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What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is also known as computer security or information technology security. It is the practice of protecting computer networks and systems from malicious attacks. The approach also protects from misdirection or a distraction of services provided. Cybersecurity is divided into various categories. They include network, application, information, end-user education, and operational security.
Cybersecurity category and types of cyber threats
The rise of a data breach in recent years has increased the global cyber risk rapidly. Some of the sectors that have experienced the most breaches include public entities, retailers, and medical services. If your business is using networks, it is likely to be targeted for customer data or attacks. There are different types of cyber threats your business can experience. These include cybercrime, where a group or an individual disrupts your systems for financial gain. The second one is cyber terrorism, whose intention is to sabotage the electronic systems to cause fear and panic. The last one is cyber attacking that attempts to expose, disable, alter plans to gather information.
How malicious actors access computer systems
There are different ways malicious actors can gain control of the systems. The most recognized method is malware. A hacker will create malware to disrupt the accessibility of a legitimate computer user. The disruption can be through virus, trojan, spyware, botnet, or ransomware.
SQL injection is another method where a cybercriminal steals data from the database by inserting malicious codes on venerable data applications through a malicious SQL statement. Other strategies a cybercriminal uses are phishing and man-in-the-middle attack. A business can guard against cyber threats through cybersecurity measures. Below are some of the top cybersecurity measures you can consider.
Use of strong passwords
Adequate online security requires a strong password that is not guessable. A password policy will help your employees have the best security practices. Consider the following ways to reduce the predictability of your password:
- Do not use a password in multiple accounts.
- Change your passwords regularly
- ombining numbers, symbols, upper, and lowercase can help create a strong password.
- Your password should have at least eight characters.
- Do not use personal data and information.
Use a firewall
A firewall act as a barrier between the internet and your computer. Businesses are recommended to set up a firewall to prevent the cyber threat spread. Regular checking of firewalls to ensure you are using the latest software will secure your data. For additional protection, you can install internal firewalls. Ensure your employees’ networks have strong support for compliance purposes.
Regular updates of programs and systems
Updating your systems and programs is essential for a security upgrade. You protect your systems against vulnerabilities and known bugs when your software and devices are up-to-date, thus reducing the cyber threats.
Install security software
Anti-spyware, antivirus, and anti-malware are security software that detects malicious codes into a computer and removes them on the network. It’s essential to educate your employees to be sensitive to the links they click. Most cyberattacks come as links suggesting the user click them for more information.
Control access to data
Whether you are operating a small business or extensive business, access control is necessary to prevent unauthorized access, protect customers, and employee threats. Find strategies for restricting copyable information from the systems. Taking note of the emails sent and received is also a factor to look at when controlling data access.
Multi-factor identification
Multi-factor identification provides networks and email products with a protection layer. Employees are most likely to make security mistakes that may put systems at risk. Employees should use multi-factor identification, such as cell numbers and passwords.
Backup all data regularly
Besides using all the cybersecurity measures, it is important to regularly backup all your documents. Your data can be breached despite the precautionary measures taken. Ensure you have backed up your accounts receivable and payable files, electronic spreadsheets, financial files, human resource files, and word processing documents.
