A Comprehensive Review of Evolving Cybersecurity Threats and Countermeasure Strategies

Abstract

This review synthesizes the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats and countermeasures across multiple sectors. It traces historic cyber threats (such as early malware and DDoS) and examines contemporary challenges like ransomware, phishing, insider attacks, and advanced persistent threats (APTs). Drawing on recent industry and academic reports (e.g. ENISA, IBM, NIST), we highlight how adversaries exploit credential theft, cloud vulnerabilities, and supply-chain weaknesses. Key statistics illustrate that credential abuse and phishing are now dominant attack vectors[1][2]. Against this backdrop, modern defenses are analyzed: technical controls (multi-factor authentication, endpoint detection and response, AI-based anomaly detection, encryption, and secure software updates) and strategic approaches (zero trust architectures, incident response planning, threat intelligence sharing, and regulatory compliance). Examples from the finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure sectors show how tailored strategies mitigate risks in high-value environments[3][2]. The review concludes that an adaptive, multi-layered defense—combining human and machine capabilities—is essential to counter increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.