What is cyber security?

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The unfortunate truth is that cyber attacks can happen on the devices you use every day.

Many people don’t think twice about cyber security, as they assume that it is best handled by experts or that Internet security issues are something that IT departments handle.

The unfortunate truth is that cyber attacks can happen on the devices you use every day, for example, mobile phones, tablets, smart home devices like Alexa and Google Home.

As these devices are increasingly incorporated into our lives, it is important to be aware of the types of attacks that can happen, how they can affect you, and the best ways to protect yourself.

Attacks that can occur include:

Malicious software (also known as “malware”), which allows a hacker to access or damage your computer

Cyber data hijacking, as its name suggests, is malware that is used to obtain money by locking certain files or your entire computer system until you pay the ransom

Social engineering, where hackers trick you into revealing sensitive information, for example, your social security number or bank account information, by clicking links, downloading malware, or trusting malicious sources

Phishing is “information fishing” by sending fake emails that appear to be from reliable sources to steal your personal information

Cyber security at home

You can protect yourself against identity theft, extortion attempts, and loss of data (such as family photos or important documents) by:

Safeguard your devices and computer with the most up-to-date Internet protection and antivirus software.

Be aware of the possibility of phishing scams and avoid sharing private information unnecessarily.

Ensure that the organizations and companies that store your personal information have the appropriate IT security instruments in place

Cyber security at work

Many of these behaviors carry over to the office. While you may have an IT department that has security measures in place, make sure you:

Be careful when using email because this is where phishing attacks happen

Prevent wrong forwarding of emails for a phishing attack

You can also choose to seek basic training to minimize human error that can contribute to a possible disastrous cyber attack. Talk to your department or IT manager to see what may be available.

What’s new in cyber security?

Unfortunately, as technology is increasingly ingrained in our lives, new threats to our computer security will follow.

Experts see risks in the growing fields of AI, robotics, and 3-D printing, as the so-called 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) fuses physical, digital, and biological technologies, leaving our most personal data vulnerable.

How can I stay ahead of cyber security threats?

Reading about computer security from reputable sources is the best way to stay informed. Here are some 2019 predictions from Security Magazine.

New types of attacks

“Malicious cryptocurrency mining” is the illicit use of someone’s computer to mine cryptocurrency, these causes a delay in the performance of the computer

“Attacks on cryptocurrency ecosystems” thwart transactions on a block chain

New security measures

Cloud identity solutions

Two-factor authentication for mobile devices

Highest standards of excellence in data security for consumers

Some things are out of your control, but for the areas where you can protect yourself and the systems you work with, it is up to you to stay informed and protect yourself online.

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