What is Cyber Security? Importance, and Protection

Cyber security is a need in today's connected society, where there are more devices than people and ever-evolving online threats. This blog explores the crucial function that defending systems, networks, and data against malicious assaults plays in preventing financial loss, privacy violations, and operational interruptions for individuals and organizations.

Introduction to Cyber Security

Cyber security is a method of protecting programs, networks, and systems from online threats. Typically, the goals of these cyberattacks are to disrupt regular corporate operations, obtain, alter, or delete sensitive data, or use ransomware to demand money from customers.

There are currently more devices than humans, making it very difficult to implement efficient cyber security safeguards, and attackers are getting more creative.

Importance of Cyber Security

In today's digital environment, cyber security cannot be ignored. Millions of people's personal information could be compromised by a single security breach. Customers' trust is lost, and the organisations suffer severe financial consequences as a result of these breaches. Therefore, cyber security is crucial for shielding people and companies from spammers and other online criminals.

Types of Cyber Security

• Critical Infrastructure Cyber Security

Critical Infrastructure is vital enough that interruption poses a severe risk to people's well-being. Among other things, It may include electricity, water, food, shelter, and access to medicine.

Organisations that deal with critical infrastructure are frequently more open to cyberattacks than others because SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems frequently utilise outdated software.

The NIS Regulations apply to digital service providers and operators of critical services in the UK's energy, transport, health, water, and digital infrastructure sectors.

Organisations must put in place the proper organisational and technical safeguards to control security risks in accordance with the regulations.

• Network Security

Network security includes resolving vulnerabilities in your operating systems and network architecture, which include servers and hosts, firewalls and wireless access points, and network protocols.

• Cloud Security

Securing data, apps, and infrastructure in the cloud is the focus of cloud security.

• IoT (Internet of Things) Security

Securing smart devices and networks connected to the Internet of Things is the focus of IoT security. IoT devices are objects like smart lights, thermostats, fire alarms, and other equipment that automatically connect to the Internet.

• Application Security: 

Addressing vulnerabilities brought about by unsafe development procedures when creating, coding, and releasing software or a website is known as application security.

What Are The Types Of Cyber Security Threats

Typical Cyber Threats Consist of:

• Malware includes Trojan horses, spyware, rootkits, boot kits, botnet software, ransomware, viruses, and worms.
• Backdoors that enable remote access.
• Formjacking is the practice of injecting harmful code into web forms.
• Installing unauthorized Bitcoin mining software is known as "crypto-jacking."
• Attacks known as DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) bombard networks, servers, and systems with traffic in an attempt to take them offline.
• Attacks known as "DNS poisoning" compromise the DNS and cause traffic to be redirected to malicious websites.

Cyber Attacks Protection Tips:

How can individuals and companies protect themselves from cyberattacks? Here are our top suggestions for online safety:

• Update your operating system and applications to take advantage of the most recent security updates.
• Make use of antivirus software: Security programs such as Kaspersky Total Security can identify and eliminate threats. For optimal protection, keep your software updated.
• Make sure your passwords are difficult to figure out by using strong passwords.
• Avoid opening email attachments from senders you are not familiar with because they can be malware-filled.
• Avoid clicking on links in emails from senders you are not acquainted with or from strange websites. This is a common way that malicious software spreads.
• Steer clear of insecure WiFi networks in public areas as they put you at risk of man-in-the-middle attacks.

Are Certifications Important for Cyber Security Professionals?

It's not always necessary for a top cyber security expert to have a typical academic background. As a result, certificates are now widely accepted as an indicator of knowledge and expertise in the field, and this has created a wide range of opportunities for anyone looking to advance their skills in preparation for a lucrative career in cyber security.

If you are looking to get certified in the field of cyber security, then you can check out UniAthena’s Basics Of Cyber Attacks & Threats, and learn for free!

To navigate the digital realm safely, arming yourself with knowledge and putting crucial cyber security measures into place is key. Remember that your best defences, whether you work for a company or an individual, are software upgrades, strong passwords, care while interacting online, and alertness to new risks. Gaining knowledge about the many kinds of assaults and implementing thorough security procedures will enable you to stay one step ahead of hackers and prosper in the digital era.