Cybersecurity
What is Cybersecurity ?
Computer security, Cybersecurity or IT security (Information Technology Security) is the protection of computer systems which are connected through internet from theft or damage to their software, hardware or electronic data, as well as from misdirection of the services they provide. It also refers to the preventative methods used to protect information from being stolen, compromised or attacked. It mainly requires an understanding of potential information threats, such as malicious code and other viruses. Cyber Security strategies include incident management, risk management and identity management.
In simple words, Cyber security is the practice of protecting networks, programs, and systems from digital attacks. These cyberattacks has usually aimed at accessing, changing, damaging, or destroying sensitive information of users who are using the internet, extorting money and making demands from users; or interrupting normal business practices or processes. It is a very wide context which encompasses numbers of software and hardware technologies, and may be applied at different level, including personal, corporate and governmental devices or networks.
The field is growing rapidly due to increase reliance on computer systems, smartphones, networks, Internet and other wireless networks such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and due to the rapid growth of smartphones industry and “smart” devices, including smartphones, and the various other tiny devices that use the Internet. Due to its complexity, both in terms of technology and politics, it has became one of the major challenges of the contemporary world.
Implementing cybersecurity measures is particularly challenging today because there are more devices and the use of internet than people, and attackers are becoming more innovative and getting advanced.
Elements of Cybersecurity-
Better knowledge and understanding of the elements of cyber security will cause the information and data managers to get rid of misguided sense of invincibility and plug the loopholes bringing about a malicious attack. Ensuring Cyber Security mainly requires the co-ordination of efforts and coding throughout an information system, which mainly includes:
- Application security
- Information security
- Network security
- Disaster recovery/business continuity planning
- Operational security
- End-user education
One of the most evolving element of cybersecurity is the constantly evolving nature of security risks. The traditional and old approach has been limited to make focus on resources on major and crucial system components and being protect against the biggest threats, which meant leaving other components undefended and not protecting them against less dangerous risks. This may affect the normal working of system. To deal with the current environment and make effective security, advisory organizations are promoting a more protective, proactive and adaptive approach. The NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), for e.g., recently published updated guidelines in its risk assessment framework that demand a shift towards continuous monitoring and real-time assessments.
Types Of Cybersecurity Threats-
Ransomware
One of the rapid-growing theats of cyber attack. Ransomware is basically a type of malicious software. It is coded and designed to extort money by blocking access to computer system or the particular file (typically through encryption) until the ransom or the amount demanded by the attacker is paid. Accepting their demands or Paying them ransom does not guarantee that the blocked file will be recovered or the system restored.
In simple words- Ransomware is a type of malware threat that involves an attacker blocking the victim’s computer system or files — and demanding something to decrypt and unlock them.
Phishing
Phishing threats are continually on the rise. Phishing is mainly the practice of sending fraudulent or corrupted emails that resemble a name from reputable organization or sources. Their main aim is to steal or misuse your sensitive data like credit/debit card numbers, various passwords, OTPs and login information. This type of cyber attack is very common. You can protect yourself from such type of frauds through education or proper use of technology solution that filters malicious emails.
In simple words -Phishing is the practice of fraud where corrupted emails are sent that resemble reputed name from reputable sources. The intention of these emails is to steal sensitive data, such as credit/debit card numbers, various passwords, OTPs and login information.
Malware
Malware is a wide term. Basically it is a type of software which is coded to gain unauthorized access or to cause damage to a software, files and computer system. It is used to describe any file or program intended to harm a computer, and encompasses Trojans, worms, social engineering, viruses and spyware.
In simple words – Malware is any file or programme used to harm computer software or computer users, through worms, computer viruses, Trojan horses and spyware.
Social engineering
Social engineering is a type of cyber security threat which is used to deceive and manipulate victims to gain computer access. This may be achieved by tricking or misguiding users into clicking malicious links. It is also a tactic that some black listed adversaries use to trick you into revealing sensitive information like your Debit/Credit card Information, various passwords and other information that are stored in your computer system or smartphone. They may demand a monetary payment or gain access to your confidential data. Social engineering may be coded or combined with any of the threats listed above to misguide or force you more likely to click on links, download malware, or trust a malicious source.
In simple words – Social engineering is an attack that depand on human interaction to misguide users into breaking security procedures or giving them access in order to gain sensitive information that is typically protected.
Outdated software
The use of outdated software (e.g. Microsoft 97,98,2000,XP etc.) opens up opportunities for hackers to take advantage of known vulnerabilities that can bring entire systems down. because an updated version consist of updated security features which are essential for computer and other systems.
Vulnerabilities in web applications and networks
Cyber Hackers and criminals are constantly identifying new vulnerabilities in software, systems, networks or applications to exploit. These activities are done various sources. These automated attacks can affect anyone, anywhere.
- How to be protected against cyber security attacks ?
- How to counter Cyber Attacks?
- How to be protected against cyber Attacks?
- How to develop a effective cyber security?
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