CYBER SECURITY – Cyber security is the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks. It’s also known as information technology security or electronic information security. The term applies in a variety of contexts, from business to mobile computing, and can be divided into a few common categories.
•Network security is the practice of securing a computer network from intruders, whether targeted attackers or opportunistic malware. •Application security focuses on keeping software and devices free of threats. A compromised application could provide access to the data its designed to protect. Successful security begins in the design stage, well before a program or device is deployed. •Information security protects the integrity and privacy of data, both in storage and in transit.
The global cyber threat continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with a rising number of data breaches each year. A report by RiskBased Security revealed that a shocking 7.9 billion records have been exposed by data breaches in the first nine months of 2019 alone. This figure is more than double (112%) the number of records exposed in the same period in 2018. Medical services, retailers and public entities experienced the most breaches, with malicious criminals responsible for most incidents. Some of these sectors are more appealing to cybercriminals because they collect financial and medical data, but all businesses that use networks can be targeted for customer data, corporate espionage, or customer attacks. The threats countered by cyber-security are three-fold: 1. Cybercrime includes single actors or groups targeting systems for financial gain or to cause disruption. 2. Cyber-attack often involves politically motivated information gathering. 3. Cyberterrorism is intended to undermine electronic systems to cause panic or fear. How can businesses and individuals guard against cyber threats? Here are our top cyber safety tips: 1.Update your software and operating system 2.Use anti-virus software 3. Use strong passwords 4. Do not email attachments from unknown senders