Cyber security is crucial for any business and more so after the advancement of technology. This is not an option in today’s evolving world to ignore the security of your digital data or devices. The improvements in the tech industry are not only making the world a comfortable place to live in, but making it a challenge for us to keep all of this technology safe from falling into the wrong hands too.

Cyber security is the practice of defending computers, mobile applications, electronic systems, servers, networks, and other data from malware and hackers’ attacks. It’s also known as information technology security or electronic information security. Many fields come under the umbrella of Cyber Security, including business and mobile computing.

The global cyber trouble continues to evolve at a rapid-fire pace, with a rising number of data breaches each time. Medical services, retailers, and public entities endure the most breaches, with vicious criminals behind most of the incidents. Some of these sectors are more alluring to cybercriminals because they can easily collect your financial and medical data, but all businesses that use the internet can be targeted for client data, commercial spying, or client attacks.

On the scale, the cyber security trouble is continuing to rise, the International Data Corporation predicts that worldwide spending on cyber-security results will reach a massive$133.7 billion in 2022. Governments across the globe have responded to the rising cyber trouble with guidance to help organizations apply effective cyber-security practices.

Here are some basic types of cyber security:

• Network security

It is the practice of securing a computer network from intruders, whether targeted bushwhackers or opportunistic malware.

• Application security

It focuses on protecting software and devices from threats. A compromised application could give access to the data it’s designed to cover. Successful security begins in the design stage, well before a program or device is stationed.

• Information security

It protects the integrity and sequestration of data, both during development and delivery.

• Operational security

This secures the processes of guarding data assets. The permission for users during the use of a network and the procedures that determine how and where data may be stored or shared, all of this comes under operational security.

• Disaster recovery

This term defines how an association responds to a cyber-security incident or any other event that causes the loss of data. Disaster recovery programs decide how the association restores its operations and information to return to the same operating capacity as before the event. Business continuity is the plan the association falls back on while trying to operate without certain resources.

• End-user education

This addresses the most basic variable factor in cyber-security i.e. people. Anyone can accidentally introduce a bug or virus to a secure system by failing to follow good security practices. Teaching users to not open suspicious emails, not plug in unidentified USB drives, and many other important lessons like these are vital for the security of any business.

There are different types of cyber threats and they are increasing by the day but here are the most common types of cyber-attacks.

• Phishing – The hackers or attackers use this method to enter your system through you. They send you links in emails, messages, or in any other way to hook you into clicking on the link. This link usually installs key loggers on your PC or device and when you type your passwords, they get them to access your financial accounts or other data platforms.
• Malware – Malicious software is created to damage a system or network of systems. Malware is so varied that you cannot name all of them. Some are loud and clear which destroy everything in front of your eyes while others work in stealth mode.
• Ransomware – As the name implies, malware is sent to you disguised as a secure file. You install it and it encrypts all your files and important data in a way that a user is usually unable to open anything. The hackers then demand a ransom to give the access back to you.
• Social engineering – In this era of social media, it is easier to find out a person who is easy to break and get their sensitive information voluntarily. Attackers simply connect with their target on a personal level and then use the information to get access to their system and data.
• DDoS attacks – In a denial-of-service attack, the attackers choke the server with heavy traffic and it gets unavailable to the users, they use it then to control the connected devices remotely.
• Password reuse – It is easier for a user to use the same password for multiple accounts on multiple platforms, but do you know how risky that is? One of your accounts is breached and poof… everything else is gone too. Because attackers know human psychology, they are going to try your password on all your accounts in any case.
• IoT hacking – IoT or Internet of things means tangible devices connected to the internet, like house access security devices, locks, CCTV cameras, and AI voice assistants such as Amazon Echo and Google Home. Hackers can access these devices and will use the 24/7 connectivity to start DDoS attacks. These devices hardly have any power or control on their own but together, they can be used against you on a huge level.

How does cyber security help?

Now we come to the question of how cyber security helps protect your data? First things first, your data should be encrypted and protected in advance, because “better safe than sorry”. Encrypting the data helps protect it during a transfer too. It helps you keep your files and other critical data safe from theft or loss. The security programs always scan your systems and networks for suspicious links or bugs that can prove to be a security risk. They detect the potential threat code and quarantine it and finally remove it from your network or system.

Malware keeps changing shapes and behavior according to its execution by a user. So, the security systems are now being designed to place any malicious code in a separate space for a while to observe their behavior in real time. In case of any threat, this code is erased from the system without letting it connect to the rest of the data.

Simple tricks to stay safe:

Here are some simple tips and tricks to stay safe against cyber threats,

• Keep your system up-to-date. To combat fast-evolving cyber threats, you need the latest software and operating system that is equipped with efficient cyber security systems.
• Use anti-virus software as a rule. Never ignore this in any case because even if you feel like you have no huge assets to lose, you can still be targeted. Your data can be used in illegal activity and without your knowledge, you can appear in a list of terror funding culprits. So yeah, don’t take your personal information for granted.
• This one is simple, USE STRONG PASSWORDS. Using your date of birth as the pin to your ATM is NOT safe or hard to guess. The same goes for all your passwords.
• Do not open email attachments unless you are sure about their safety. No matter how many emails you get from a prince of Nigeria, don’t fall into that trap for your own good.
• The most common way of inviting malware to destroy your system is by clicking a malicious link. No matter how catchy that line is, just DON’T open it.
• Do not use unsecured WIFI networks. It will make you an easy target for a cyber-attack.

Conclusion:

Cyber security is as important as the latest technology itself. It is said that World War III will not be fought on battlefields but on cyber-fronts. Because everything from the government’s top-secret data to banks, to nuclear weapons, everything is somehow connected to the internet today. Lacking at the cyber front can cause a global apocalypse. The things we see in the famous series ‘Black Mirror” is not going to be the stuff of fantasy for so long. Get your cyber security right and keep yourself and your business safe.