Cyber security is a practice done by individuals or organizations to protect internet-connected systems such as computers, servers, networks and mobile phones from malicious attack. You need a strong cyber security strategy to protect your data from getting accessed, altered, destroyed or extracted by unauthorized people.
Understanding cyber security is essential since cyber security threats have been on the rise. This is due to the increased number of users, devices and programs as well as the growing volume and sophistication of cyber attackers and attacking methods.
Types of cyber security
There are different types of cyber security depending on the contest in which this practice is applied.
• Application security
A compromised application can provide access to data which it should protect. Application security involves keeping devices and software free from threats by regular application updating and testing.
• Network security
This involves protecting a network from malicious attackers or other unwanted users who might access, disrupt and misuse your data. Implementing software and hardware mechanisms to protect network systems helps protect an organization’s assets from internal and external threats.
• Operation security
Operation security involves decisions and permissions of accessing networks. How the network is accessed, where and how data is stored is determined by operation security.
• End-user education
Employees or other users can introduce a virus to a secure system by failing to follow good cyber security practices. It is essential to train individuals on topics regarding cyber security since this raises awareness about best practices, organizational procedures, monitoring and reporting malicious activities.
• Information security
These are measures put in place to protect the integrity and privacy of data during storage and transit.
• Mobile security
This refers to protecting personal and organizational data stored in laptops, cell phones, and tablets. Mobile security for businesses can be important in incidents such as theft, malware attacks, and unauthorized access.
• Disaster recovery and business continuity
This helps the organization to prepare for any disaster by keeping critical networks online. The organization quickly resumes back to normal operations after the loss of operational data.
Types of cyber threats
The following are the cyber threats countered by cyber security:
• Cyber-attack – This is often a politically motivated way of gathering information.
• Cybercrime – Done by individuals or groups with the sole goal of financial gains.
• Cyber terrorism- This aims at using electronic systems to cause fear or panic.
Cyber security tips to protect you against cyber attack
• Use anti-virus software
Anti-virus software will always detect threats and consecutively remove them. Update your anti-virus software regularly to ensure it’s well equipped for the task.
• Use strong passwords
Create a unique password that is hard to guess to limit access to unauthorized individuals. You can do the following to ensure your password is secure: use long passwords, use a password manager and avoid reusing your passwords.
• Don’t click links from unknown sources or websites
Clicking on links from unknown sources can put you at the risk of malware intended to damage or disable your data or device.
Before visiting a website, a user should check the secured lock that also shows the SSL certificate information. SSL certificate ensures that the website is authenticated and secured. SSL certificates can be of any type starting from regular SSL, certificates for software code, multi domain wildcard, and many more.
An unknown site can capture your confidential details and misuse them so, it is better to check for security indicators like HTTPS and a padlock in the browser’s address bar.
• Update your software and operating system
Due to advancing security threats, software and operating systems are constantly improved with improved security features. Regularly updating your software and operating system will ensure you benefit from the improved security features reducing the chances of cyber-attack.
• Avoid using unsecured WIFI networks
Using unsecured WIFI networks in public places leaves you vulnerable to attacks.
Conclusion
Cyber security is an important topic and discussion to all internet users, both individuals and organizations. Cyber security knowledge helps one protect themselves better from cyber-attacks.
Ensure you put in place application security, network security, operation security and mobile security. On top of this, apply the above cyber security tips to protect yourself against cyber-attack. Also Read baout Cyber Security Threats Facing Small Business and 13 best online tools to increase online security.