We’ve all heard the news stories about huge data breaches of companies like Equifax and Marriott, but have you ever heard the security experts describe the breach as ‘sophisticated’? This post will describe why cybercriminals aren’t all that sophisticated and provides ways to stay secure online.
What Do We Mean By ‘Sophisticated’?
It’s become a common refrain to describe every major data breach as ‘sophisticated’. But what do we mean when we use that word? Sophisticated can mean several things; it can describe something as complex or refined, but it can also refer to something that is skilled or having a great deal of knowledge. Cybersecurity experts consider the use of the term ‘sophisticated’ to be an inaccurate description of most common data breaches.
Why It’s Not Accurate
Most of the data breaches that occur are not nearly as complex or advanced as they are made out to be. Despite the complexity of the breach, the techniques used by cybercriminals usually aren’t that sophisticated. They often rely on common techniques like phishing and exploiting known vulnerabilities to gain access, or they may use a brute-force attack to break in using stolen credentials.
What Can You Do?
We can’t control the actions of cybercriminals, but we can work to ensure that our own networks and data are secure. Staying secure online means taking steps to protect yourself and your data. Here are a few ways that you can protect yourself and your data:
Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
Keep your software and operating system up to date to prevent exploitations of known vulnerabilities.
Make sure that your passwords are strong and that you never reuse a password.
Be aware of phishing or Social Engineering scams that attempt to steal your login credentials.
Educate yourself on the latest security trends and news so you can stay informed and ahead of potential threats.
Conclusion
When it comes to data breaches, it’s important to remember that most of them aren’t as sophisticated as they’re made out to be. Cybercriminals may take advantage of known issues or weaknesses, but that doesn’t make the breach sophisticated. It’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your data by enabling two-factor authentication, keeping your software up to date, and being aware of phishing scams.
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