Can we really prevent Cybersecurity attacks and avoid all the negative downsides that come with a breach? What is cybersecurity? – “Cybersecurity” is a system designed and deployed to protect and defend an organization’s network and data from theft, damage, destruction, sabotage, or unauthorized access

What does Cybersecurity do?

Cybersecurity prevents hackers from breaking into your company’s server systems and stealing sensitive data like customer credit card numbers. It also helps companies reach key customers with tailored messages for product promotions. It alerts management to fraudulent activity by employees who might be cheating the company out of goods or services for personal gain.

What is the difference between Information security and Cybersecurity?

Information security focuses on protecting digital data and information, while cybersecurity involves protecting the hardware and software used in computer networks. Information security can be achieved through the various system and network design processes and controls. Cybersecurity provides a layer of protection to the networked computers, servers, and other devices employed by an organization or individual. Read more about data protection here.

What are some common misconceptions about cybersecurity?

a) Security breaches happen all the time.

Many security breaches are deliberate, legal, and accidental. Nearly three-quarters of the information security professionals surveyed by the Ponemon Institute said they have witnessed or participated in security event that they believed was intentional attack.

b) I’ve got the latest virus protection, so I’m safe.

Viruses are no longer the biggest threat to cybersecurity. Hackers are constantly developing new tools to get around antivirus software. You can protect your business by using firewalls, data encryption, and other security measures.

c) I don’t need antivirus software on my mobile device because it’s not connected to our network.

Cybersecurity is too expensive to put in place on my business.
You don’t need to follow every recommendation made by the experts. You need to know and implement enough to be safe.

d) Cybersecurity is a one-time fix.

Cybersecurity must be refined and updated constantly because the enemy changes with every new technological development.
Every year, major organizations from Target to Chipotle have been victims of data breach. You need a comprehensive cybersecurity plan in place for your business before a cyberattack puts your organization in the news for all the wrong reasons.

What are some benefits of Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity gives organizations the ability to protect critical information and assets, maintain control over user access, and keep customers informed about potential risks before they occur. The biggest benefit for most companies is protecting customer data.

1. Increased sales
2. Reduces risk and liability
3. Enhances customer trust and loyalty
4. Improves public perception of your organization
5. Strengthens your brand
6. Reduces cost and compliance regulations

How do we prevent Cybersecurity attacks?

You can prevent cybersecurity breaches by:

1. Understanding the differences between information security, physical security, and cybersecurity.  Keep in mind that cybersecurity must be reevaluated as new technology is added to your network; otherwise, you might miss a potential threat to your network’s integrity.
2. Encrypting your data so that it’s safe from outside attacks, even if the data is stolen by an insider.  Encryption can be used to protect data at rest, data in transit, or both.
3. Removing unnecessary access permissions for all employees and contractors involved in your organization’s systems and networks.  Failing to do so could endanger your network by giving hackers a “back door” into the network through which cybercriminals can trick their way into key information assets.
4. Using intrusion detection devices to protect your organization against computerized forms of sabotage.  With the help of these devices, you can detect malicious activity by hackers or other cybercriminals.
5. Using two-factor authentication to secure your network resources and data.  This type of security requires users to produce a second form of identification—often in the form of a PIN or passphrase—in order to access an account.
6. Training your employees to protect your business data, even if it means identifying threats before you do.  Employees can act as the eyes and ears of their company by monitoring coworkers’ activity and reporting potential problems to management.
7. Using malware detection software to keep your systems up-to-date on the latest threats.  Malware can steal information or crash your systems, so it needs to be detected early on in the process.
8. Automating security management so that it can be performed automatically.  Automation helps to reduce the likelihood of human error, thereby ensuring that every piece of security that matters is protected.
9. Creating a comprehensive cybersecurity plan that specifies how your organization will respond to cyber events and develop strategies for preventing incidents from occurring in the first place.
10. Involving other stakeholders, including other IT personnel, network engineers, technicians, and security analysts in your information security team, as well as customers who are affected by cyber events.
11. Developing a cybersecurity policy that defines the steps every employee will take in the event of a cyber event.  The policy should also explain how employees should report suspicious activity to management so that the right measures can be taken to contain an attack.
12. Monitoring your network for any signs of suspicious activity, including outages or unexplained modifications of your security controls.  Never ignore these kinds of anomalies because an anomaly can be a danger signal indicating that someone is attempting to compromise your network’s integrity.

What is Cyberwarfare and Cyberterrorism?

Cyberwarfare

Cyberwarfare—or cyber warfare—is any form of conflict that involves hacking. This can mean attacking websites, computer systems, or other electronic devices. It can also include the use of malware to attack computers, phones, and tablets. Unlike conventional warfare tactics, cyber warfare does not require physical presence in an area. Instead, it relies on hacking and other types of attacks over the Internet to attempt to take over or disrupt another system or network.

Cyberterrorism

Terrorism involves using fear to influence political power. Cyberterrorism is the use of the Internet, mobile devices, or computer systems to cause widespread fear. Cyber terrorists can either use existing viruses or create their own. They can also create websites that are specifically designed to scare people.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity has become a major issue in today’s world, and staying safe on the Internet has never been more important. Whether you’re using your phone or using your computer, it’s always wise to take basic precautions that will help to ensure that you’re not vulnerable to hacker attacks that can put your personal information at risk.