What is Cyber Security? - All You Need to Know About Cyber Security
Due to the rise in cybercrimes, there is a dire need for awareness of cyber security, and its practice is becoming more and more essential. We will cover cyber security, types, practices, and more.
What is Cyber Security?
It's is a Question frequently asked by IndustLabs. Cyber Security is a practice to guard electronic systems, networks, programs, and servers against cyber-attacks. It is also implemented to mitigate cyber threats. Cyber-attacks are usually intended to gain access to the user's sensitive information or exploit the information. A Cyber Security Expert prevents cyber-attacks by using several methods, same as IndustLabs prevent the loss of their costumer's time.
Why is Cyber Security Essential?
The rapid growth in cyber-attacks is mainly due to vulnerabilities present everywhere in the digital world about which we are typically not aware, and cybercriminals take the advantage to exploit it. To be safe from it, you must be well aware of cyber security and its practices. Hackers use modern techniques, making it essential for businesses to hire Cyber Security experts to identify and attenuate cyber threats. In addition, individuals must be aware of cyber threats and safety measures to prevent exploiting their sensitive information.
Types of Common Cyber-Threats
Cyber threats are actives done by a cyber-criminal to steal, disrupt or damage a user's data. By having its knowledge, we can prevent ourselves from malicious acts.
Malware
Malicious malware is launched when a user enters a malicious link or attachment and installs the application. The Main intention of cybercriminals is to disrupt or damage a user's computer. These are types of malware:
Ransom ware
This type of malware blocks users' access from the computer until a ransom is paid.
Trojans
It is a type of malware disguised by the authorized software. It collects and damages data.
Spyware
Cybercriminals spy on users' activity and use their sensitive information through this type of malware.
Botnets
It is a network of malware-affected devices used by cybercriminals to perform illegal online tasks.
Viruses
It attaches itself with clean files to get into the computer. Then, it spreads throughout the computer and infects files. It can also transfer from one computer to another through files sharing, network, and attached files.
Phishing
It is fake communication often carried out through email. Cybercriminals appear to be legitimate websites to gain the user's trust. It instructs the user to share sensitive information such as bank account information.
SQL Injection
Structured Query Language (SQL) is a cyber-attack intended to control or steal information from a database. It is resulted by inserting malicious code in a server that uses SQL. The server releases information when it is infected.
Man-in-the-Middle
In this type of threat, a cybercriminal intercepts a conversation between two individuals and steals sensitive information.
Social Engineering
It is a harmful act committed by actors to steal information from consumers. For example, they contact a user introducing them belonging to a trusted company and asking for user information such as bank account information, social media account passwords, etc.
Types of Cyber Security
The use of Cyber Security is not a constraint. Cyber Security experts work in these different categories of Cyber Security to ensure complete safety from cyber threats and attacks:
Network Security
Its objective is to protect the Computer network from attacks performed inside and outside the network.
Application Security
Adding and testing security measures to a program to secure sensitive data and decrease vulnerabilities.
Clouds Security
It protects cloud-based data, applications, and infrastructure from cyber threats and attacks.
IoT Security
Internet of Things (lot) security aims to protect the Internet of Things, including electronic and internet-connected appliances.
Critical Infrastructure Security
It is practiced to defend cyber-physical systems such as traffic lights and electric grids against cyber threats and attacks.
Best Cyber Security Practices
Following are the best practices IndustLabs highly suggests you implement to reduce vulnerabilities, cyber-attacks, and cyber threats:
Strong Passwords and Multifactor Authentication
Don't set a password, one can guess, as hackers nowadays use robust algorithms to crack complex passwords. Instead, set a strong password that should be as long as 12 characters and include upper-case letters, lower-case letters, and numbers. Multifactor authentication is a process that includes a two-step process to have access to a resource. Enabling it is always a plus point as it acts as a safety barrier.
Use VPNs and Secured Wi-Fi
The use of private and secure Wi-Fi mitigates the threat of cyber-attacks significantly. However, information sent and received using insecure or public Wi-Fi is vulnerable. Use VPN if you're using a public network.
Use Anti-Virus and Anti-malware Software
Antivirus and anti-malware software adds an extra layer of protection and decreases your vulnerabilities. Anti Malware destroys active malware from your system.
Use Secure and Updated Hardware
Outdated hardware may not support the latest security software and may dawdle in responding to malware. Make sure the hardware used by your employees or for your personal use is secure and is up to date.
Avoid Opening Links Directly
Avoid opening unauthorized links directly; instead, try to open them on the browser.
Back up Essential Data
You may lose all your data in a security breach. So it's safer to back up your essential information.
Train Your Employees
Organizations like IndustLabs train their employees to work with excellence. You must also train your employees to implement cyber security practices and educate them about best cyber security practices, cyber-attacks, and cyber threats.
Avoid Opening Suspicious Documents
Opening suspicious files can be hazardous and malicious. Opening scanned files are much safer and can protect you from viruses.
Myths About Cyber Security
There must be no leniency in implementing Cyber Security policies, both individually and collectively. Still, the following are some myths circulating about cyber security which develop our lenient behavior towards it:
Cybercriminals Neglect to Target (SMBs)
Although small and medium businesses (SMBs) are not targets of spray and pray cyber-attacks, it does not mean cybercriminals neglect them. Cybercriminals breach a thing that they find easy, mainly (SMBs) lack of cyber security team and security software. Therefore, they can easily be targeted and can face serious trouble if a cybercriminal gets into one of them.
Cyber Criminals are Outsiders
Cybercriminals are not always outsiders; insiders can also be a more severe threat if they are involved in malicious activities or working for a hacker group.
Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware are Enough
Antivirus and anti-malware are essential to protect an organization's network, but they are not alone not enough to counter all risks. Cyber Security teams, plans, and strategies are needed to encompass every threat.
Our Strong Passwords are Enough to Avoid Data Breach
Strong passwords are the first step to avoid a data breach, but still, they cannot be considered thoroughly enough. Therefore, organizations should also employ two-factor authentication and data access monitoring which adds an extra defensive layer.
Password is Enough to Keep Wi-Fi Secure
Wi-Fi password is considered safe and secure in a small working space. Still, public Wi-Fi, which has a password, can also be compromised. Passwords only constraint the number of users to use the network. Users can access the information being transmitted on the network. Employees should employ Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to work in a secure network connection.
