How to Ninja-Proof Your Data – A Cybersecurity Infographic

They’re crafty, covert, and silent.  They have the tools, skills, time, and patience to unleash underground attacks on even the most fortified walls. Last year, these masters of stealth managed to sneak into some of the world’s biggest establishments, resulting in millions of dollars in loss and throwing the tech world into chaos.

We’re talking about cyber attackers though, not ninjas. Although, the two are remarkably similar.

Cybersecurity Infographic

Download a PDF version of this infographic: How to Ninja-Proof Your Data – A Cybersecurity Infographic

Cyber Attacks in 2014

Many news articles called 2014 “The Year of the Mega Breach.” It’s no wonder: millions of credit card, medical records, and other consumer data were exposed and stolen by cyber criminals. You probably remember when the news broke the following retailers:

• Target
• JP Morgan
• Anthem (the parent company of Blue Cross/Blue Shield)
• Sony Play Station Network
• Home Depot
• Neiman Marcus

In fact, a study by PWC found that there was a 48% increase in the rate of cyber attacks in 2014.

What Were Cyber Ninjas Stealing?

Real ninjas were hired to assassinate bounties and sometimes steal important treasures and documents. Cyber ninjas have a similar prize in mind. In 2014, they stole credit cards, emails, identities, health information, company trade secrets, and personal photos.

Why would they steal healthcare information? A study by Reuters found that a medical record (or EHR) is worth 10 times more than just your credit card information. To be precise, the Reuters article states, “Stolen health credentials can go for $10 each, about 10 or 20 times the value of a U.S. credit card number.”

Cyber Attack Tools

While these cyber criminals had a multitude of “fun” new tools to use, studies found that the top three tools used to steal information included:

• Malware
• Botnets
• Social Engineering

Like the crafty folk they are, these modern ninjas are able to poison systems (malware), infiltrate and spy (botnets), and use the fine art of trickery (social engineering) to achieve their end goals.

Final Thoughts

In 2014, 1 in 4 Americans were affected by the mega breaches at some of our largest corporations. The after effects of these attacks cost about $445 billion dollars in national losses.

Corporations have the responsibility to protect their employee and client data, regardless of your industry vertical. While no security measure is 100% effective, you can still make great strides to defend yourself against attacks. Modern cybersecurity is trending towards a new way of thinking about security: detection and response.

Cyber-ninja proof your data by working with a trusted IT solutions provider that knows how to detect and fight the breed of criminal. Learn more about enterprise security and compliance solutions with Centre Technologies.