Although the United States and the United Kingdom are some of the most secure countries when it comes to fighting against cyber attacks, they have different threats that affect them. Phishing and ransomware are two of the most frequent threats to both countries. An article listing the current cyber threats in the United States mentions, “In 2020, almost a third of the breaches incorporated social engineering techniques, of which 90% were phishing.” (Gurinaviciute, 2021). One way of preventing a phishing attack would be to closely examine a link before going to click on it. In the United States, many attacks have occurred due to users not paying close enough attention to web links to realize they are a scam or phishing attack. When an unfamiliar and suspicious email, text message, or phone call requests any confidential information, be careful if you choose to respond as it may be a phishing attempt. For example, there could be a phone call where an attacker will disguise themselves as bill a collector and request confidential and private information. Sometimes there will be scammers who already know your name, making it easier for them to steal confidential information. Another method to help stop phishing attacks is to have anti-phishing software which scans and protects against potential malware links and downloads. However, in the United Kingdom, ransomware raises concerns to the public about cyber threats. An article about the country’s cyber threats mentions, “In a speech being given today by Lindy Cameron, chief executive of the NCSC, to the RUSI think tank, she highlights the need for ransomware problem to be taken seriously, and warns of the “cumulative effect” if society fails to properly deal with the rising threat.” (Cluley, 2021). One of the easiest ways to prevent ransomware attacks would be to confirm that all anti-malware is carefully designed and kept updated. Firewalls could also be useful to protect confidential data from being stolen during a ransomware attack. Another method is to use backups, storing the important information in a separate secure location in case of a ransomware cyberattack. 

Cluley, G. (2021, June 14). Ransomware is the biggest threat, says GCHQ cybersecurity chief. The State of Security. Retrieved September 25, 2021, from https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/security-data-protection/ransomware-biggest-threat-says-gchq-cybersecurity-chief/.

Gurinaviciute, J. (2021, February 3). 5 biggest cybersecurity threats. Security Magazine. Retrieved September 25, 2021, from https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/94506-5-biggest-cybersecurity-threats.