What is Cyber Security?

Cybersecurity is basically the practice of protecting all computer systems, applications, and programs that are connected to the internet, from cyber attacks or digital attacks. The function of cybersecurity is to safeguard individuals, organizations, and business from unauthorized access; so their data, network, systems, and technologies are not exploited, misused, or vitiated in any way. Some of the types of cybersecurity threats are ransomware, malware, social engineering, phishing, backdoors, clickjacking, botnet, spoofing, direct-access attacks, and denial of service attacks.

Why is it important to have Cyber Security?

It is important to have an effective cybersecurity program and strategy to ensure that you are safe from cyber attacks. Cyber attacks can vary greatly in terms of the degree of seriousness and the motive behind it.

On a person:

The main reasons for cyber attacks on individuals whether through email, social media, clickable or any other ways are:

• Phishing passwords, email addresses, social media accounts and personal data for fraudulent purposes, identity theft, spamming, blackmail and other such activities.
• Phishing financial information such as credit cards, bank account numbers, and other sensitive data to steal money.

On a business or organization:

Businesses and organizations are at risk of falling victim to more serious cyber attacks, which is why they require a better and more advanced cybersecurity system with lesser vulnerabilities.

• Phishing email addresses, confidential data or financial information of a business’s clients or members.
• Phishing a business’s confidential data, developments, and other sensitive information for the purpose of theft or sale.
• Cyberspying on a company’s developments, operations, plans, and data by a rival company.
• Disrupting business operations, processes, and machinery that are automated or computerized.

While these were the common motives behind cyber attacks, there can be more serious motives too, such as crippling the infrastructure of a country by conducting a fire sale.

How to fortify against cyber-attacks?

There are a number of ways to protect yourself against cyber attacks; however, the ones listed below are the easiest and most commonly used ones.

1. Passwords

• Use a strong password with lower case letters, upper case letters, special characters, and numbers so it is harder to hack into in comparison to an account, file, or program that has a weak password. Also, change your password after every few months to keep your accounts safe from hacking.

2. Antivirus

• Use an effective antivirus that scans all your data and drives, identifies any threats and removes them before they can cause any issues or breaches. Look up what the best antiviruses are, amongst those available by checking their rankings and user ratings. While free versions can work too, it is best to invest in a paid one for a company server.

3. Firewall

• Secure your computer by installing a strong firewall that controls the incoming and outgoing web traffic from your server to minimize the risk of being hacked.

4. Backup

• Regularly back up all your important data and files on an external hard drive or on a cloud system so you do not lose any vital information after a breach, malware, or ransomware attack.

5. Encryption

• It is imperative for businesses and organizations to encrypt all their sensitive data and vital information so cannot be accessed by anyone who is not trained in the organization’s cybersecurity system. Thus, even if a hacker manages to get a hold of the information, it will be relatively useless for him or her.

There are constant advancements being made in the field of cyber security, so there is so much more that you can learn about. However, the information discussed here is enough to get you started on the basics of cyber security and help you understand why it has become a necessity for people and organizations today.