Cyberattacks are more common than ever, and if you’re a Windows user, you’re probably feeling the effects more than others.
Hackers are always targeting Windows PCs, and you’ve probably seen reports about how vulnerabilities in your systems can allow malicious attackers to access your personal and financial information.
But if you’re wondering how many cyberattacks Windows users are exposed to every day, you’ll be surprised to learn that the number is well over 600 million. This proves that cyber-attacks are on the rise like never before.
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microsoft laptop (Microsoft)
What you need to know
Microsoft recently released its annual report. 2024 Digital Defense Reportreveals the current state of the world of cybersecurity.
“Over the past year, the cyber threat landscape has continued to become more dangerous and complex. The world’s malicious attackers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, techniques, and tools to attack even the world’s best cybersecurity defenders. We also have the resources and better preparation to take on the challenge.” said the company.
Microsoft says that even the company is falling victim to well-planned attacks by determined and well-resourced adversaries. ”Customers face more than 600 million cybercrime and nation-state attacks every day, from ransomware to phishing to identity attacks. ”
It’s not just everyday users who fall victim to these attacks. Hackers are also targeting government agencies, businesses, and organizations. This fiscal year, the U.S. healthcare system alone has reportedly experienced 389 successful cyberattacks, causing network outages and delays in critical medical procedures.
The Redmond-based company also notes that the growing threat of cyberattacks is no longer limited to ordinary cybercriminals. Nation-states are increasing their investments in resources and training, and using more advanced technology to enhance their operations in the cyber world. These state-sponsored hackers aren’t just stealing data. They are launching ransomware, setting up backdoors for future attacks, disrupting operations, and conducting influence campaigns. Microsoft says China, Russia, North Korea and Iran are the biggest players.
Person typing on Microsoft laptop (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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Most attacks target passwords
According to Microsoft, 99% of identity attacks are password attacks. It relies on predictable human behavior, such as choosing passwords that are easy to guess, reusing them across multiple websites, and falling prey to phishing attacks. This shows the importance of using a reliable password manager.
A password manager can help you avoid common mistakes that make you a target for hackers. It stores all your passwords securely, generates strong, unique passwords for each site, and autofills them when needed, so you never have to remember or reuse weak passwords. Additionally, it protects against phishing attacks by ensuring you only log on to the correct sites. All of this reduces the chances of your account being hacked and keeps your data more secure. Learn more about me Here are the best password managers of 2024, reviewed by experts.
laptop on the table (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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6 ways to protect yourself from cyber attacks
1. Enable two-factor authentication. activation two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an extra layer of security for all your important accounts, including email, banking, and social media. With 2FA, in addition to your password, you have to provide a second piece of information when you log in, such as a code sent to your phone. This makes it much harder for hackers to access your account, even if they know your password. Enabling 2FA greatly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and protects sensitive data.
2. Monitor your accounts and transactions. You should regularly check your online accounts and transactions for suspicious or fraudulent activity. If you notice anything unusual, report it to your service provider or authorities immediately. You should also check your credit report and score for signs of identity theft or fraud.
3. Contact your bank and credit card company. If you believe a hacker has obtained your banking or credit card information, they may be able to use it to make purchases or withdrawals without your consent. You must notify your bank or credit card company of the situation. We can help you freeze or cancel your card, dispute fraudulent charges, and issue a new card.
You should also contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) and request that a fraud alert be placed on your credit file. This makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name without authentication. You can also freeze your credit if you wish.
4. Use personal data deletion service: Consider investing in a personal data deletion service that specializes in continuously monitoring and removing personal information from various online databases and websites. These services employ sophisticated tools and techniques to identify and remove your data from people search sites, data brokers, and other platforms where your information may be exposed. Using a data deletion service can help minimize the risk of identity theft and fraud, especially after a data breach. Additionally, these services often provide continuous monitoring and alerts, notifying you whenever new data appears online and taking immediate action to remove it. Check out the data deletion services I recommend here.
5. Sign up for identity theft protection. Identity theft protection companies monitor your personal information, such as your home name, social security number, phone number, and email address, and alert you if it is used to open an account. It can also help freeze bank and credit card accounts to prevent further misuse by criminals.
One of the best things about using some of our services is identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover your losses and legal costs, as well as white glove fraud insurance with a US-based case manager to help you recover your losses. It includes a resolution team. Check out our tips and recommendations on how to protect yourself from identity theft.
6. Install strong antivirus software: The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that can install malware and access your personal information is to install antivirus software on all your devices. This protection also warns you about phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection products of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
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Cart important points
Cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly dangerous and hackers are much better equipped to carry out the perfect attack. They use artificial intelligence and deepfakes to make everything seem more legitimate. Add in the fact that many of these attacks are nation-state sponsored, and it is clear that cybersecurity strategies need to be strengthened, and further investment is certainly needed. On the bright side, Microsoft successfully blocked approximately 1.25 million DDoS attacks, four times as many as last year. This shows that they are working hard to provide a safer experience for their users.
Do you think AI and deepfakes will make it harder to detect cyber threats? Email us. Cyberguy.com/Contact
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