READ TIME: 6 MIN // THREAT DATABASE
Ransomware is the biggest threat to hospitals and research centres. Malicious hackers are specifically targeting hospitals because of the value of the data they hold. Due to the urgency of the medical data required, hospitals are more likely to pay the ransom.
Types of Trojans
- Backdoor Trojans: Remote Access Trojans (RATs) allow an attacker to monitor and control a computer. They can enable webcams and steal passwords.
- Banking Trojans: Specifically used to obtain financial details by logging keystrokes or redirecting users to fake banking pages.
- Downloader Trojans: Simple programs that connect to a server to download other malicious programs.
- Keylogger: Captures keystrokes without the user knowing to steal passwords.
- Ransomware: Encrypts files or the hard drive and demands payment for the decryption key.
Insider Attacks
Insider threat is the biggest cause of data loss, malicious or otherwise. A study by the Ponemon institute found that over 2,000 incidents were due to insider negligence by staff or contractors.
Social Engineering
The method of gaining access to sensitive information by manipulating users:
- Phishing: Acting as a trusted entity via email to trick users into giving up details.
- Spear Phishing: A targeted attack where a specific individual is chosen, using personalized details to trick them.