Cybersecurity

Understanding Cybersecurity

  • Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computers, servers, mobile devices and data from digital attacks.
  • It aims to prevent unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of information.
  • It involves implementing measures to safeguard against cyber threats such as viruses, hacking, and identity theft.

Types of Cyber Threats

  • Malware - Malicious software like viruses, worms, spyware, and ransomware designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network.
  • Phishing - An attack where the hacker impersonates a trusted entity to trick individuals into providing sensitive data like passwords and credit card numbers.
  • Denial of Service (DoS) - An attack that overwhelms systems, servers, or networks with traffic to exhaust resources and bandwidth, causing the system to become inaccessible to users.
  • Man-in-the-middle (MitM) - This happens when attackers interrupt and eavesdrop on communication between two parties to steal sensitive information.

Measures in Cybersecurity

  • Firewalls - Provide a barrier between your internal network and incoming traffic from external sources (such as the internet) to block potential harmful and unauthorized data.
  • Anti-virus Software - Detects, prevents and takes action against malicious software on your computer like worms, spyware, bots, and viruses.
  • Encryption - Conversion of data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. It is commonly used to protect sensitive information transmitted over the internet.
  • User Access Control - Ensures only authorized individuals can access sensitive data. Involves practices like password protection and two-factor authentication.

Importance and Risks of Cybersecurity

  • Breaches in cybersecurity can result in leaking of sensitive data, monetary loss, harm to an organisation’s reputation, and downtime in services.
  • The rise of the internet and digital systems has increased the potential for digital attacks, making cybersecurity a top priority for both businesses and individuals.
  • Lack of proper cybersecurity measures can lead to violations with data protection laws and regulations such as the Data Protection Act 2018 and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
  • Staying up-to-date on cybersecurity threats and protection measures is vital for any organisation or individual using digital systems.

By understanding the basics of cybersecurity, you have the foundation to delve into more detailed aspects of security and data management.