Description: Online threat refers to any malicious activity that occurs over the Internet, targeting individuals or organizations. These threats can manifest in various forms, including malware, phishing, denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, and more. The nature of these threats is dynamic and constantly evolving, posing a significant challenge for cybersecurity. Online threats can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, potentially resulting in financial losses, reputational damage, and data breaches. Identifying and mitigating these threats is essential to protect both individual users and businesses. In this context, Security Operations Centers (SOC) play a crucial role, as they are responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents in real-time, using advanced tools and analytical techniques to safeguard digital assets.
History: The concept of online threat has evolved since the early days of the Internet in the 1970s. With the growth of the network and the digitization of information, the first computer viruses and hacker attacks began to emerge. In the 1980s, the term ‘virus’ became popular with the appearance of malicious programs that replicated themselves. As the Internet became more accessible in the 1990s, online threats diversified, including phishing and spyware. In the 21st century, cybersecurity became a global priority, leading to the creation of legal frameworks and organizations dedicated to combating these threats.
Uses: Online threats are primarily used by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to systems, steal sensitive information, or disrupt services. Organizations implement cybersecurity measures to protect against these threats, using tools such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems. Additionally, education and awareness about cybersecurity are crucial in preventing attacks, as many incidents occur due to human errors, such as clicking on malicious links.
Examples: Examples of online threats include the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017, which affected thousands of organizations worldwide, and the phishing attack that compromised the credentials of millions of Yahoo users in 2013. Another notable case is the DDoS attack against Dyn in 2016, which disrupted access to several popular Internet services, such as Twitter and Netflix.
