What Is Cyber Security

You may have heard the term cyber security but do you know its implications for your business?

In this article, we help you to understand the importance of getting cyber security right and reducing the risk to your operation.

Introduction to Cyber Security

Cyber security, also known as information security or computer security, is the practice of protecting electronic information by mitigating information risks and vulnerabilities. Information risks can include unauthorized access, use, disclosure, interception, or destruction of data. Data can include but is not limited to, the confidential information of the business or individual users.

What are the Risks?

Vulnerabilities can be exploited by cybercriminals to gain access to systems or data. To protect against these threats, organizations, and individuals must implement effective cyber security measures. Cyber security measures can include technical controls, such as firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems; procedures and policies, such as user access control and incident response; and awareness and training programs.

When deployed correctly, cyber security measures can help mitigate many of the risks and vulnerabilities associated with electronic information. But, because technology is constantly changing, cyber security measures must be updated regularly to stay ahead of potential threats.

Be Proactive

As more and more data is created, stored, shared, and analyzed online, it is critical that individuals and organizations take proactive steps to protect their electronic information from cybercriminals and hackers. By taking these steps, we can better protect ourselves from malicious attacks that could compromise our privacy or financial information.

Steps to Take For Cyber Security

There are many steps that organizations and individuals can take to improve their cyber security. But, because the threat landscape is constantly changing, it is important to regularly review and update your security measures. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Keep Your Software Up-To-Date: One of the best ways to reduce your risk of being hacked is to keep your software up-to-date. That includes your operating system, web browser, plugins, and applications. By keeping your software up-to-date, you can patch known vulnerabilities and make it more difficult for cybercriminals to exploit them.
2. Use Strong Passwords: Another way to reduce your risk of being hacked is to use strong passwords. A strong password is one that is at least eight characters long and includes a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessed words or personal information in your passwords. And never reuse passwords across different accounts.
3. Be cautious about what you click: One of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to gain access to your systems is by tricking you into clicking on a malicious link or attachment. When you click on these links or attachments, they can install malware on your device or give the cybercriminal access to your account. To avoid being tricked, be cautious about what you click, even if it comes from someone you know.
4. Use Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication is an additional layer of security that can help protect your accounts from being compromised. When enabled, two-factor authentication requires you to provide a second piece of information (such as a code sent via text message or an app) in addition to your password before you are able to access your account.

While this may add some extra steps when accessing your accounts, it can help prevent unauthorized access if your password is compromised.

How Do I Know If I Have Been Hacked?

There are several signs that you may have been hacked. These can include unusual activity on your accounts, unexpected charges on your credit card, or strange emails in your inbox. If you see any of these signs, it is important to take action right away.

You should also regularly review your account statements and credit report for any unauthorized activity. And, if you believe you have been a victim of identity theft, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

What Should I Do If I Have Been Hacked?

If you believe you have been hacked, there are some steps you should take right away:

1. Change your passwords: The first step is to change the passwords for all of your online accounts. Be sure to use strong passwords (as described above).
2. Review your account activity: The next step is to review your account activity for any unauthorized charges or activity. If you see anything suspicious, report it to your financial institution immediately.
3. Take additional steps: Depending on the type of information that was compromised, you may need to take additional steps to protect yourself from identity theft or fraud. For example, if your Social Security number was compromised, you may need to place a fraud alert on your credit report.

By following these steps and implementing other effective cyber security measures, individuals and organizations can help protect themselves from cybercriminals and reduce their risk of being hacked. And by working together, we can all create a safer Internet for everyone.