability they need for their attacks. They might use it for building phishing scams, finding vulnerabilities in a system, or other malicious activities.

Real-World Example:

Malware that is AI-driven can adapt to suit the security measures in place, making it harder to detect, isolate, and counter.

Prevention Tips:

* Leverage AI-driven security solutions for real-time threat detection and response.
* For the latest updates and news, follow us on our blog section or connect with us over LinkedIn at SecureLayer7.

How to Boost Your Cybersecurity in Practical Steps

In this day and age, you have to be proactive as the internet creates anonymity requirements. Here’s what you can do to increase your data and privacy protection.

1- Strengthen Your Passwords

To fill out forms and other online processes automatically, enable password managers. Weak passwords are the common cracking point for cybercriminals. Use naturally strong and unique passwords for every account.

Here are some tips:

Include uppercase, lowercase, and special characters (UpperCase, LowerCase, Special).
If you have too many credentials to remember, use a password manager.

2- Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication increases your security by requiring a second means of getting verified, like a text message or authenticator app.

Use 2FA, especially for email and financial services.

3- Learn for Your Own and Your Team’s Sake

Cybercrime is fought with awareness. Keep yourself and your team up to date with the new threats and emerging best practices.

* Cubedos are the training you schedule across the year, focusing on community-prioritized cyber education.
* Subscribe to our cybersecurity newsletter to get the latest news and trends.

This really struck me, and I completely agree: Because cybersecurity is more than just technology. It’s not just about the people either. The first line of defense is educating yourself and your team.

Conclusion

There is a pool of new threats out there, thanks to the ever-evolving nature of our online world. This means staying up to date with current threats and ensuring you have all appropriate security measures in place to protect yourself and your data.

Let there be no doubt, cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and forming an alliance today can help reduce tomorrow’s hefty price tag.

Learn more about cybersecurity best practices via:

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

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A TikTok Ban Could Hit the U.S. in Days: What You Need to Know and How to Prepare

Published

3 months ago

13 January 2025

EL MOSTAFA OUCHEN

A TikTok Ban Could Hit the U.S. in Days: What You Need to Know and How to Prepare

TikTok, the popular video-sharing platform with over 150 million U.S. users, faces an impending ban that could take effect within days. The U.S. government has escalated its scrutiny of the app, citing national security concerns linked to its Chinese ownership. As lawmakers debate the potential risks of TikTok’s data practices, users and businesses are preparing for a possible disruption. Here’s what you need to know about the situation and how to prepare.

Why Is TikTok Facing a Ban? The U.S. government has long raised concerns about TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, and its potential ties to the Chinese government. Lawmakers argue that TikTok could be used to:

Collect sensitive user data and share it with Beijing.
Influence public opinion through algorithmic manipulation.
Undermine national security through covert operations.

TikTok has repeatedly denied these allegations, emphasizing its efforts to store U.S. user data within the country and maintain operational transparency. Despite these assurances, the Biden administration and bipartisan members of Congress are pushing for strict measures, including a complete ban or forced divestiture of ByteDance’s ownership.

What Happens if the Ban Goes Through? If enacted, the TikTok ban could take several forms:

App Store Removal: TikTok could be removed from major app stores like Google Play and Apple’s App Store, preventing new downloads and updates.
Network Restrictions: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) might block TikTok’s servers, making it inaccessible to users in the U.S.
Legal Enforcement: Companies facilitating TikTok’s operations in the U.S. could face penalties.

Existing users may experience a gradual degradation of the app’s functionality as updates and support become unavailable.

Who Will Be Affected? The potential ban will have wide-ranging implications:

Content Creators: Influencers who rely on TikTok for income may need to pivot to alternative platforms like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts.
Businesses: Companies using TikTok for marketing and brand engagement will need to explore other social media channels.
Consumers: Users who use TikTok for entertainment, education, or community building will face limited options.

How to Prepare for a TikTok Ban

Diversify Your Social Media Presence: Creators and businesses should establish a presence on alternative platforms to maintain audience reach.
Back Up Your Content: Download and save your TikTok videos to ensure they’re not lost if the app becomes inaccessible.
Build an Email List: For creators and brands, an email list can provide a direct line of communication with followers.
Monitor Developments: Stay informed about legislative actions and potential timelines for the ban.

What’s Next? As discussions intensify, TikTok is ramping up lobbying efforts and proposing measures to address national security concerns. The outcome remains uncertain, but the clock is ticking for users and businesses to adapt.

The prospect of a TikTok ban marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over technology, privacy, and national security. While the app’s future in the U.S. hangs in the balance, users and businesses must act now to prepare for potential disruptions. Diversifying content strategies and staying informed will be key to navigating this uncertain landscape.

TikTok, as an international version of ByteDance’s app, is not available in China because ByteDance operates Douyin, a separate, localized version of the platform, tailored specifically for the Chinese market. This separation aligns with China’s strict regulatory framework and serves several key purposes:

1. Compliance with China’s Internet Regulations

China enforces strict internet controls and censorship laws, often referred to as the Great Firewall. Douyin complies with these regulations by:

Moderating content according to government guidelines.
Restricting politically sensitive, explicit, or otherwise prohibited content.
Limiting features to align with national priorities, such as promoting educational content and cultural values.

2. Data Privacy and Sovereignty

China mandates that user data collected within its borders remains under strict control and oversight. By operating Douyin separately, ByteDance ensures that:

Chinese user data is stored on domestic servers, reducing risks of external interference.
It avoids international regulatory scrutiny tied to TikTok’s global operations.

3. Cultural and Functional Localization

Douyin is heavily localized to cater to Chinese users, with features that differ significantly from TikTok, such as:

E-commerce integration and in-app shopping experiences.
Specialized tools for education and business promotions.
Algorithms designed to highlight content aligning with Chinese cultural norms and government policies.

4. National Security Concerns

While TikTok is seen as a potential national security threat in some countries due to its perceived ties to the Chinese government, China likely applies similar logic in reverse. Operating Douyin as a separate app prevents potential foreign influence or control over a major social media platform used by its citizens.

Conclusion

The decision to operate Douyin instead of TikTok in China reflects a strategic move by ByteDance to align with domestic regulations, protect data sovereignty, and maintain compliance with the Chinese government’s internet governance policies. This separation also underscores the broader geopolitical and regulatory differences between China and other nations.

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Welcome to MAG212NEWS – Your Ultimate Source for Crypto News

Published

5 months ago

28 November 2024

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Dive into the dynamic world of cryptocurrency with MAG212NEWS. We bring you the latest updates, expert analysis, and in-depth coverage of all things crypto, from market trends and blockchain innovations to major developments in Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, and beyond.

Stay ahead of the curve with breaking news on regulations, emerging technologies, and global adoption. Whether you’re a seasoned trader, a blockchain enthusiast, or simply curious about the digital currency revolution, MAG212NEWS delivers the insights you need to navigate this fast-paced industry.

Explore our platform to stay informed, make smarter investments, and embrace the future of finance. MAG212NEWS – Where cryptocurrency meets clarity.

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Welcome to MAG212NEWS – Your Gateway to Breaking News

Published

5 months ago

28 November 2024

EL MOSTAFA OUCHEN

Stay informed with MAG212NEWS, your trusted source for up-to-the-minute breaking news from around the world. From global politics and economic shifts to technological innovations and social trends, we bring you comprehensive coverage of the stories that matter most.

Whether it’s escalating tensions in the Middle East, groundbreaking policy changes, or unfolding political dramas, MAG212NEWS ensures you’re always in the loop. Our expert analysis, exclusive reports, and real-time updates deliver the facts with clarity and accuracy.

Bookmark this page and never miss a beat. Watch breaking news as it happens and explore in-depth insights that help you understand today’s world. MAG212NEWS – Because staying informed is staying empowered.