In this post, learn how cybersecurity affects society and the results of not being ready.
Find out also what is being done to combat cybersecurity threats. As well as how you can be part of the solution.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is an umbrella term. It refers to the prevention of unauthorized access, interference, or damage to an information system.
Cybersecurity is often split into two categories:
1. Technical: This includes encryption, firewalls, malware protection, and so on.
2. Organizational: This includes policies and procedures regarding the management of security.
Cybersecurity Threats and Attacks
These are just a few examples of the types of cybersecurity threats that we deal with.
Malware
It is a short term for malicious software which is a computer program. It performs an unwanted function. Such as destroying data, stealing data, or enabling unauthorized access.
Trojan Horses
They are named after the wooden horse that was used to sneak soldiers into the ancient city of Troy. Trojans are programs with a legitimate appearance that install malware when they are run.
Viruses
A virus is a type of malware program designed to spread from one computer to another.
Spyware
Spyware is a general term for software that collects data about a person without their permission.
Denial-of-service Attack (DoS attack)
A denial-of-service attack. It is an attempt to make a computer resource unavailable to its intended users. This can be done by flooding the target with superfluous requests. Why? In an attempt to overload systems. Then prevent some or all legitimate requests from being fulfilled.
These floods of traffic may originate from a single source or many different sources. Such as computers controlled by hackers, or other malware.
What Does Cybersecurity Protect and Why is it Important?
There are many different types of information that need safeguarding. These include:
- Personal information, such as medical records and credit card numbers.
- Financial data, such as bank account information and stock trading data.
- Intellectual property, such as designs and software source code.
- Government secrets, such as diplomatic information or military strategies.
- Cybersecurity also helps to protect networks and other information systems against unauthorized access. Such as:
- Spying on the activities of other countries the
- Stealing money and intellectual property the
- Installing malware that can manipulate systems for sabotage, espionage, or fraud.
Why Should We Care?
Individuals, businesses, and the government are all at risk from cyber threats. Let’s consider how these can affect our lives.
Individuals
Identity theft, fraud, and loss of sensitive personal details can ruin our finances. As well as our credit score. Also, they can use it as a stepping stone for more nefarious activities.
Businesses
Businesses can be put out of business from a cyberattack. Or lose money from fraud.
Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the US. And it is estimated to cost companies around the world more than $500 billion a year.
Government
Governments are prime targets for cyberattacks because they have access to classified information. Such as military strategies and nuclear secrets.
A cyberattack could put a government out of commission, or even change the outcome of a war.
How Can We Combat Cybersecurity Threats?
These are some of the ways that we can protect ourselves from cyber threats:
• Encryption
This is a process that allows a message to be securely sent between parties. It is also a way to keep private information away from prying eyes.
• Firewalls
These are programs that monitor and control Internet traffic. They also keep hackers from getting into your network.
• Patching
This is the process of updating computer software with the latest security updates.
• Privacy and encryption laws
Our privacy laws help protect us from privacy violations. Such as the US law that protects our emails and phone records.
Moreover, encryption laws are vital to protect our personal information. Such as the US law that prevents foreign firms from handing over encryption keys to the government.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is an important issue that affects us all. But, we can all do our part to prevent cyberattacks.
We should also know how to deal with cyberattacks if they happen anyway.
