Rate of Cyberattack

The term "cyberattack" is broad and can be used to refer to the most basic kind of testing to a sophisticated attack against a chosen target by a dedicated adversary.

Curtin discusses the range of attacks, what the rate of attack means for organizations and for the individuals whose information is managed by organizations.

While numbers like this can sound stunning, the truth is that most organizations will see a constant stream of attacks, many untargeted and automated. These basic attacks are really the electronic equivalent of turning a doorknob to see if the door is locked. 

That said, we've seen a sharp rise in the number of "spear phishing" attacks where the target is chosen and the attackers try to fool the target into doing something that they wouldn't normally do.

In all cases, the advice for individuals, whether at home or in their jobs is really the same as always. Don't be rushed. If you get a message that seems to come from someone you know, don't hesitate to reach out to that person and confirm that the message is real. For example, an email message with a known person's name on it, or a text message that claims to be from someone known can easily impersonate someone else. Try to call that number from the text, though, and you'll find out if someone answers, and if the voice makes sense. Or call a known number for the person to ask if they sent the email.

About Interhack

Columbus-based Interhack is a cybersecurity and forensic data analysis firm with a nationwide practice. Helping people and their organizations to understand and make the most of technology since 2000, the firm can be found online at web.interhack.com.