Hackers Launch Cyberattacks That Affect Several Parts Of The

Hackers Launch Cyberattacks That Affect Several Parts Of The Nations

Hackers launch cyberattacks that affect several parts of the nation’s financial infrastructure over the course of several weeks. Specifically, sensitive credit card processing facilities are hacked and numbers are released to the Internet, causing 120 million cards to be cancelled; automated teller machines (ATMs) fail nearly simultaneously across the nation; major companies report payroll checks are not being received by workers; and several large pension and mutual fund companies have computer malfunctions so severe that they are unable to operate for more than a week. Identify the countermeasures that need to be implemented to prevent these cyberattacks from occurring in the future. Start a discussion thread and discuss what type(s) of countermeasures need to be implemented to prevent the cyberattack described above from occurring in the future.

Be specific in recommending countermeasures for this scenario.

Requirements: You must also use a scholarly source Please make sure, -> 250 Words, API Format, No Plagiarism, You must also use a scholarly source. As a reminder, you must list every reference that you used to build your response then cite every reference within every sentence that you used it with a properly APA formatted citation (ABC, 2019). Citation is author last name and year.

Paper For Above instruction

Cyberattacks targeting financial infrastructure pose significant threats to national security and economic stability. To thwart such attacks, an integrated approach comprising technological, organizational, and personnel countermeasures is essential. Firstly, implementing robust intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) is critical. These systems monitor network traffic for malicious activities and can automatically block suspicious activities before they impact core systems. According to Gartner (2020), deploying advanced IDPS with machine learning capabilities enhances detection accuracy against emerging threats.

Secondly, organizations should enforce strict access controls combined with multi-factor authentication (MFA) to restrict unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems. This reduces the risk of insider threats or compromised credentials being exploited by hackers. As Symantec (2019) emphasizes, MFA adds an essential layer of security, particularly for critical financial systems.

Thirdly, regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing must be conducted to identify and remediate security gaps. These proactive measures enable organizations to patch vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them. Moreover, consistent software updates and patch management are vital for maintaining security integrity (NIST, 2021).

Additionally, developing comprehensive incident response and disaster recovery plans ensures swift action when breaches occur, minimizing damage. Training personnel on cybersecurity best practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts, forms an integral part of organizational security culture. As noted by Cisco (2020), investing in continuous cybersecurity education of employees significantly reduces the likelihood of successful attacks.

In conclusion, safeguarding financial infrastructure requires layered security strategies. Combining advanced technological defenses with vigilant personnel training and organizational policies creates a resilient defense posture against cyber threats.

References

• Gartner. (2020). Magic Quadrant for Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems. Gartner Research.
• Symantec. (2019). Multi-Factor Authentication and its Role in Cybersecurity. Symantec Reports.
• NIST. (2021). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. NIST.
• Cisco. (2020). Building a Cybersecurity Culture: Steps and Best Practices. Cisco White Paper.