What are cyber threats?

The term cyber threats is a broad concept that covers all types of malicious activities carried out via the internet or other digital networks with the aim of compromising information security, disrupting operations, or causing financial damage.

The internet is now fully integrated into our lives. This development has brought countless opportunities, but also an increase in cyber threats. For companies and organizations in Sweden, this represents a real and ever-present risk, requiring proactivity and awareness.

In this article, we explain what cyber threats are, how to protect yourself against them, and what to do if you are targeted.

Types of Cyber Threats

Understanding the different forms of cyber threats is the first step toward effective protection. The threat landscape is dynamic and constantly evolving, but some of the most common types include:

• Phishing: Attempts to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details via fake websites, emails, or text messages.
• Malware: A general term for software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system.
• Ransomware: A type of malicious software that encrypts an organization’s data and demands a ransom for its release.
• DDoS Attacks (Distributed Denial of Service): Overloading a website or service with massive amounts of traffic from multiple sources to make it unavailable.
• Intrusions and Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to systems and networks to steal, manipulate, or destroy sensitive information.

The Most Common Cyber Threats

The threat landscape is constantly shifting, influenced by both geopolitical events and rapid technological change. According to reports from the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), the most common cyber threats include:

• Ransomware
  
• Malware
  
• Social Engineering: Manipulative techniques such as phishing, smishing (phishing via SMS), and vishing (phishing via phone calls) that exploit human behaviour to gain access to sensitive information or carry out harmful actions.
  
• Availability Threats (Denial of Service – DDoS)
• Data Threats: Including data breaches, data leaks, and theft of sensitive information.
• Supply Chain Attacks: Exploiting vulnerabilities in suppliers and partners to reach the main target.
• Information Manipulation and Disinformation: Using false or misleading information to influence public opinion or damage organizations.

Cyber Threats in Sweden

Sweden is a leader in digitalization, but this success also increases the risk of exposure to cyber threats. Several factors contribute to this vulnerability:

• High digitalization and connectivity: Many services and processes are digital, increasing the number of potential targets.
  
• Relatively high digital maturity but potentially lower security awareness: Experienced users are not necessarily secure users.
  
• Open economy and international operations: Swedish companies are exposed to a broader threat due to their global presence.
  
• High trust in authorities and institutions: This trust can be exploited in social engineering attacks such as vishing.
  
• Historic focus on availability: In earlier phases of digitalization, security has not always been the primary priority.

How to Protect Against Cyber Threats

Effectively combating cyber threats requires a multi-layered strategy that combines technical solutions with user awareness. Key measures every organization should implement include:

• Training and awareness: Regular cybersecurity training reduces the risk of human error, such as clicking suspicious links or sharing sensitive information. Recognizing fake websites and phishing attempts is essential.
  Strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA): Using unique, complex passwords and enabling MFA wherever possible significantly strengthens protection against unauthorized access.
  
• Regular security updates: Keeping operating systems, software, and security solutions up to date closes known vulnerabilities.
  
• Firewalls and antivirus software: These remain fundamental tools for protecting networks and devices from malicious traffic and software.
  
• Data backups: Regularly backing up important data ensures recovery in the event of an incident such as a ransomware attack.

Build a Customized Cybersecurity Solution with Dotkeeper

Given the complexity of the cyber threat landscape, it’s crucial to have strong, multi-layered protection. Dotkeeper offers a range of services to strengthen your organization’s cybersecurity on multiple levels:

• Automated digital certificate management: Ensures your web communications are secure and protected against eavesdropping.
• Premium DNS services: Provide a stable, secure online presence while reducing the risk of availability-based attacks such as DDoS.
• Security services: Implementation of DNSSEC to prevent domain manipulation and DMARC to protect against email-based cyber threats such as phishing.

Want to learn more about creating a tailored solution for your business? Contact us for expert advice.