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    Individual Research Project-Shah Zaman

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    Individual Research Project-Shah Zaman

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    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    7 views5 pages

    Individual Research Project-Shah Zaman

    Uploaded by

    f24604020

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    National University of Technology

    Name: M.Shah Zaman

    ID: F24604020
    Subject: OHS

    Submitted To: Dr. Ehsan Ullah

    Date: 10/31/2024
    Hacking and Cybersecurity: Safeguarding
    Personal Information
    1. Introduction:

    In our increasingly digital world, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. As


    technology evolves, so do the tactics used by hackers to exploit vulnerabilities in systems
    and networks. This phenomenon has profound implications for personal information safety,
    making the understanding of hacking and cybersecurity critical for individuals and
    organizations alike. The importance of cybersecurity is underscored by the fact that
    personal data—such as financial information, medical records, and identification details—
    can be easily compromised, leading to identity theft, financial loss, and breaches of privacy.
    This paper aims to explore the significance of cybersecurity in safeguarding personal
    information and highlights the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures in
    our daily lives.

    2. Review of the Issue:

     Key Facts and Statistics


    Recent studies reveal alarming statistics about the state of cybersecurity. According to the
    Identity Theft Resource Center, data breaches in the United States reached a record high in
    2021, with over 1,800 incidents reported, exposing more than 300 million sensitive records.
    Additionally, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) noted a
    significant increase in ransomware attacks, with a reported rise of 150% from 2020 to 2021.
    These figures illustrate the pervasive threat that hacking poses to personal information.
     There were 2,365 cyberattacks in 2023, with 343,338,964 victims.
     2023 saw a 72% increase in data breaches since 2021, which held the previous all-
    time record.
     Around the world, a data breach cost $4.88 million on average in 2024.
     Email is the most common vector for malware, with around 35% of malware
    delivered via email in 2023.
     Ninety-four percent of organizations have reported email security incidents.
     Business email compromises accounted for over $2.9 billion in losses in 2023.
     Information security jobs are projected to grow by 32% between 2022 and 2032.

    As the globe becomes more interconnected and reliant on digital technologies, cybercrime
    is surging. The year 2023 saw a notable increase in cyberattacks, resulting in more than
    343 million victims. Between 2021 and 2023, data breaches rose by 72%, surpassing the
    previous record. People around the world use email for personal and professional
    communication, making email a target for cybercriminals and the most common vector for
    malware. In 2023, 35% of malware was delivered via email, and more than 94% of
    organizations reported email security incidents.
     Analysis of Health and Safety Implications

    The implications of cybersecurity breaches extend beyond financial loss; they pose
    substantial health and safety risks. The unauthorized access to medical records can lead to
    identity theft, manipulation of medical data, and even denial of care. Furthermore, breaches
    involving personal health information can result in psychological distress for victims, who
    may feel violated and vulnerable. The interplay between cybersecurity and personal safety
    is increasingly evident, underscoring the need for robust protective measures.

    3. Current Regulations and Guidelines:

     Overview of Existing Laws and Guidelines

    Various regulations aim to protect personal information in the digital space. The General
    Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union establishes strict guidelines for
    data protection and privacy, mandating that organizations implement measures to safeguard
    personal data. In the United States, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
    (HIPAA) protects medical information, while the California Consumer Privacy Act
    (CCPA) grants consumers rights over their personal data.

     Discussion on Effectiveness and Areas for Improvement

    While these regulations provide essential frameworks for data protection, their
    effectiveness varies. Many organizations struggle with compliance due to the complexities
    of the laws and the rapid evolution of technology. Furthermore, gaps exist in enforcement
    mechanisms and public awareness, indicating a need for improved education on personal
    cybersecurity practices and a reevaluation of regulatory measures to keep pace with
    emerging threats.

    4. Recommendations:

     Practical Strategies for Addressing Identified Issues

    To address the challenges posed by hacking and enhance personal information security,
    several practical strategies can be implemented:

    1. Adopting Strong Password Practices: Individuals should use complex, unique passwords
    for different accounts and consider password managers to store them securely.
    2. Regular Software Updates: Keeping operating systems and applications up to date helps
    mitigate vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit.

    3. Utilizing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Implementing 2FA adds an additional layer


    of security by requiring a second form of verification when logging in.

    4. Educating Users on Phishing Attacks: Awareness programs can help individuals


    recognize and avoid phishing attempts that aim to steal personal information.

     Suggestions for Personal and Community Implementation

    Community initiatives can play a crucial role in enhancing cybersecurity awareness:

    1. Workshops and Seminars: Organizing community workshops focused on cybersecurity


    practices can empower individuals with knowledge and skills to protect their personal
    information.

    2. Collaborations with Local Businesses: Partnering with local businesses to promote


    cybersecurity best practices can foster a culture of security awareness within communities.

    3. Online Resources and Campaigns: Developing accessible online resources and


    campaigns to educate the public about the importance of cybersecurity can reach a broader
    audience.

     Educating Public About Common Kind of Cyber Security Attacks


    Phishing
    Phishing refers to the use of text messages, deceptive emails, websites and other forms of
    communication to deceive individuals into downloading malware or divulging sensitive
    information. Cyber attackers pose as reputable individuals or legitimate organizations to steal
    important data such as login credentials, financial information and other personal details.
    Four main types of phishing exist.
     Spear phishing: Spear phishing aims to obtain sensitive information or access
    computer systems by sending personalized messages via email, text or phone.
    Attackers using this method frequently leverage information from social media,
    public databases or previous breaches to enhance their credibility.
     Whaling: Whaling targets senior or high-profile employees, such as chief executives
    and financial officers. Attackers craft highly personalized, convincing messages to
    extract an organization’s sensitive information and data.
     Vishing: Vishing entails making phone calls or leaving voice messages while
    pretending to be a reputable source. The aim is to exploit personal information, access
    bank accounts and steal money.
     Email Phishing: Email phishing attempts to steal sensitive information by email.
    Attackers pose as legitimate organizations and can target mass audiences

    Malware
     Malware attacks rose by 71% between 2016 and 2021.
     Ransomware attacks rose by 74% between 2023 and 2022.
     At any given time, 4.1 million sites are infected with malware.
     On average, a ransomware attack costs a business $4.91 million.
     Seven percent of ransomware attacks resulted in financial loss in 2023, with a median
    ransom payment of $10,000.

    Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)


    A distributed denial of service occurs when attackers use multiple devices to flood a target
    system, network or website with a high volume of traffic. This tactic overwhelms the
    target’s capacity to handle legitimate requests, rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users.
     On average, Microsoft mitigates 1,700 DDoS attacks daily.
     Twenty percent of current DDoS-for-hire sites arose in 2023 alone.

    Conclusion:

    The rise of hacking and cyber threats necessitates a proactive approach to safeguarding
    personal information. Key statistics reveal the extensive impact of data breaches on
    individuals and society, highlighting the need for effective regulations and guidelines.
    While existing laws like GDPR and HIPAA provide foundational protections, further
    improvements are necessary to adapt to the evolving landscape of cyber threats. By
    implementing practical strategies and fostering community awareness, we can better protect
    our personal information and promote a culture of cybersecurity. In conclusion, prioritizing
    cybersecurity is not just a technical concern; it is a vital aspect of health and safety in our
    daily lives.

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