Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These digital attacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information; extorting money from users via ransomware; or interrupting normal business processes.
Implementing effective cybersecurity measures is particularly challenging today because there are more devices than people, and attackers are becoming more innovative but if you use strong passwords, update your software regularly, think before you click on suspicious links or email attachments, and turn on multi-factor authentication then these guidelines will better protect you from digital attacks.
If you want to learn more about cyber security we run a course in Cyber Safety and Security. For more information on this course please click HERE.
Types of cybersecurity threats
Phishing
Phishing is the practice of sending fraudulent emails that resemble emails from reputable sources. The aim is to steal sensitive data like credit card numbers and login information. It’s the most common type of digital attack. You can help protect yourself through education or a technology solution that filters malicious emails. For more information on Phishing please click HERE.
Advice: Never click on any links or attachments received in an email unless you were expecting it and are sure of where it came from.
Malware
Malware is a type of software designed to gain unauthorised access to your computer. It can also cause damage to your computer. For more information on malware and the different kinds of malware please click HERE.
Advice: Never click on a link you are unsure of and make sure to keep your antivirus software up-to-date.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malicious software. Once the software is installed the hackers will have access to your computer. When access is gained to your computer they can place a password on it locking you out. The hackers can also lock you out of specific files on your computer. Now that your computer or files have been locked the hackers will demand payment to unlock them. Paying the ransom does not ensure that the files will be recovered or the system restored. For more information on ransomware please click HERE.
Advice: Never click on a link you are unsure of, make sure to keep your antivirus software up-to-date, and never allow any unknown users access to your computer.
Social Engineering
Social engineering is a tactic that people use to trick you into revealing sensitive information. The aim of social engineering is to gain your trust so you lower your guard. You will then be encouraged to take unsafe actions like the threats listed above. Social engineering makes you more likely to click on links, download malware, or trust a malicious source. For more information on social engineering please click HERE.
Advice: Never reveal any personal information such as bank account details or passwords by email or over the phone.
Protecting yourself from digital attacks
To better protect yourself from digital attacks and improve your cyber security you should:
- Keep personal information private
- Update software regularly
- Create strong passwords by using paraphrases
- Use two-step verification whenever possible
- Be cautious of free Wi-Fi
- Regularly check applications you have installed as privacy settings can change with upgrades
The information in this article came from cisco.com. If you would like more detailed information you can visit their website cisco.com.
