With the advancement of technology, cyber attacks have emerged as a new threat in today's world. Cyber criminal activities continuously increase at personal, corporate, and national levels, posing significant security challenges.
Cyber attacks refer to online assaults aimed at stealing information, causing financial losses, or destroying technological infrastructure. Phishing is deceptive emails or links used to steal users' personal information. Ransomware encrypts computer data and demands a ransom for its release. A DDoS attack sends massive requests to a server to make it inoperable. Malware uses viruses, worms, and Trojans to cause damage to computers or networks. Social engineering exploits psychological vulnerabilities to obtain sensitive information.
Cyber criminals typically target stealth of banking information, personal photos, or identities for blackmail. They hack corporate or institutional confidential data, disrupting financial transactions and damaging systems. Critical infrastructures such as power, water, healthcare, and national security also come under attack.
Cyber attacks pose severe threats to both personal and national security. In 2023, cyber crimes caused billions of dollars in global losses. Many governments and private organizations invest heavily in cyber security, yet criminals continuously employ new tactics.
Preventing cyber attacks is not a task for individuals or organizations alone. It requires a concerted effort from everyone, including governments. Essential preventive measures, such as use of strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and updating systems, should be adopted by all.
Cyber attacks are an invisible war in the modern world, with far-reaching effects that touch everything from personal lives to national security. In addition to technology, raising public awareness is crucial to preventing these threats. We must act now and take appropriate security measures to ensure our safety in the digital world, a world that is increasingly becoming a part of our daily lives.
Fatema Ferdousee Raka
Student, Department of Mass Communication and Journalism,
Jagannath University, Dhaka.
fatemaraka4@gmail.com