what was the most expensive cyber attack?
The most expensive cyber attack to date is the NotPetya
attack, which occurred in 2017. The attack was carried out by a group of
hackers known as Sandworm, who used a piece of malware called EternalBlue to
spread the attack to over 200,000 computers in over 150 countries. The attack
caused an estimated $12 billion in damages, making it the most expensive cyber
attack in history.
The NotPetya attack was a distributed denial-of-service
(DDoS) attack, which means that it flooded the targeted computers with so much
traffic that they were unable to function. The attack was particularly
devastating because it targeted businesses and organizations that used the
Ukrainian accounting software MeDoc. When the MeDoc update server was hacked,
the hackers were able to distribute the NotPetya malware to all of the
computers that had downloaded the update.
The NotPetya attack had a devastating impact on businesses
and organizations around the world. The attack caused widespread disruption and
financial losses, and it highlighted the need for businesses to improve their
cybersecurity defenses.
Here is a list of the top 5 most expensive cyber attacks
in history:
·
NotPetya (2017): $10 billion
·
Equifax (2017): $700 million
·
U.S. Office of Personnel Management (2015): $500
million
·
Veterans Affairs (2006): $500 million
·
Yahoo (2013-2014): $470 million
These attacks highlight the growing threat of cyber attacks
and the need for businesses and organizations to take steps to protect
themselves.
Who is most affected by cyber attacks?
Cyber attacks can affect anyone, but there are some
groups of people who are more likely to be targeted. These include:
·
Businesses and organizations: Businesses and
organizations are often targeted because they have valuable data that can be
stolen or destroyed. For example, the Equifax data breach in 2017 affected over
143 million people, and the NotPetya attack in 2017 caused an estimated $10
billion in damages.
·
Government agencies: Government agencies are
also often targeted because they have access to sensitive information. For
example, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management data breach in 2015 affected
over 21.5 million people.
·
Individuals: Individuals can also be targeted by
cyber attacks. For example, phishing attacks are often used to steal personal
information, such as credit card numbers and Social Security numbers.
·
Critical infrastructure: Critical
infrastructure, such as power grids and water treatment plants, can also be
targeted by cyber attacks. These attacks can have a devastating influence on
society, as they can disrupt essential services.
It is vital to remember that anyone can be affected by cyber
attacks. By taking steps to defend yourself, such as using strong passwords and
being careful about what information you share online, you can help to reduce
your risk of being targeted.
Here are some additional tips to help you stay safe from
cyber attacks:
·
Keep your software up to date.
·
Use strong passwords and don't reuse them across
multiple websites.
·
Be careful about what information you share
online.
·
Be aware of phishing attacks.
·
Use a firewall and antivirus software.
·
Back up your data regularly.
By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself
from cyber attacks.
Which country is most targeted by cyber attacks?
The United States is the most targeted country by cyber
attacks. According to a report by BlackBerry, in 2022, 65% of detected cyber
attacks worldwide targeted organizations in the United States. This is followed
by Japan (8%), Brazil (6%), Canada (5%), Australia (4%), Mexico (4%), Korea
(2%), Chile (2%), India (2%), and Peru (2%).
There are a few reasons why the United States is so heavily
targeted by cyber attacks. First, the United States has a large and
sophisticated digital infrastructure, which makes it a tempting target for
hackers. Second, the United States is a major economic and political power, so
attacks on US targets can have a significant impact. Finally, the United States
has a relatively open internet, which makes it easier for hackers to launch
attacks from within the country.
The increasing number of cyber attacks is a serious threat
to the United States and other countries around the world. These attacks can
have a shocking impact on businesses, governments, and individuals. It is
important for everyone to take steps to protect themselves from cyber attacks,
such as using strong passwords, being careful about what information they share
online, and using up-to-date security software.
Here are some additional tips to help you stay safe from
cyber attacks:
·
Keep your software up to date. Software updates
often comprise security patches that can help to protect your computer from
known vulnerabilities.
·
Use strong passwords and don't reuse them across
multiple websites. A solid password should be at least 12 characters long &
include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
·
Be careful about what information you share
online. Don't share your personal information, such as your Social Security
number or credit card number, unless you are sure that the website is secure.
·
Be aware of phishing attacks. Phishing attacks
are emails or text messages that seem to be from a legitimate source, such as
your bank or credit card company. These emails or text messages often contain a
link that, when clicked, will take you to a fake website that looks like the
real website. Once you enter your personal information on the fake website, the
hackers can steal it.
·
Use a firewall and antivirus software. A
firewall can help to keep your computer from unauthorized access, and antivirus
software can help to detect and remove malware.
·
Back up your data regularly. If your computer is
infected with malware, you could lose all of your data. By backing up your data
regularly, you can restore it if your computer is infected.
By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself
from cyber attacks.