What Cyber Security Means And Why It Is Important To Integrate It

The definition of cyber security refers to technologies created to protect networks, devices, apps, and data from any cyber attacks, and it is essential to take this into account, especially in the business environment.

In particular, it refers to the protection of devices and the network from unauthorized access or modification.

All actions to counter cyber-attacks aim to protect computers, networks, and software. Almost all attacks aim to access, alter, or delete sensitive information; at worst, they extort money from victims.

Types Of Cyber Security

Safety information

It aims to protect user’s private information from unauthorized access and identity theft (authentication and encryption).

Network security

It serves to protect the usability, integrity, and security of a network and data shared on the network. When a network is protected, potential threats are blocked from entering or spreading over that network (example: antivirus, firewall, VPN).

Application security

Protects applications from attacks due to design, development, installation, upgrade, or maintenance defects.

Types Of Cyber Threats

Virus

Programs that are designed to cause damage to computers. They can self-replicate and infect a computer system without the user’s knowledge or authorization. It also can corrupt files and steal private information such as a user’s credit card details. Like biological viruses, they do not exist by themselves but have a host, in this case, a program in which they are nested. When we start the program, we also activate the virus.

Identity theft

It involves the theft of personal information. In most cases, it happens on social media like Facebook, Instagram, etc. Using the collected data allows the cyber criminal to use your identity as you in some way.

Password attacks

With the help of programs, hackers can crack the victim’s account credentials and gain access to platforms and information with all the ensuing consequences.

Spyware e Keylogger

They spy on the cyber habits of the victims. They can log the pages visited, the keys pressed (including passwords, PIN numbers, and credit card details), and pass them on to hackers.

Adware

They are the classic pop-up messages on the PC screen. The main intention of adware is to get you to download additional software or to serve you advertisements.

Trojan

They disguise themselves as harmless or useful software, but they provide access to your computer and allow the installation of malicious programs and the theft of your identity.

Ransomware

Its goal is to encrypt the computer. It then asks you for payment for the decryption. Hackers typically request payments in virtual currencies, such as Bitcoins.

Browser Hijacker

They redirect the browser to specific websites. This can also record personal information and then pass it on to the hacker.

Zero-Day Attacks

It exploits a previously unknown bug. They often occur without users’ consent as security updates are not yet available at the time of infection.

Email in phishing

Asks to enter personal data. They aim to steal private user information such as login credentials and credit card numbers. They are almost always identical to the emails from the bank or other platforms we use. Upon insertion, the credentials are automatically delivered into the hands of attackers.

They are to be distinguished from SPAM e-mails, which are used instead to flood inboxes with promotions and messages that, in most cases, are of no interest.

How The Infection Happens

Hackers use seemingly legitimate software and websites to lure users into malware downloads. Even P2P networks ( peer to peer ), through file sharing, can be a source of distribution of cyber threats. Torrent sites have also recently joined the list ( Keygen and Crack can hide many malicious programs). Suppose a phishing e-mail is sent with an attachment. In that case, it immediately collects the information within your e-mail, mainly your address book, and directly sends phishing e-mails to all your contacts.

This list is bound to grow with all the new technologies that are developing. This is why it is important to consider cyber security as a central node in the digitalization of your company.

Why It Is Important To Integrate Cyber Security Into Your Company

Attacks can paralyze your business and create major damage. They are also continually evolving, keeping up with all the new technologies and ways we communicate, using new and increasingly sophisticated strategies.

All companies of any size should dedicate a portion of their budget to an adequate cybersecurity plan to prevent cyber attacks from causing damage that is sometimes much greater than the investment in security.

In fact, safety management must be considered an investment with the number of digital data businesses have to manage today; having a vulnerable system is unthinkable.

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