Network Security is becoming an increasingly serious concern for individuals, businesses, and governments alike. In a world where everything is digital, from cute kitten videos to travel journals to credit card information, ensuring our data security is one of the most difficult challenges of Network Security. Network Security threats come in a variety of forms, including ransomware, phishing attacks, and malware attacks.

Listed below are most common types of network security issues and concerns

1. Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks have grown in popularity in recent years. According to Netlogyx, approximately 82% of IT organizations around the world have been impacted by ransomware in the last six months. Ransomware attacks encrypt a user’s data and prevent them from accessing it until a ransom is paid. Ransomware attacks are critical for individual users, but even more so for businesses unable to access data necessary for day-to-day operations. However, in most ransomware attacks, the attackers refuse to release the data even after payment is made, preferring to extort additional money. Regular network security audits are necessary in order to prevent this type of ransomware attack.

2. IOT Attacks

IoT Analytics predicts that there will be approximately 11.6 billion IoT devices. The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to computing, digital, and mechanical devices capable of transmitting data autonomously over a network. Desktops, laptops, mobile phones, and smart security devices are all examples of IoT devices. As the adoption of IoT devices accelerates, so do the network security challenges. By attacking IoT devices, sensitive user data can be compromised. Protecting IoT devices is a significant challenge in Network Security, as gaining access to these devices can facilitate the launch of additional malicious attacks. For the prevention of this kind of IOT attack, regular network security audits are necessary.

3. Cloud Attacks

Today, the majority of us rely on cloud services for personal and professional purposes. Additionally, hacking cloud-based platforms to steal user data is a challenge for businesses’ Network Security. We are all familiar with the infamous iCloud hack, which exposed celebrities’ private photos. If such an attack is launched against enterprise data, it poses a significant threat to the organization and may even result in its demise.

4. Phishing Attacks

Phishing is a social engineering attack that is frequently used to steal user data, such as usernames and passwords and credit card numbers. Unlike ransomware attacks, the hacker does not immediately delete the user’s confidential data upon gaining access. Rather than that, they use it for their gains, such as online shopping and unauthorized money transfers. Phishing attacks are popular among hackers because they exploit a user’s data until the user discovers it.

5. Attacks on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency

While blockchain and cryptocurrency may be unfamiliar to the average internet user, they are critical to businesses. Thus, attacks on these frameworks present significant challenges for businesses in terms of Network Security, as they can compromise customer data and business operations. These technologies have progressed beyond their infancy but have not yet reached an advanced stage of security. As a result, organizations must be aware of the security risks associated with these technologies and ensure network security audits exist for intruders to exploit.

6. Vulnerabilities in Software

Even the most sophisticated software contains vulnerabilities that could pose significant challenges to Network Security in 2020, given the increased adoption of digital devices. Individuals and businesses generally avoid updating the software on these devices because they believe it is unnecessary. However, updating the software on your device to the latest version should be a priority. An older version of software may contain patches for security vulnerabilities that the developers have addressed in a subsequent version. Attacks on unpatched software versions are a significant source of concern for Network Security.