The most dangerous types of cyber threats to be aware of in 2024

From daily purchases to seasonal sale surges, online purchases have stormed into our lives in the past few years, only to make them easier than ever. This simple life, however, comes at its very own cost, which is none other than cybersecurity threats.

Cyberattacks rank among the most common issues of the 21st century, and they keep on rising as technology evolves. Most types of cyberattacks occur during online purchases, while different attempts target their victims way earlier. A prominent example would be spam emails containing malware, forwarded to a massive amount of users.

Let us explore the most common types of cybersecurity threats of the past few years, which, as it seems, will continue to pose risks in 2024.

Phishing attempts

Phishing attempts might be the single most common type of cybersecurity threat, which endangers internet users’ personal information. Phishing attacks usually derive from spam emails impersonating renowned websites. Those contain malicious links, requesting the personal information of their recipients.

Fake websites

Hackers create fake websites or online stores, which are, in most cases, design in a way that resembles actual high-traffic websites of undoubted reliability (e.g. Facebook, Amazon, eBay, and so on). Those websites usually attempt to extort large sums of money or personal information from victims.

Data breaches

Websites that do not comply with safety standards are prone to data breaches. Hackers use the usernames and passwords found on those breaches, in efforts to gain unauthorized access to users’ accounts on third-party websites, and, subsequently, to obtain their personal data.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a form of malicious software usually transported through emails and pop-up windows. Users that fall for ransomware attempts allow hackers to delete their files, by clicking on the aforementioned links. Following that, hackers ask for huge amounts of money, to retrieve their victims’ files.

Digital skimming

Digital skimming is a type of malware which can be integrated with the source code of websites that are not vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. Through digital skimming, hackers are able to collect online shoppers’ card information, right during the payment process on insecure websites.

SQL injection

SQL injection is a type of cybersecurity threat that is capable of taking advantage of a website’s vulnerabilities, such as weak login. It is thus able to collect users’ sensitive personal information, and pose grave risks to their financial security.

To minimize the risk of cybersecurity threats, you should avoid online platforms that seem unreliable. For an extra security layer, you can always refrain from giving out your credit or debit card information, and choosing PayByBank as your preferred payment method, when it is available.

Find out how PayByBank works today, and safeguard your personal information across every single online transaction!