Question

• Discuss sectors typically targeted by cybercriminals.
• Relate the increasing prevalence of cyberattacks to current geopolitical tensions.

Answer 1

1. Defense:

This is the sector that is highly prone due to the extremely confidential information that it relates to. Cybercriminals know that they can not only cause turmoil but also, this can get them lump sums from the other agencies by exchanging information.

2. Banks/Financial services:

Banks have the money and the information about the users. So banks prove to be a piece of cheese for the cybercriminals With the coming of online banking, the banking sector has become even more prone.

3. Healthcare:

There is no denying the fact that the patient data, medication, communications, etc inside a healthcare organization is very crucial. This is because they matter for the patient's lives. Ransomware can stop the systems to work, destroying total networks.

4. Businesses:

Due to online shopping, a lot of confidential data, such as banking details, cards, addresses, etc are provided by the customers to these businesses. However small to mid-size businesses, due to lack of sufficient funds, could not take the necessary security measures, and become the targets of cybercrime.

According to Andrea Chiapetta, Internet is the new battleground and weapon , where and using which the future wars would be fought. This is because of the increasing importance of data in every aspect of life. Countries can now threat others by attacking thier systems. Many countries of the world are capable of providing offensive operations through cyber techniques and many others have purchased malwares. For an instance, the 2016 US elections was said to be interfered by Russia, and North Korea attacked the Sony Pictues and SWIFT.