Computer security risks can be external or internal. External threats include hackers and malware, while internal risks come from employees or negligence. Protecting against both requires careful procedures and education on safe computing practices.
There are many different types of computer security risks that a business or individual computer user should be aware of, although most of them can be classified as external or internal threats. External threats are those that come from outside a system, such as a hacker attacking a business with which they have no other contact or the spread of a virus or other malware through a computer system. Internal security risks are those that originate from within a company or system, such as an employee stealing information from a company or carelessness leading to data theft.
Some of the most damaging and dangerous types of cybersecurity risks are those that originate from outside a system. A large company, for example, might maintain a number of servers for storing data and hosting company websites and other materials. Hackers outside the company can attack those systems through a variety of methods, usually intended to disrupt business or obtain information. These attacks can cause a large amount of losses through lost productivity, disruption of customer interactions, and data theft.
There are also a variety of untargeted security risks that can come from external sources. While a hacker might need to target and attack a particular company or server, viruses and other malicious software can enter a system without the knowledge of company employees. These risks are always present and should be defended by a business or personal computer user to ensure that assets are not lost or compromised by future attacks.
Internal computer security risks can be just as dangerous to a business and can be even more difficult to detect or protect against. For example, disgruntled former or current employees may disclose information related to the company’s security or computer system online. This can provide external attackers, such as hackers, with inside information to more easily penetrate a system and cause damage. Protecting against this type of behavior often requires careful procedures for hiring security personnel and system updates after an employee is terminated.
Other internal computer security risks can arise due to negligence, which can lead to serious consequences. A corporate official, for example, might leave their laptop that contains private information on a public plane when it disembarks. If someone else finds this laptop, they may be able to use the information on it to steal identities or otherwise cause harm to a business or individuals. These types of cybersecurity risks are unpredictable and can only be avoided by educating company employees and officials about safe computing practices.
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