Living in the digital era has transformed how we live and what is available to us. You can rent an apartment, watch a movie or buy something online with just a click of your mouse! This is possible because of the internet and advancements in technology.
The internet age is rampant with security breaches, fraud, and other misuses. To counteract this issue, cybersecurity must be utilized to protect yourself from cyber-criminals such as hackers and people wanting to steal your financial or personal data.
To help you understand the importance of cyber security, we’ve compiled a blog post explaining what constitutes cybercrime and how you can protect yourself from potential threats and breaches.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the state or process of protecting and recovering computer systems, networks, devices, and programs from any type of cyber attack. Cyber security safeguards are becoming smarter and more sophisticated as technology evolves. As the world becomes increasingly connected with technologies such as mobile phones, laptops/netbooks, virtual environments like video games, and person-to-person communications over the internet (Instant Messaging), cyber attackers have become more successful in stealing sensitive data through strategies that make it difficult to enforce traditional data security controls.
The Importance of Cybersecurity
In today’s world, people store vast quantities of data on computers and other internet-connected devices. Much of which is sensitive, such as passwords or financial data. If a cybercriminal was to gain access to this information they could cause all sorts of problems – from stealing your password for bank accounts/social media account logins then use them in fraudulent ways; changing the balance on an online banking profile so that it benefits someone else instead of you (and there goes your savings), using private photos stored locally without permission, etc…
What are some ramifications?
In the case of businesses, it’s not just about how much personal/confidential information might be lost. It could also be:
- The loss of trade secrets – and with that, losing a competitive edge or ability to drive innovation, which means more money spent on research & development (i.e., money out the door).
- The loss of intellectual property – and with that, losing the ability to market new products or services.
- Financial losses – in theft or fraud or (in worst-case scenarios) having to shut down due to a data breach.
- Reputational damage because of the public’s perception of a company that is supposedly “unsafe”.
Types of Cybersecurity Solutions
Application Security –
Is the type of security that can be applied to computer systems, environments, or programming tasks. Application security can also refer to anything on a personal device such as a smartphone or tablet. The term “application” usually refers to software applications used online (web browsers) or offline (email readers). These could be high-level languages and platform-specific instructions that are executed by a hardware system with an operating system.
Cloud Security
This is the type of protection that can be applied to cloud-based data when you store your documents on someone else’s account; for example, Google Docs or Dropbox.
Endpoint Security
This refers to specific types of computer systems and software for which there is specialized antivirus.
Email Security
While all of us have probably received spam emails, they can also contain malicious code that infects your system or device – and in the end – help someone steal your identity. Hackers use email to send malware (short for malicious software) mostly by attaching it to legitimate messages from internet service providers, government agencies, banks, and even social networking sites.
Data Security
is any type of activity that aims to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of stored data and devices. Confidentiality is preventing unauthorized parties from reading or otherwise accessing it. Integrity is protecting data so that it’s not modified without authorization (checksums/hash functions). Availability means minimizing the chances of the
Infrastructure and Database Security
These are methods and technologies used to protect all the servers, networks, data centers, storage (devices) etc. They also refer to preventative measures taken away from technology and put into practice. In other words – it’s taking care of people by training them on how not to get hacked.
Mobile Security
This is related to how mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, or similar are protected from hackers. There have been cases where a smartphone was infected with malware and ended up costing the victim(s) dearly — and even led some of them into bankruptcy!
Network Security
Networks are a lot like the Internet and can use some of the same security measures. They’re also complex, and hackers have many different ways to get in and attack them.
Operational Security
Includes methods and measures to secure communication lines between various departments, units, branches, etc. within a body of people (an organization) responsible for the security of information or property.
Gateway Level Security
This refers to the security measures for access into and out of an organization. It also applies to all email that is sent or received by the organization as well as data transfers – even when it’s not through a gateway (for instance, sending information via cable).
The Different Types of Cyber Threats
Denial-of-service (DoS) Attacks
A denial-of-service (DOS) attack is a form of cyberattack in which attackers send large volumes of traffic at a website to potentially make it temporarily inaccessible for users.
Malware Attacks
A malware attack is a form of cyberattack that uses software to damage or disrupt a computer. The goal of malware can vary, but often it’s used to steal information or money. Malware can be spread by using malicious links in emails, attachments on social media, and executable files downloaded from the Internet.
Malware includes spyware, adware, ransomware, and Trojans. Spyware gathers data from your system without your permission, while Trojans pretend to be something they’re not and will damage your device if you download them. Ransomware is designed to lock up your system until you pay the attacker for a key to unlock it again.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are also a type of cyberattack that relies solely on email. The goal is to get an individual to unknowingly give up their username, password, or other sensitive information by posing as a trustworthy company like PayPal when in reality the recipient is not with the company they’re representing and they are simply a fraudster.
SQL Injection Attack
SQL Injection is one of the most common ways that hackers gain access to databases. This technique is used when infecting websites or apps with malware.
Injections can be exploited through SQL evasion techniques and poor error handling; among the best-known in use, today are SQL injection, Cross-site scripting (XSS), cross-site request forgery (CSRF), and PHP injection.
It involves the attacker inserting malicious code into an entry field on a web page to exploit a weakness in the website’s programming.
The Password Attack
is an effort to get into a system with passwords, either one at a time or many at once. The intention of the attacker can vary from accessing confidential files, profiling sensitive information about corporations and governments, installing malware tailored for various operating systems in order to encrypt data with ransomware.
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack
A man-in-the-middle attack in cyberspace is the interference of a malicious entity between an end-user and a server. MitM attacks occur when someone intercepts data as it is originally transmitted to either the end-user or the server.
Cyber Security measures and best practices
Secure your Wi-Fi
The most basic thing you can do to protect yourself is to make sure your Wi-Fi is always encrypted. Strong encryption scrambles data in a way that’s unreadable, even if it were intercepted by a hacker.
If you’re not sure whether your Wi-Fi is secure enough, check the encryption setting on your device or get an app that tests the encryption strength of your network connection. Although most wireless routers come with pre-installed encryption, the default password could be too simple for skilled hackers to break. Always change the default password on your home Wi-Fi in order to make your network more secure. The password should be at least 10 characters and contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters as well as numbers
Use both the GPS and Bluetooth features wisely
Modern cell phones have the ability to track your location, speed, and date and time of active activities. However, this information has the potential to lead to safety issues if you do not use these features carefully with mobile devices that offer GPS abilities. These phone models can reveal personal information about individuals who are tracked or in their surrounding area. The more detailed your location is tracked, the easier it is for someone to invade your privacy without being detected.
The same goes for Bluetooth usage and apps that could potentially save data on a phone, such as pictures or videos that contain sensitive content
Select Strong Passwords – and remember them!
Do not use passwords that are simple, easy-to-guess words or phrases. This includes combinations of your name, username, birthday dates, and other information that is shared on social media accounts. Remember to use a password manager if you have trouble keeping track of all your usernames and passwords for every website account
Use Antivirus in your System –
If you are not sure if your system is being infected with malware, it is recommended that you use antivirus to scan your computer. This will allow you to check for any possible infections and get rid of them before they cause any harm.
Avoid Suspicious Texts and Mails –
When you get a text or email from someone you don’t know be cautious and take precautions. These messages frequently contain malware that could infect your device, allowing hackers to spy on your activity. Hackers use texts or emails disguised as legitimate ones because many people are less hardened against such messages than they would be to an unsolicited phone call.
Suspicious messages and emails can contain links that, if clicked, will infect your device with malware. If you are not sure whether a message or email is sent by a hacker, do not click on the link and delete the message.
Use Encryption and Firewalls –
Encrypted email prevents hackers from accessing your information when they intercept it. Some popular email encryption includes SSL and PGP. Firewalls provide the best protection against cyber threats.
Use password protection on your devices and keep them with you at all times
If you store your passwords on a device, it is important to keep that device with you at all times. When you do leave your device unattended, make sure to activate the screen lock so that no one can access your password if they are attempting to snoop on you.
Micronova Cyber Security Services
Micronova has devised a set of analytical, testing, and consulting practices that has helped enterprises undergo Digital Transformation. As a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP), we offer strategical services compiled with 24×7 Assistance, End Point Security (EPS) Network Security Monitoring, Application, Email Security, Virtual CISO Services, and IT security audit which involves Vulnerability Assessment / Penetration Testing (VA/PT).
Conclusion:
In order to protect your personal information, it is important to use encryption and firewalls on all of your devices. In addition, you should avoid sending sensitive data over unsecured connections or networks. When in doubt about which security protocol will work best for you, consult a professional with the know-how and tools necessary to build a secure network that can withstand cyber threats.
Our expert engineers & consultants give a wide approach for end-to-end management of your information system & execution for further any cyber threats. With Micronova’s comprehensive solution it’s time for you to take your company’s Cybersecurity to a new level.
