The digital banking landscape is changing rapidly as customers move from traditional banking channels to digital ones. The convenience and speed of online banking have made it a popular choice for many people.

However, with increased access to customers’ sensitive financial information, digital banking is also becoming a target for malicious actors. It’s essential to be aware of the top eight cybersecurity threats and solutions that can help protect digital banking customers.

 
Phishing

Phishing attacks are one of the most common cyber attacks used to gain access to sensitive information. Cybercriminals send fake emails and text messages that appear to be from legitimate companies or organizations, prompting customers to enter their login credentials. They might also include links to malicious websites that collect personal information.

The best way to protect against phishing attacks is to be vigilant and verify the source of any suspicious messages. Banks should also provide customers with a list of official websites they can use to access their accounts. Also, customers should never provide login credentials or other personal information over the phone, email, or via an unsecured website. If in doubt, customers should always contact the bank directly to verify account information.

 
Malware Attacks

Cybercriminals use malicious software to gain access to sensitive information or systems. It can be installed by clicking on malicious links or downloading malicious attachments. Malware can also be used to collect data, disrupt systems, and allow hackers to take control of computers or networks. Once installed, malware can be difficult to detect and remove.

The best way to protect against malware attacks as a way of cyber security in banking is to keep all systems and software updated with the latest security patches. Banks should also provide customers with antivirus and anti-malware programs to help detect and remove malicious software. There are also online resources like Yalantis’s article on implementing digital banking security that can help financial institutions build robust cybersecurity strategies.

 
Ransomware

Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts data and demands payment in exchange for unlocking access. It’s a common cyber attack on banks today often spread through phishing emails or malicious attachments and can cause significant damage to a network if not dealt with quickly.

Banks should use encryption technologies, implement strong access control measures, and have a reliable backup system to help protect against ransomware attacks. If a ransomware attack occurs, it’s important to contact law enforcement and cybersecurity teams, who can help investigate and contain the damage.

 
Remote Access Attacks

Remote access attacks are a type of cyber attack that allows hackers to gain access to sensitive information or systems. These banking network security attacks usually exploit vulnerabilities in remote access protocols, such as Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). In some cases, these vulnerabilities can be exploited to gain full control of the system. This could allow hackers to exfiltrate data or ransomware. It can also be used to gain access to customer accounts.

Banks should use strong authentication measures, such as two-factor authentication, to protect against remote access attacks. They should also regularly review their remote access protocols and restrict access to only those who need it. Working with a managed security provider can also help detect and respond to suspicious activity.

 
Web Application Attacks

Web application attacks are a type of cyber attack that attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in web applications or websites. These attacks can gain access to sensitive information, redirect users to malicious sites, and infect systems with malware.

Banks should use secure coding practices when developing web applications and websites and regularly update them with the latest security patches. They should also use a web application firewall to help detect and prevent these attacks.

 
Insider Threats

Insider threats occur when malicious actors within an organization use their access to sensitive information or systems for personal gain. These attacks can be hard to detect as they often occur over a long period and are not always malicious.

Banks should implement strict access control measures to help limit the amount of sensitive information employees can access. They should also regularly monitor employee activity and look for suspicious behavior.

 
Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks

Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks attempt to overwhelm a system with a large amount of traffic to prevent legitimate users from accessing it. This type of attack can be used to disrupt services, cause outages, and gain access to sensitive information.

Banks should use various tools such as rate-limiting, IP address blacklists, and intrusion detection systems to help protect against DDoS attacks. They should also have a reliable backup system to ensure that critical data is not lost.

 
Social Engineering Attacks

Social engineering attacks are one of the most common challenges in banking sector involving tricking people into divulging sensitive information or taking actions that could put an organization at risk. These attacks can be used to gain access to networks, steal data, and spread malware.

Banks should train their staff to recognize and avoid social engineering attacks. They should also implement strict access control policies to limit the information an employee can access. Additionally, they should use two-factor authentication to help protect against unauthorized access.

By following these best practices and staying vigilant, banks can help protect their networks from cyber threats. If an attack does occur, they should take immediate action to contain the damage and contact law enforcement. With the right cybersecurity measures, banks can ensure that their networks remain safe and secure.

 Author: Eisele Candace has 7 years of experience as a freelance technical writer, specializing in content related to IT technologies, programming and UI/UX design. Holder of a Master’s degree in Journalism and Public Relations. She also completed design and programming courses in “UI / UX design”, iOS and Python in Mansfield, OH. She has been already learning Rust programming language for a year.