How Technology Can Help Combat Cyber Attacks Today
Technological innovations have tons of benefits. But, it has also opened up other avenues for cybercriminals. Solutions like cloud-based storage and IoT devices open up areas of vulnerability.
The criminals are taking advantage of the emerging technologies. They use them to increase the effectiveness of their attacks. Take the example of AI bots to access information from accounts and websites. These innovations can impersonate humans to unlock security systems.
And that’s not all. Cybercriminals are using emerging technologies to create detection-resistant malware. And they can use the same to identify areas of vulnerability. Yet, the reality is that those same technologies can combat cyberattacks. We will explore some notable ones in our article.
Proxy Servers
Proxy servers are online computers that sit between your computer and remote servers. Any traffic in or out must pass through the proxy. Several security measures happen at this point.
- The proxy sieves the data to remove any harmful code or malware;
- Proxy server setup firewalls. These determine the authenticity of incoming traffic. It also denies access to unauthorized users, keeping you safe from cybercriminals;
- Data encryption keeps information saved from third parties. Only the person with the decryption key can see what you have sent;
- Datacenter proxies assign a different IP address to yours. The remote server gets to see that IP, thus keeping yours hidden. The action ensures privacy and anonymity while online. No one, including hackers, can trace your exact location. Neither can they track your online activities;
- Proxies are also fantastic for anyone who wants to track internet usage. It is ideal for employers, parents, or institutions to keep people out of specific sites;
- Insider threats are a significant source of cyberattacks. An employee can visit or link to unsafe sites, thus allowing malware into the systems.
Blockchain Technology 
Blockchain technology has been a game-changer in the financial world. Instead of cash, transactions use digital currencies. There is higher accountability with the use of online ledgers.
The technology also ensures that no one can change, alter or delete data once it is in the system. The use of cryptography and sequential hashing further improves the security aspect. And, whoever adds data must verify the authenticity of such. Using the technology to secure data provides high-level cyber security.
Cloud Technology
Cloud technology provides tons of functionalities. It eliminates the need for on-site or physical storage facilities. There is no limitation on space. All you need to do is sign up for an ideal package for your needs.
Cloud technology helps with remote working and easy sharing and collaboration of documents. All the admin needs to do is assign user privileges, depending on job roles.
And, the biggest draw to cloud technology is the security features. They use virtualized firewalls, intrusion detection, prevention systems, and other features. Passwords and multi-factor authentication keep the platform quite safe.
Technologies like biometrics enhance safety features. The same applies to authentication hardware. The security system uses hardware devices to give users access. It could be in USB security keys, finger swipes, or optical recognition. Some use embedded hardware devices that they build into the system.
Take the example of Intel Authenticate. It combines many security features like phone, PIN, fingerprint, and location. And it goes further. You may, for instance, need to use a touchscreen or mouse instead of a keyboard to enter a PIN. In that way, even if the hacker installs a keylogger, it will be of no use. The use of these solutions removes total reliance on security codes or passwords. By adding extra authentication steps, users get more security.
Service providers invest a lot in ensuring proper security. Take the example of Microsoft. It plans to increase investment in cybersecurity by $20 billion. This should happen within the next five years. You can’t put a price tag on security.
Apple has plans to improve security across the supply chain. Google is putting aside over 10 billion dollars to strengthen its cybersecurity. They are also planning to train over 100,000 Americans in IT.
Artificial Intelligence 
Artificial intelligence technologies like machine learning (ML) help fight against cyber-attacks. Threat detection is easier with the programs. Security experts have to deal with malware that can evade detection. Reliance on traditional tools is proving to be ineffective. They can’t keep up with the increasing sophistication of the attacks.
Advanced threat detection Solutions offer greater functionalities in dealing with such malware. The software looks for anomalies within the system. The systems are intelligent. They can learn a behavior and recognize patterns. They will flag any deviations and respond to them. Users can also map and stop any unknown threats.
Artificial intelligence can handle tons of data. It can scan thousands of files within a very short time. Machine learning algorithms detect and block suspicious files Once AI and ML detect a threat, they can segregate or isolate the assets. They can also redirect the attacks from critical data or areas of vulnerability.
Combat Cyber Attacks: Behavioral Analysis Technologies
Companies may collect data for behavioral analysis. It is a powerful marketing tool that allows for better targeting. Using such ensures the messages reach the right people. And, behavioral analysis technologies are making inroads in cyber security.
They provide excellent insights into patterns and activities within systems. It allows for real-time action against cyber threats. The software can, for example, detect abnormal data transmission patterns from specific devices. It could flag such activities as possible cyber security issues.
Security experts will also compare activities on the network to identify negative patterns. Any deviations trigger alarms. It provides an opportunity to take corrective or preventive action.
Combat Cyber Attacks: Final Thoughts
Technological solutions are fantastic for fighting cyber-attacks. We have looked at some above. These include proxy servers, artificial intelligence, cloud technology, behavioral analysis, and blockchain technology. But, there are many other cybersecurity technologies in the market. It is interesting to see such solutions providing tools to fight Cybercriminals.
