Cyber security risks associated with computer software

By: Rishitha Chokkappagari

Department of Computer Science &Engineering, student of Computer Science & Engineering, Madanapalle Institute of Technology & Science, Angallu (517325), Andhra Pradesh. chokkappagaririshitha@gmail.com

Abstract

With software being integrated in different sectors more and more, the level and number of cybercrimes have also risen. This article discusses the various cyber threats that aim at the software systems, which include among others malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and zero-day vulnerability. Malwares are those programs, including virus, worms, and Trojan horses that enter a system surreptitiously and allow unauthorized individuals or programs to enter, corrupt data, and cause system downtime. Ransomware is a sub-type of malware that locked the users’ data and demands payment for the decryption of the data, it is quite a severe threat due to financial and operational impacts. Phishing mainly involves manipulation of the end-users by presenting stories, which create disabilities in the users such that they release personal information that can be used to compromise a system. One of the main threats with the use of viruses and other malicious programs is associated with zero-day vulnerabilities, which are actively used by attackers that have not yet been discovered by developers. The paper also provides information regarding how insecure coding can lead to creating risks in the application like poor input validations, and poor or not proper way of handling errors. Similarly, the risks are compounded by the old software and ineffective patch management since systems with known vulnerabilities linger unresolved.

In particular, the paper pays much attention to understanding and promoting the user awareness and education concerning the cyber threats. Arming the users with knowledge of typical cyber threat types and precautions concerning their information technology usage can decrease cybersecurity threats’ likelihood substantially. With a clear picture in terms of these threats, stakeholders can easily develop specific measures to reduce the impact of dangers from the malevolent individuals in the cyber concern. This is equally important in protection of restricted data, preserving the functionality of the systems, and overall security of software programs.

Keywords: cyber security, software, threats of cyberattacks

Introduction

Computer software acts in the daily global processes that surround people’s lives and interactions, elements of infrastructural interest are also involved. Therefore, while using software, the need for its protection enhances the threat level inevitably even at the basic level. As seen, the threats that different types of computer software are exposed to in the modern world are many and ever-changing which makes the battle against cyber risks very complex for persons, companies and states. Cyber security threats can be defined on the probability of the system to be accessed by unauthorized persons, degrading or even deleting the software and data contained in it. These are risk arising from holes in the system and one can use it to perpetrate an attack on the application. They may be caused by coding errors, the use of poor protection measures or as bugs or vulnerabilities that are not yet known to programmers or hackers, and hence have no patch. The fig1 shows the common threats in software

1. Malware: Malware that includes Viruses, Worms, Ransomware, Spyware: These are computer programs designed to enter and perform malicious activities on the system and or procure confidential information[1].
2. Phishing: Phishing which is considered as a kind of social engineering in which the attacker lures the victim into yielding his or her identity details for instance via a forged email or through a fake website[2].
3. SQL Injection: Techniques that are targeted at a specific database layer of an application to capture queries that an application sends to a database of an organization.
4. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): This is the kind of attack where scripts that are popular web sites are inserted and are executed in the context of another user browser.
5. Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS): The ones that are cumbersome in that they specifically aim at systems servers and networks with traffic with the intention of cooling them hence making them non-functional to the users[3].

These threats may be very destructive to the business where the organization may be racks up a significant financial loss or may be expelled from the market and to society where security of the nation negatively influenced or essential services hampered. The present-day systems are integrated, and this implies that an insecurity in any of the systems or one or several software types can be crucial in influencing millions of consumers or firms[2].

Cyber Security Risk affecting business and their environments

The impact of cyber security risks that are related to computer software implies several effects. When it comes to the enterprises, cyber-attacks allow such unauthorized persons get a good amount of money with the help of data steal, organizational interruption or fines. The impact on the reputation that follows a breach includes a loss of consumer confidence and thus business. Cyber security incidents for people result in the theft of their identities, financial scams or the loss of their information.

On a larger scale, cyber security risks are capable of even causing hazards to national security. Software is now used in operating critical infrastructures that are essential today like the electric power system, water supply systems and transport systems. An attack on these systems can be devastating destroying crucial services and putting lives in danger.

Mitigating Cyber Security Risks

Cyber security risks regarding computer software call for the application of various strategies. The fig.2 shows the cyber security threat landscape. Here are some key strategies for mitigating these risks: Here are some key strategies for mitigating these risks:

Secure Coding Practices:

There are guidelines for secure coding that managers and developers should observe so that there is less risk involved in the applications that are developed. This comprises of data validation, circulation of errors, and the employment of secure libraries and frameworks. Code reviews and testing that are performed on a consistent basis should also enable reviewers or testers discover certain vulnerabilities that may be found in the code at a very early stage of development.

Regular Security Assessments:

Organization needs to ensure practicing of security scans, penetration tests, and code review annually to be sure in their protection. These assessments facilitate the guarantee that software is protected from threats at any given point in time.

Advanced Threat Detection and Response:

Real time threat detection and response mechanisms can be put in place to assist organisations regarding specific threats. The stipulated systems employ the use of some features of machine learning as well as behavioural analytics to identify patterns that could depict a cyber threat[4].

Security Awareness Training:

Another challenge of cyber security is that human beings are key players in many cyber security breaches. Daily exercises can enable the employees to identify genuine security risks and therefore, act accordingly by not falling prey to scams like phishing. If security is not embedded within an organisation, then it will not take much for an attacker to penetrate the security system[5].

Patching and Updates:

Maintaining the latest version of the software is very important as it provides protection from known threats[6]. It is recommended that organizations should put in place procedure whereby patches and updates are processed to be installed on an ongoing basis on the software, Operating systems and other vital components of an organization’s ICT environment[7].

Incident Response Planning:

However, the worst still can happen despite all the prevention measures that are put in place. Thus, the revealing of Web map is quite timely and having a well-developed incident response plan is crucial for any organisation and enables it to effectively contain and mitigate any cyber security incident[8]. This plan should contain the roles and responsibilities of the user and those involved in the IT department, good communication practices and the formalities of the systems and data recovery.

Conclusion

Threats of cyber security with relation to computer software is an increasingly complex vice that affects business today. As the applications of software in various aspects of human life increase, so will the effects of such risks. In conclusion, appreciating the common threats and adopting solid security measures is a way if going a long way in reducing an individual’s/ organization’s risk of falling prey to cybertown perils. However, cyber security is not a onetime process but has to be practiced on a continuous basis with constant up gradation to counter the new forms of threats. Therefore, as may be expected in a world that increasingly relies on the use of computer software, more effort must be put in informing people and enlightening on the need to protect this vital species.

References

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7. Rahaman M (2024) Foundations of Phishing Detection Using Deep Learning: A Review of Current TechniquesAvailable: https://insights2techinfo.com/foundations-of-phishing-detection-using-deep-learning-a-review-of-current-techniques/
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9. Chui, K. T., Gupta, B. B., Lee, L. K., & Torres-Ruiz, M. (2021, September). Analysis of N-Way K-Shot Malware Detection Using Few-Shot Learning. In International Conference on Cyber Security, Privacy and Networking (pp. 33-44). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
10. Chai, Y., Qiu, J., Yin, L., Zhang, L., Gupta, B. B., & Tian, Z. (2022). From data and model levels: Improve the performance of few-shot malware classification. IEEE Transactions on Network and service Management, 19(4), 4248-4261.

Cite As

Chokkappagari R (2024) Cyber security risks associated with computer software, Insights2Techinfo, pp.1

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