Compare cybersecurity risks in the U.S. and another country.

Cybersecurity risks and attacks are a universal issue and concept that occurs in multiple countries. A lot of different factors and situations come into play when talking about different countries’ cybersecurity. America and China both play a dominant role in our global politics and economics, as well as our technology welfare. Both countries face similar cyber risks and attacks, a study has shown in 2021 that both China and America have the highest number of cyber attacks. China ranked at #1 with 18.83% and America ranked at #2 with 17.05%. This study focused on specific types of attacks such as Phishing campaigns, Malware campaigns, Ransomware Command and Control (C&C) servers, SSH and FTP attacks, Web-application attacks, and Unique Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) from the dark web. With that said we can compare how America and China are faced with similar situations regarding cybersecurity risks and cyber-related problems.

As mentioned, one similar risk and issue both countries share is Malware. Malware is short for the term “malicious software”. It’s software developed by cybercriminals and this software was created to harm, in other words, aid in stealing data information and damaging/destroying computers. The main intentions of malware are “Intelligence and intrusion, Disruption and extortion, destruction or vandalism, Steal computer resources, and Monetary gain”(Cisco,2023). There are different types of Malware,  such as a “Virus”, is usually attached to a website or document, and once you click on it, it will install software where that will disrupt the computer. Another type is called the “Worms”, and it’s software that can spread and multiply across a network on its own, meaning without human intervention. Its result of worms is similar to viruses, the goal is to damage computers/devices. Another type is called “Spyware” and it’s different from viruses and worms. Instead of vandalizing computer systems, this software is used to gather users’ information without having authorized access. Spyware mainly targets personal, business, and financial information. But these are some examples of malware, there are plenty of different types, but all yield similar results, wanting to create inconveniences and harm others. 

Overall we can view and learn how different countries can experience the same complications that are present in the U.S when discussing cybersecurity. 

DavidPur, N. (2022, January 4). Which countries are most dangerous? cyber attack origin – by country. CyberProof. https://blog.cyberproof.com/blog/which-countries-are-most-dangerous

Cisco. (2023, November 16). What is malware? – definition and examples. https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/topics/security/what-is-malware.html#:~:text=Malware%2C%20short%20for%20malicious%20software,spyware%2C%20adware%2C%20and%20ransomware