Earlier, the tradition of unlawful events harmed individuals and business operations. In different eras, unpleasant practices occurred but with changed methods, while the results used to be the same; Data or financial loss.
In this era of digitalisation, where everything runs online, a new kind of threat is common. Cyber threats or digital invasions are the most hazardous unlawful activity that can impact a business with huge data loss. Highly skilled technology experts, cybercriminals provide people with such intelligent threats.
On the flip side, cybersecurity is the best practice to stop this data loss. It is a phenomenon that ensures fortifying business operations and shields their valuable data. Thus, it becomes challenging for cybercriminals to access business data when a cybersecurity strategy is in place.
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Cybersecurity – Overview
Before we start discussing what cybersecurity is, let’s illustrate an example. There is a person X who shops from a specific store online. The store stores his data, such as name, email, etc. One day, X receives an email with a coupon discount requiring him to click a link.
Later, X realised it wasn’t a coupon code but a scam. Technically, it is a phishing attack where a cybercriminal or a hacker embeds malware or manipulated files within the email that is now installed into the victim’s computer. Phishing attacks come under many cyberattacks, and to stop such attacks, we use cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity is the collection of techniques that we employ to stop hackers and cybercriminals from duping people or systems with intelligent threats. There are many cybersecurity solutions in response to various cyber-attacks.
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5 Types of Cyber Attacks
Hackers and cybercriminals are tech experts with evil intentions who trick organisations and individuals into accessing their data for monetary motives. You must know about the types of cyber attacks that hackers implement to identify the problem and get away safely.
#1. Phishing Attack
It is the type of intelligent threat that uses malware or other intrusion techniques to access someone’s computer system. Such attacks aim to install a manipulated file onto the victim’s device to alter its functionality or control its use.
A third party or cybercriminal is initiating and controlling this attack. It also includes a malicious email or any other attachment that contains a file to corrupt a system for data or monetary purposes.
#2. Man-in-the-Middle Attack
If you are familiar with how the internet works, you will understand this type of cyberattack effortlessly. In this cyber intrusion, the attacker is the middleman in the path of a victim’s computer and the connected server of the internet. Simply put, the hacker gets the user’s IP address to gain access to their database.
It happens due to working on public or insecure WiFi and installing malware into the victim’s computer. It leads to the intersection in the network communication of the user and the data server.
#3. Advanced Persistent Threat
Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) is a type of cyberattack that happens with organisations. It includes the secret working of cybercriminals to gain access to a company’s network for a long time. The evil mastermind stays in the system to get confidential information about the business.
It leads to making the business prone to blackmail from the hacker or direct data loss. Therefore, APT is a severe danger to any organisation, and cybersecurity can easily fight it off.
#4. Distributed Denial-of-Service Attack
Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) is the use of multiple systems to drive traffic to a business’s network, making it stop functioning. It leads to a huge loss in terms of money, data, and customers.
Hackers can carry out such acts by accessing your business system and staying there. Then, they turn on several systems simultaneously, inducing a malfunction in your company server.
#5. SQL Injection Attack
Structured Query Language (SQL) is a database programming language with queries to control the data regarding your business. Hackers inject malware or corrupted files into your SQL server, taking control of your business database. Then, they can view, edit, or delete any data from their desired database.
4 Ways to Secure Your Data with Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is the system to fight off and secure your devices and business operations. It can fortify your system and shield your data from smart thieves. With certain practices of cybersecurity, you can ensure a safe business operation.
#1. Set Up a Firewall
A firewall is a security layer between your computer and its connected network. It is the best guard that can stop cyber threats from reaching your computer from the internet. Whenever it detects a malicious file, it notifies you while permanently deleting it. Therefore, you must have an up-to-date firewall installed on your device.
#2. Controlled Access to Data
You must have system data accessed from a trustworthy source. You should never download a file or open a website that seems abnormal. Never allow unauthorised users on your organisation’s network. Ensure your business uses a secure and protected WiFi connection with state-of-the-art password protection.
#3. Secure Measures in Your Business Operations
You can secure your business operations with many security software, such as anti-virus and anti-malware applications. It detects malicious activities and user traffic on your network, providing you with insight into keeping your business safe from cybercriminals.
You must also strengthen your passwords as hackers first try to attack your device’s passwords. Use stronger passwords with various letters, numerals, and symbols to give hackers a tough time decrypting them.
#4. AI in Cybersecurity
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an integral technology for cybersecurity. It enables businesses to detect abnormal activity or traffic on their network, making their data and system secure. Furthermore, AI uses many top-notch technologies, like machine learning and more, to diagnose unauthorised access from hackers to an organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cybersecurity Shield Data?
Yes, cybersecurity is a phenomenal technique to end the activities of cybercriminals. Hackers gain access to organisations to steal their data; Cybersecurity curbs their actions with various methods.
How Important Is Cybersecurity Today?
Digitalisation is widespread today, leading to data going online databases. Many evil tech experts can get access to such data, making organisations and individuals prone to huge data and money loss. Therefore, cybersecurity is a crucial phenomenon today.
What Are the 5 Cs of Cybersecurity?
The 5 Cs of cybersecurity include various components that define the process of securing a network from cybercriminals. They are change, compliance, coverage, cost, and continuity. These components enable a cyber security expert to create a robust strategy to safeguard any network from attacks.