Cybersecurity is a rather important concept these days, as more and more companies and businesses are investing in digital transformation. If you are planning or have started to take that leap of digital transformation, then you should learn how cybersecurity works and what makes it an essential part of any successful digital business.
Cybersecurity or information technology security refers to various technologies, practices, and processes that are designed to protect devices, programs, networks, and data from any damage, attack, and unauthorized access.
So, what makes cybersecurity important? This type of security is important because, across all industries including corporate, government, healthcare, financial and military industries collect, process, and store an unprecedented amount of data on computers and other devices. These data can contain sensitive information like personal information, financial information, intellectual property, and other types of information, for which any unauthorized access can lead to negative consequences.
Data is transmitted across networks and to other digital devices while doing business. Cybersecurity is the concept that is dedicated to protecting the information transmitted, the entire process of transmission, and the systems that are utilized to process and store data.
Challenges of Cyber Security
A business must be able to coordinate and integrate cybersecurity through the business’ entire information system to ensure effective cybersecurity. Cybersecurity encompasses various parts of a business and at times, is challenged by ensuring all aspects work together to ensure data breach is prevented.
Cybersecurity is part of network security, which ensures that the network the business uses is protected from any unwanted users, intrusions, and attacks. Applications that the business and consumers use should also be constantly updated and tested to ensure that these applications are secure from any unwanted threats and attacks.
Endpoint security is also part of cybersecurity. This is the process of protecting remote access to a business’ network. Data security, which is an essential aspect of data security, is a separate layer of security and this protects the company and its customers’ information.
In addition, cybersecurity touches other types of security which include identity management, infrastructure security, cloud security, mobile security, and business continuity planning.
One of the most difficult challenges of cybersecurity is the constantly evolving nature of security risks. In the past, cybersecurity was primarily focused on protecting crucial components and defending them against common threats. Today, such an approach is not enough, as the threats have become more advanced.
To ensure that cybersecurity is effective, it must be done proactively and adaptive approaches to cybersecurity must be tapped. Cybersecurity must include continuous monitoring, real-time assessments, and a data-focused approached to digital security.
Cyber Threats – How Are They Scaled?
Cyber threats on a global scale have continued to evolve in a rapid manner. In fact, a rising number of data breaches have been reported every year. According to a report by RiskBased Security, about 7.9 billion records have been exposed in 2019 alone. That figure is more than the number of records that were exposed in the previous year.
Medical services, public entities, and retailers experience the most breaches. For most data breach incidents, malicious cybercriminals are responsible. While financial and medical data are considered most vulnerable to threats, all businesses that make use of networks can be targeted for customer attacks, customer data, and even corporate spying.
There are three types of cyber threats which include cybercrime, cyber-attack, and cyber-terrorism. Cybercrime involves individuals or groups that target systems to cause disruption or for financial gain. Cyber-attack, on the other hand, involves politically motivated data breach and collection. Lastly, cyber terrorism is intended to weaken electronic systems for the purpose of causing fear or panic among people.
So, how do these cybercriminals gain control of computer systems and networks? There are various known methods on how cybersecurity is threatened.
One of the popular cyber threats is delivered through malware. Malware is referred to as malicious software. This software is created to disrupt or damage a user’s computer. This is often spread through unsolicited attachments in emails, which often look like legitimate downloads. Different types of malware include viruses, Trojans, spyware, adware, ransomware, and botnets.
Another type of cyber-attack is SQL injection. This allows cybercriminals to take control and steal data from a database. Phishing is a type of cyber-attack that targets vulnerable individuals with emails that appear to be from a legit company. In most cases, phishing is used to steal credit card information and other personal information.
Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats
If you’re investing in digital transformation, you should invest in cybersecurity. You must make sure that your cybersecurity is integrated into all aspects of your business.
Additional cyber safety tips include the following:
- Update the software and operating system that your business use, as this would mean that you will get the latest security patches offered.
- Make use of anti-virus software and keep it updated.
- Make use of strong passwords that cannot be easily guessed.
- Avoid opening email attachments that are sent from unknown senders, as these attachments may be infected with malware.
- Avoid clicking on links in emails from unfamiliar websites and unknown senders.
- Avoid connecting to unsecured WiFi networks in public places, as this can leave you vulnerable to attacks.
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