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4 Ways Technology Can Help Combat Cyber Attacks Today

Technological advancements pose both benefits and risks. The benefits are easy to point out. Convenient online financial transactions and faster inter-island communication are some of the many other benefits. Most notably, advanced technology allows for storing and organizing of large quantities of data. The entire process becomes more manageable with the use of cloud platform technology.  

However, storing large quantities of data in cloud platforms also face certain technological risks relating to the security of the storage. Also referred to as cybersecurity attacks, certain technological advancements are vulnerabilities and security risks. Others are programmed to breach confidential information. 

The most common example of this is hacking. A hacker’s intention is to breach and exploit a private system often compromising the stored data. Phishing is also another form of cybersecurity attack that is mainly for monetary gains. 

Hacking and phishing are just two of the many forms of cyber attacks today. On the bright side, the proper use of technology counters these risks. Here are some of the methods on how technology combat cyber attacks today. 

What Technology Can Do to Help Combat Cyber Attacks 

1 Passive Inspection Technology 

The most basic form of protection is the installation of anti-malware software. It is used to prevent, detect, and remove malware, hence the name. Anti-virus software is also available that, as the name suggests, targets virus detection and removal. 

Installing patch management software is another method of protection against cyber attacks. The software initiates the process of applying updates to other types of software. The updates are necessary to fix and get rid of bugs.  

Lastly, there is secure configuration management. Security configuration is the process of building and rebuilding a security system to ensure that there are no loopholes or misconfigurations. Hackers target these misconfigurations to breach and exploit a system easily.  

The Data Protection Act requires that the safety of the clients’ personal and sensitive information shall be used for reasons it is requested for. Additionally, top-notch protection must be the priority. These measures mentioned are required by several industries. 

Take the North American Electric Reliability Corporation for example. 

This nonprofit organization has the North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC-CIP) a list of requirements that are designed to secure the assets needed for operating North America’s bulk electrical system. 

NERC CIP standards are for enhancing the reliability of the distributors. The standards include the security of electronic parameters and the protection of sensitive cyber assets. It protects data about personnel, training measures, and security management, among others. 

2 Use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Better protection against cyber-attacks means better use of advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning

The algorithms used in machine learning can track and analyze the usual activity of a computer used by a real person. When it detects unusual activity, the algorithm adjusts its actions. What makes it better is that its countermeasures are not limited by its algorithm.  

Software made by Microsoft in 2018 was able to detect and protect millions of data because of this technology. Windows Defender uses layers upon layers of machine learning algorithms to detect malicious activity. It was able to detect the activity of crypto-miners as soon as they started. 

Another application of machine learning is in web application firewalls (WAF). The machine learning algorithm in these firewalls can accurately distinguish human activity from machine users. 

Once the malicious activity is detected, the firewall can build and implement mitigations that will serve as countermeasures to the threats. Bots using artificial intelligence will also dissuade attacking bots from attacking their initial target. 

When used properly, machine learning will and can counter the malicious usage of artificial intelligence. 

3 Use of Biometrics 

The use of biometrics provides another layer of protection from cyber-attacks. Aside from machine learning, biometrics is another measure to differentiate human and bot activity. 

Biometrics security uses biological or behavioral characteristics to access confidential data. The most common physical access control is fingerprint recognition. Other forms include voice recognition, facial recognition, iris recognition, and heart-rate recognition. 

Several large industries use biometric security as an added measure to protect data. The financial and banking industry uses this method to fight against fraud and to heighten transaction security. 

Users are also inclined towards the use of biometrics than regular passwords in financial transactions. This is already one step away from being a victim of phishing. 

Healthcare is another industry that takes advantage of the benefits of biometric security. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Law (HIPAA) emphasizes the importance of protecting the patient’s information as a form of respect and security. 

Regulations under this law also set the guidelines for disclosing patient information to certain authorized individuals consented by the patient. Biometrics can help determine the identity of these authorized persons. As a result, it can counter and decrease the cases of patient fraud. 

4 Combination of Security Technologies 

A single layer of protection against cyber attacks is never enough. Measures of cyber attacks are evolving and so should the protective measures. Another measure to combat these attacks is to combine different security measures. 

You can install anti-malware and secure configuration management software and use additional biometrics security. In this manner, there is an additional security measure after going through the physical analytics. 

Cloud security platforms are also a famous choice among clients. These platforms use both artificial intelligence and predictive technology to analyze data and pinpoint possible attacks. This security measure spots anomalous activity and distinguishes bot users. 

Security platforms, such as Building Defender, detect and prevent cyberattacks on building management systems. It does beyond just pointing out malicious activity. It pinpoints the source and detects possible attacks from it. 

Once the source is pointed out, other security measures or software can be used to eradicate the threat. 

Conclusion

The result of rapid technological advancements is a double-edged sword. It brings both benefits and risks. Common risks include breaches and leakage of sensitive personal data. Luckily, advanced technology can also counter these mishaps. 

From cloud security platforms to something personal, such as biometric security can work together to ensure total protection from various cyber-attacks. These security measures will not only counter these known attacks. But these will also analyze, detect, and predict possible attacks making it possible for users to prepare for them.

Fawad Malik

Fawad Malik Technology geek by heart, blogger by passion, and founder of nogentech.org, He regularly explores ideas and ways how advanced technology helps individuals, brands and businesses survive and thrive in this competitive landscape. He tends to share the latest tech news, trends, and updates with the community built around Nogentech.

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