In a world where most business processes run digitally, cyber threats have become one of the biggest operational risks.
Encrypted files, fake emails, unauthorised access — any of these can halt operations or cause massive data leaks.
Here are the 6 most common threats and exactly how to defend against them.
1. What Are Cyber Threats?
Malware, phishing, ransomware, DDoS, and insider threats are just a few examples from the ever-growing spectrum of attacks.
Their consequences range from data loss and downtime to complete system lockouts.
Core principle: employee awareness is your first and strongest line of defence.
2. Malware
Malware can:
- infect computers and servers,
- steal credentials,
- encrypt files,
- spy on user activity.
How to protect yourself:
- Keep all systems and applications fully patched.
- Monitor network traffic and deploy IDS/IPS.
- Perform regular security audits.
- Train employees in cyber hygiene.
3. Phishing – Fake Messages & Websites
Phishing attempts to trick users into giving away credentials by impersonating trusted organisations (banks, tax offices, employers, etc.) via email, SMS, or chat.
Defence tips:
- Teach staff never to click suspicious links.
- Always verify sender addresses and domains.
- Use advanced email filtering and enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA).
4. Ransomware – Locked Data & Ransom Demands
Ransomware encrypts your files and demands payment for the decryption key.
It is one of the most destructive forms of cybercrime today.
Protection measures:
- Maintain regular, tested backups (offline/air-gapped when possible).
- Keep backups completely separated from production systems.
- Have a documented Incident Response Plan ready.
5. Insider Threats
Not every attack comes from the outside.
Accidental mistakes, negligence, or malicious actions by employees/contractors can cause massive damage.
How to reduce the risk:
- Apply the principle of least privilege.
- Regularly review and revoke unnecessary access.
- Train staff on ethics and information security responsibilities.
6. DDoS Attacks – Network Overload
A DDoS attack floods your servers with traffic until services become unreachable.
Any organisation can be targeted — not just large corporations.
Prevention steps:
- Deploy firewalls and traffic-filtering solutions.
- Use CDN and dedicated anti-DDoS services.
- Continuously monitor performance and react to anomalies.
Summary
Cybersecurity starts with awareness.
Technology helps, but only when people know how to recognise and report threats.
The strongest defence combines:
- the right tools,
- clear policies & procedures,
- regular, practical training.
Get in Touch
Want to raise your organisation’s cybersecurity level or train your team?
Email: biuro@wichran.pl
Phone: +48 515 601 621
Author: Piotr Wichrań – Court-appointed digital forensic expert, IT/OT cybersecurity specialist, licensed private investigator
@Informatyka.Sledcza