Zandre Janse van Vuuren identifies five of the most common cyberthreats and shares practical tips to help you defend against them.
By Zandre Janse van Vuuren | Service Delivery Manager: Cyber DFIR, BUI
As our world becomes increasingly interconnected through digital systems, the threat landscape for cyberattacks continues to expand. In 2024, global cybercrime costs soared to an estimated $9.22 trillion, with projections indicating a rise to more than $13 trillion by 2028.
These staggering figures highlight the need for robust security measures. Cyberthreats not only risk sensitive data, but can also disrupt operations and cause significant financial and reputational damage. Let’s take a closer look at five of the most common cyberthreats organisations face today, their potential impact, and actionable steps for mitigation.
1 | PHISHING
Phishing remains one of the most prevalent cyberthreats due to its simplicity and effectiveness. Attackers often exploit human error, leveraging psychological tactics such as urgency, fear, and curiosity to trick people into revealing critical information.
Common phishing techniques include posing as trusted organisations like banks or government agencies, using realistic-looking fake websites to capture login credentials, and embedding malware in email attachments.
The rise of spear phishing (i.e., highly targeted attacks against specific individuals or organisations) has further increased the threat’s sophistication and success rate. Even tech-savvy users can fall victim if vigilance lapses, making continuous awareness and training essential.
Potential impact:
- Unauthorised access to an organisation’s accounts and systems.
- Data breaches extending to the organisation’s network.
- Financial losses and reputational damage.
Mitigation:
- Implement a robust email filter to block phishing attempts from known malicious sources.
- Teach employees how to recognise phishing emails. Cultivate good habits like checking the sender’s details, avoiding clicking on suspicious links, and reporting suspected phishing activities to the IT department.
- Use multi-factor authentication and conditional access policies to add an extra layer of security.
2 | RANSOMWARE
With the rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service platforms, even attackers with little technical aptitude can deploy sophisticated ransomware campaigns, making this threat more pervasive than ever. These platforms provide pre-packaged ransomware tools, technical support, and even revenue-sharing models, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for cybercriminals.
Compounding the issue is the growing use of double extortion tactics, where attackers encrypt data and threaten to publicly release sensitive information unless the ransom is paid. This evolution has made ransomware one of the most concerning and financially devastating cyberthreats today, affecting organisations of all sizes across industries.
Potential impact:
- Loss of access to critical data and services.
- Operational downtime.
- Financial losses from ransom payments and recovery efforts.
Mitigation:
- Ensure regular backups of critical data and systems, abiding by the rule of three: two offline and offsite backups in different locations and one cloud-based backup.
- Keep software and systems updated, patch vulnerabilities, and conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
- Deploy endpoint detection and response tools to identify and stop ransomware early.
3 | INSIDER THREATS
While external attacks often dominate headlines, insider threats can be just as damaging and sometimes more difficult to detect. Whether malicious or negligent, insiders already have authorised access to critical systems and data, allowing them to bypass many traditional security measures.
Malicious insiders may act out of financial gain, dissatisfaction, or coercion, while negligent insiders might unintentionally expose sensitive information through careless behaviour or a lack of awareness.
The dual nature of insider threats makes them particularly challenging to manage, underscoring the importance of comprehensive monitoring and regular employee training.
Potential impact:
- Data theft or leaking of sensitive information.
- Compromised intellectual property.
- Damage to internal systems.
Mitigation:
- Restrict access to sensitive data based on job roles and responsibilities using the principle of least privilege.
- Monitor user activity for unusual behaviour using insider threat detection tools capable of behavioural monitoring.
- Conduct regular security awareness training for employees.
4 | MALWARE
Malware attacks are often the first step in larger, multi-stage cyberattacks, serving as a gateway for attackers to establish a foothold in a target’s system. These attacks can infiltrate systems through various vectors, including compromised downloads, malicious websites, infected USB devices, phishing emails with malicious attachments, and even unsecured IoT devices.
Once installed, malware can perform a range of harmful activities, from data exfiltration and credential harvesting to deploying additional payloads for ransomware or botnet creation. The versatility and adaptability of malware make it a cornerstone of many sophisticated cyberattack campaigns.
Potential impact:
- System downtime.
- Data corruption or theft.
- Financial losses from recovery efforts.
Mitigation:
- Install and regularly update antivirus and anti-malware software.
- Employ network firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
- Educate employees on safe browsing habits and the risks of downloading unknown files.
5 | DISTRIBUTED DENIAL OF SERVICE (DDOS) ATTACKS
As businesses increasingly rely on online services, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have become a favoured method for disrupting operations. These attacks flood networks or servers with overwhelming traffic, rendering them inaccessible to legitimate users.
Beyond their immediate disruptive effects, DDoS attacks are often used as a smokescreen to divert attention while attackers execute more invasive activities, such as data breaches or malware deployment.
The increasing accessibility of DDoS-for-hire services has further amplified the threat, enabling attackers to launch large-scale attacks with minimal resources or technical expertise.
Potential impact:
- Website downtime or service outages.
- Loss of customer trust.
- Potential financial losses.
Mitigation:
- Use a content delivery network or DDoS protection service to absorb attack traffic.
- Configure rate-limiting and traffic-filtering rules on your network.
- Develop an incident response plan to address and mitigate DDoS attacks quickly.
Understanding the most common cyberthreats is crucial for safeguarding your organisation. Phishing, ransomware, insider threats, malware, and DDoS attacks each present unique challenges, but proactive measures such as employee training, robust technical defences, and regular updates to security protocols can mitigate their impact.
Cybersecurity is a continuous effort that demands vigilance, adaptation, and a culture of awareness. You can protect your business assets, maintain trust, and ensure resilience in an ever-changing threat landscape by staying informed and prepared.
