Video lesson: Types of Digital Risks and Threats to Personal Data

Watch the video lesson on the types of digital risks and threats to personal data, which is a particularly important topic in the context of the educational process, as sensitive personal data about students are handled on a daily basis. Inadequate protection of such data can lead to serious breaches of privacy, loss of trust, and legal consequences for educational institutions. Additionally, it is important for teachers to recognise threats such as phishing, malware, or fake identities in order to protect both themselves and others in the digital educational environment.

Transcript

Digital risks and threats to personal data are a major security challenge. They include identity theft, phishing attacks, malware, unauthorized access, data leaks, and more. These threats can lead to financial losses, privacy violations, and the misuse of personal information for various purposes, including fraud and extortion.

The widespread use of information and communication technology is the result of rapid digitalisation, widespread internet availability, mobile devices, and the increasing demand for efficient information exchange. Organisations and individuals are seeking faster, more secure, and flexible ways of working, learning, and communicating. Digital transformation has become essential in enhancing competitiveness, optimising processes, and meeting user expectations. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated digital changes, highlighting the importance of access to digital services. The use of information and communication technology is no longer an option, but a critical necessity for sustainable development, education, and social inclusion.

The use of digital assistants and information and communication technology brings numerous risks, including surveillance and unauthorised data collection, threatening user privacy. There is a danger of eavesdropping, information manipulation, and security vulnerabilities that can facilitate cyberattacks. Automation through information and communication technology may lead to technological dependency and reduced control of personal data. Additionally, users of digital systems can become targets of phishing, malware, and other forms of digital crime, which requires constant vigilance and protection.

Cyberattacks threaten critical data and the assets of companies. Personal data of employees and clients, such as tax identification numbers, contacts, and financial information, can be stolen and misused. Confidential business information, including strategies and contracts, is often targeted in industrial espionage. Financial data, databases, and system access are compromised due to weak security measures. Intellectual property, such as patents and software, can be lost or stolen. A company's reputation can be severely damaged, and attacks can halt operations, cause disruptions, and result in significant financial losses. Systematic protection of all these areas is crucial for stability.

Attackers operate by using social engineering, malware, phishing campaigns, and vulnerabilities in systems. They often target individuals or organisations with weak digital protection, such as those with simple passwords or organisations lacking updated security systems and active defence measures. They first gather information about their targets through publicly available sources (OSINT – Open Source Intelligence), then send fraudulent messages or access unsecured networks. Once they compromise access, they steal sensitive data, spread malicious code, or demand a ransom. Their attacks can lead to financial losses, identity theft, damaged reputations, and system downtime.

According to the ENISA Threat Landscape 2024 report, the most common cyber threats include DDoS attacks (Distributed Denial of Service), ransomware, data theft, malware, phishing, information manipulation, and supply chain attacks. Statistics show that financial institutions are the most frequent targets, with 488 reported incidents, 46 % of which targeted banks. The consequences of these attacks include operational disruptions (58 %), exposure of sensitive data (17 %), and financial losses (13 %). Attacks are often linked to geopolitical events, such as support for Ukraine, which increases global security threats.

To effectively protect individuals and systems from cyber threats, it is crucial to use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication. Regular software updates ensure that known vulnerabilities are patched, while security software such as antivirus programs helps prevent malicious attacks. Educating users to recognise threats, especially phishing and social engineering, significantly reduces the risk of human error. Secure network connections, including the use of VPNs (virtual private networks), further protect data in transit. Regular data backups ensure recovery in the event of data loss. Finally, clearly defined security policies within organisations help ensure consistent implementation of protective measures and reduce risks.