A potential danger to an organization's information systems that originates from outside its network.
Description
In the realm of cybersecurity, an external threat refers to any malicious activity that seeks to compromise an organization’s digital assets, originating from outside its internal network. These threats can come from various sources including cybercriminals, hacktivists, or even nation-state actors. They commonly exploit vulnerabilities in software, hardware, or human behavior to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or systems. External threats can manifest in multiple forms such as malware, phishing attacks, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and data breaches. For example, the infamous 2017 Equifax data breach, which compromised the personal information of approximately 147 million people, was due to an external threat exploiting a vulnerability in the company’s web application. Organizations must remain vigilant by implementing robust cybersecurity measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and employee training programs to mitigate these risks. Understanding and identifying external threats is crucial for maintaining data integrity and protecting against financial loss and reputational damage.
Examples
- The 2017 Equifax data breach, which exposed sensitive consumer data due to an external cyber attack.
- The 2020 SolarWinds cyberattack, where hackers infiltrated numerous government and corporate systems through compromised software updates.
Additional Information
- External threats can often be mitigated by regular software updates and security patches.
- Organizations should conduct frequent security assessments to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.