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Digital transformation has changed every facet of the business as people increasingly rely on computers, smartphones, and gadgets. The massive amount of data generated, stored, and processed every day by enterprises illustrates the need for data management.
To cater to this massive confluence of data, computing ecosystems are increasingly becoming more complex, encompassing data centers, cloud infrastructure, and multiple edge devices, including IoT sensors, integrated devices, robots, etc. As a result, monitoring threats in cyberspace has become more challenging.
The accelerated growth of digital platforms indicates how important security is in the digital age. Big or small, all businesses must be backed by effective cyber security measures to prevent crimes and establish a strong digital footprint.
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What Is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the process by which computer systems, programs, devices, and networks are protected from cyber-attacks. As technology has evolved, cyber-attacks have become more sophisticated and pose a great deal of threat to your sensitive data. Hackers are increasingly employing new methods to circumvent security controls with the help of artificial intelligence and social engineering as well.
The reliance on technology continues to grow as the world is introduced with new technology that gives access to devices connected through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. To protect customer data, cloud security solutions, such as Guardio Security, should be integrated with other extensive security measures.
Some common examples of data breaches and cyber-attacks are:
- Identity extortion, fraud, and theft
- Phishing, malware, spoofing, viruses, spamming, trojans, and spyware
- Breach of access
- Website defacement
- System infiltration
- Password sniffing
- Messaging abuse
- Stolen hardware
- Public and private browser exploits
- Unauthorized access and IP theft
The Importance of Cybersecurity
To realize the importance of cybersecurity, it is important to learn about the magnitude of cybercrime. Cybercrime damages are expected to cost the world a whopping $6 trillion by 2022. Threats like data leaks (identity theft) and credit card fraud are common on social media.
Similarly, sensitive information like credit card details, bank details, and social security numbers are now protected and stored in cloud storage solutions. Regardless of whether you are a corporation, small business, or an individual, dependency on technology paired with poor cloud security can result in various security vulnerabilities.
With the advancements in technology, cybercriminals have developed better strategies to launch attacks using advanced techniques. In recent years, cybercriminals have conducted cyber-attacks by using artificial intelligence that gives them the capability for more destructive damage. The increased reliance on storage and data processing has also increased the percentage of cyber-attacks.
Cybersecurity is important to protect when embracing the latest technology. Intelligent security solutions should be implemented along with strong policies and authentication processes to mitigate risk. Some of the ad-blocking apps can also help you stay away from these threats and give you a better online experience.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CYBERCRIME
How to be Cyber Secure
Every day, we create 2.5 quintillion bytes of data. Cybercriminals benefit from data and attempt different types of cyberattacks every day. Moreover, security or data breaches damage the reputation of an organization and pose the risk of financial damage.
In a digitally-driven world where customers have access to products and services that protect their data, cyber security is essential to the smooth functioning and longevity of the business. Statistics reveal that companies can no longer avoid practicing cybersecurity and implementing tools, strategies, and systems to provide optimum cybersecurity.
Here are some effective methods of implementing cybersecurity:
1. Data Encryption
Encryption is one of the most standard processes for protecting data by storing it in unique codes known as ciphertext. Data encryption is performed on plain text and can be only deciphered by experts.
It is an essential organizational practice to keep documents, email, and other organizational data encrypted to protect it from theft, being misused, or intercepted by hackers.
2. Secure Browser Extensions
The browser plays a critical role in our everyday digital activity, storing sensitive data from passwords, banking information to messages and e-commerce activities.
Browser extensions for security, such as Guardio Security, are becoming increasingly important to protect browsing activity and quickly analyze an online service or website for potential threats.
Guardio Security blocks harmful sites, provides real-time updates, prevents data leakage, and protects your sensitive information with a cloud-centric approach.
3. Data Masking
Data masking is a process by which original data is kept safe by developing an exact copy for training or testing. By modifying original data that would be of little value to third-party intruders, sensitive data can be protected.
4. System and Software Updates
Cyber-attacks are the easiest to perform on broken, weak, and outdated systems or software. Cybercriminals gain access to your devices and networks by exploiting the weakness in your system. To prevent this, it is important to invest in different management systems that protect your system from loopholes criminals can sneak through by managing all system updates.
5. Protect Sensitive Data
It is essential to invest in solutions that monitor data exposure, limit the loss of information, and constantly scan leaked credentials. Unattended data leaks can give cybercriminals access to sensitive resources and internal networks.
A solution for data leak discovery should be implemented to monitor disclosure from third-party networks. 60% of data breach activities occur through third-party providers, and most damage can be prevented by withdrawing vendor data leaks.
6. Passwords
Using the same password across organizations, devices, or emails can be dangerous. Breaking into passwords is common among hackers; therefore, applying different security layers is important to prevent access to systems or applications.
Ensure that you have different passwords for different applications to maintain protection against internal and external threats.
7. Educate Employees
Human error is one of the primary causes of data breaches. Teaching your workforce how to identify threats and respond to criminal activities can prevent most data breach incidents.
Organizations can have different educational programs in place to maximize human potential against cybercrimes and prevent them from bypassing essential security controls to hackers. There are various resources on cybersecurity that can increase organizational awareness about cyber threats.
