Cyber security is the protection of IT and data systems. This type of security helps prevent security breaches and cyber threats. Unfortunately, cyber-attacks are growing in frequency and scope and statistics project that in 2019 alone, cyber-attacks have cost the global economy $2.1 trillion. An IT Company that provides cybersecurity helps with the prevention of cyber-attacks by using firewalls, VPNs, training and digital software to make it challenging for hackers to steal or manipulate data.
What Are Cyber Threats?
A cyber threat is an attack or malicious software that is designed to destroy IT and data systems and networks. These threats are broken down three different ways based on their purpose:
- Disruption
- Financial gain
- Espionage, including corporate and state espionage
The most common types of cyber threats you may be familiar with include:
- Data breaches
- Social engineering
- Trojans
- Phishing
- Malware
- Ransomware
Why is Cyber Security Important?
Cybersecurity is crucial because it protects businesses and organization assets, valuable information, and other data. Important personal data obtained for medical, financial, and government purposes are protected by cybersecurity software. If this information ends up in the wrong hands, millions of records and other personal data can lead to identity theft and a variety of other issues involving confidential information. You can find out more about cyber security on PrivacySpark including ways that you can protect yourself.
Looking at the Facts
Cyber threats and cyber-attacks have been around for years. The Creeper was the first computer virus and was discovered during the 1970s. The popular search engine Yahoo currently holds the records for having the most extended data breach. During this breach, over 2.5 million accounts were compromised.
Data breaches are expensive, with an average cost of $3.86 million. In 1996, AOL was the first company to fall victim to phishing attacks. Cyber-attacks are more dangerous than many people realize. These attacks can alter global stability and change the world.
How Can People Protect Themselves Against Cybercrime?
Protecting yourself against cybercrime requires specific steps to be taken and guidelines to be followed.
Use an Antivirus Software
Although using anti-virus software, such as Norton or McAfeeis not foolproof, these programs help block different cyber threats. By blocking these threats, there’s less of a chance your desktop, laptop or other devices will become infected with malware, ransomware, spyware, and other cyber threats. You need full-service anti-virus software that monitors your device day and night.
Keep Your Software Updated
Keeping your software updated is critical for preventing your information from getting into the wrong hands. Software updates contain different security features that make it easier to protect your device and block cyber-attacks. Failure to update your software puts your device at high risk for being the victim of different cyber-attacks.
Use Complicated Passwords
Using complex passwords is one way you can safeguard your information. Strong passwords include capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, such as exclamation marks. Passwords should be at least eight letters long. Complicated passwords make it harder for a hacker to decode and access your information.
Learn About Current Breaches
The more you know about current security breaches, the better you can prepare and protect yourself. No two security breaches are the same. Some breaches are designed to steal personal information for identity theft purposes,and other violations are intended to destroy devices, such as laptops and desktops.
Use HTTPS Sites Only
Cybercrime is happening in daily lives and it is rising at rocket speed. In this age, you need to take care of your browsing habits due to the heavy use of online shopping and web platforms. If you browse the HTTPS site only, it will benefit you and protect against cybercrime. As a website holder, you need to install SSL certificate for web security. For instance, to secure unlimited subdomains, you need a wildcard SSL like Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard certificate. It will give you enough security.
Keep Watch While Using Social Media Platforms
When you’re using social media platforms, there are different ways your devices can become infected with viruses. Watching specific videos and participating in different IQ or personality tasks can result in viruses on your device. Some cyber threats are easier to remove than others. Some computer viruses cannot be removed, and parts of the computer need to be replaced.
Know What to Do to Protect Yourself
You need to know what to do if you become a victim of a cyber-attack. If you suspect you have viruses on your computer and your personal information may have been compromised, inform your bank and credit bureau of the incident. The process of proving identity theft can take years, and your financial situation can take years to recover and get back on track.
When you have proper cyber security software in place, you don’t have to worry as much about your information getting into the wrong hands. You have peace of mind knowing there is a firewall between your data and the online world if you use the security software properly and follow proper safety measures.
