Cyber security is an important part of our daily lives. From back-ups to ensuring online privacy, it keeps modern essentials like power grids and water treatment systems functioning smoothly.
A single security breach can have a significant impact on businesses and the people who trust them. Cybersecurity is a continuous effort to protect against threats as they emerge.
Protects Data
Cybersecurity protects computers, servers, mobile devices and electronic systems from data breaches and hacking. It also protects against malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, spyware, botnet software, cryptojacking and DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks that flood systems and networks with traffic to knock them offline.
It’s a continuous process because threats are constantly evolving, changing and developing. That’s why cyber security requires frequent updates, monitoring and risk assessments to keep up with new attacks.
A comprehensive cyber security strategy includes ensuring business continuity, incident response and recovery from attacks, and maintaining a strong security culture that recognises everyone’s responsibility for cyber security. This can help to reduce the impact of successful cyber attacks, limit the financial cost and avoid damage to reputation. This is also vital in helping to meet regulatory and reporting requirements, including GDPR. The government has a range of tools to support businesses and organisations with their cyber security including an action plan, guidelines and advice.
Prevents Unauthorized Access
Cyber security includes tools that prevent unauthorized access to computer systems, software, networks and data. This unauthorized access is typically committed by hackers, but can also be caused by unwitting employees who accidentally stumble upon unsecured files. Depending on the severity of the attack, it could lead to a data breach and loss of online credibility for businesses.
Most businesses rely on the internet for their operations and information management, including tracking financials, ordering inventory, conducting marketing and PR campaigns, connecting with customers and more. Even large corporations with seemingly robust IT departments can be victims of massive hacking attacks that threaten their business and reputation.
Passwords and multi-factor authentication can be very effective at protecting data from unauthorized access. This could include a second factor such as an SMS text message, a phone call to the user’s authorized device, a security question or biometric access control. Moreover, it is important to physically lock down and limit access to any room where machines that house sensitive data are located.
Prevents Fraud
Cybersecurity protects business information and assets from theft, disruption or destruction. This is important because information thieves are always looking for new ways to steal personal data, financial records and more from businesses and individuals. A single security breach can have devastating effects for any organization and may even lead to a loss of customer trust.
Some types of cyber attacks include ransomware, phishing and spyware. These are typically motivated by greed or a desire to steal sensitive information from a company. Other types of cyber attacks are motivated by a social or political cause such as hacktivism and espionage.
A good cyber security program will ensure that both software and personnel only have the permissions necessary to do their jobs. Additionally, passwords should be changed frequently and require two-factor authentication to prevent a security breach. In addition to ensuring that all devices have the right security software installed, it is also important to provide staff with regular training on how to practice good cyber hygiene.
Prevents Damage
Cybersecurity is necessary to protect your personal information, money, medical data and business information from hackers. Hackers use malware to gain access to your computer system files, which can cause extensive and often irreparable damage. Cybersecurity prevents attacks by using antivirus protection, firewalls, phishing prevention tools and more.
As our society becomes more technologically reliant, cybersecurity is becoming more important. Hackers can easily expose your confidential information online, which can lead to identity theft, extortion attempts or the loss of family photos. Hackers also can attack large organizations and government agencies to steal sensitive data or shut down critical infrastructure like power plants, hospitals and financial services companies.
Individuals can also be targeted through smart home devices that connect to Wi-Fi, such as voice assistants, connected baby monitors and cellphones. These “Internet of things” (IoT) gadgets offer easy access points for hackers. Hackers sell ransomware, malware and credentials from breached systems on the dark web, which is a criminal segment of the Internet where illegal activities occur.