31 Aug How to Keep Up with the Growing Importance of Cybersecurity
As long as the internet has been a public entity, there have been software engineers on the job, working to bolster the guardian that is cybersecurity. We have all personally experienced at least one scam, virus, or maybe even clicked on that link in the sketchy email from an expiring Arabian prince that is looking to find someone to leave his millions of dollars with after he is gone. And with the rise of the internet, cybersecurity has become an increasingly important topic. The threat of cybercrime is real and growing, and there are luckily ways that exist for you to protect yourself.
We have all very much been hearing a lot about cybersecurity lately as it is genuinely a big topic that affects us all no matter where we are or what we do. I also know that you’re probably not interested in the nitty-gritty details of how the internet works. Still, it would be best if you believed that it’s essential to understand the basics of what’s happening when you’re online these days. The first thing you should know is that there are lots of ways cybercriminals can compromise your information—and no one is immune! That means everyone must be aware of their vulnerability and take steps to prevent harm from coming to them or their loved ones. The second thing you should know is that something you can do—like using strong passwords, having good antivirus software installed on your devices, and being careful about what information you post online—make it harder for attackers to gain access to your private data. And those things will help keep you safe while also ensuring that criminals don’t have access to sensitive information like credit card numbers or medical records (which could lead them straight into your home).
Cybersecurity is a vast field covering everything from protecting your company’s network to ensuring your employees are practicing good security habits. It’s also a fast-growing industry, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for people with experience in cybersecurity to move up the ranks quickly.
You’re probably wondering why you need to know about cybersecurity. It’s because you’re going to be hacked. It’s not a question of if but when. It might be a kid in Russia who wants to mess with your bank account, or maybe a competitor wants to sabotage your company by deleting all your files. Either way, they will be able to get into your system and wreak havoc—unless you take charge first and make sure they can’t get in. So here are three things you need to know about cybersecurity so that when those hackers come knocking on your door (and they will), you’ll be ready for them.
Unprecedented digitalization has provided a pathway for engagement and connectivity when the world was supposed to stay apart. Its benefits are clear, but so are the threats. To ensure we maintain a trusted, secure, and protected digital environment, it is imperative that leadership teams better incorporate cybersecurity and break down siloes both within and between organizations to improve cyber resilience. Although cybercriminals will continue to use tried and true methods, such as phishing emails, unsecured secrets, and exploiting known flaws, they will also explore new technologies like Java, Adobe Flash, and WebLogic to gain access. While cyberattacks will not stop any time soon, nor has any magic bullet been found to resolve all the issues in cybersecurity, there are clear and concrete steps that leaders can take to best prepare themselves and their organizations for an attack. Cybersecurity is not a different technology but a priority of the systems spanning technology, people, and processes in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The ongoing shift from cybersecurity to cyber resilience is an essential step towards a more trustworthy and sustainable future. And, of course, with more and more businesses going online, it’s no surprise that the world is becoming increasingly digital. By 2020, 50% of the world’s population will be using the Internet. These data points are staggering and should be a cause for concern for companies who want to protect their data from cyber threats. But there is some good news: many organizations are already implementing modern cybersecurity techniques to protect their data.
One of the popular methods now used to trick digital users is Ransomware. The ever-growing threat from ransomware attacks is at the forefront of cyber leaders’ minds. More than 50% of respondents indicated that ransomware was one of their biggest concerns regarding cyber threats. In addition, 80% stressed that ransomware is a dangerous and growing threat to public safety. Ransomware attacks increased in frequency and sophistication and were followed by social engineering attacks as the second-highest concern for cyber leaders.
When it comes to protecting your own personal data, knowledge is power. The best way to stay ahead of threats is to understand how they work and how they can affect your business. That means educating yourself on topics like encryption algorithms, malware detection systems, and other relevant issues related to cybersecurity. This can help you avoid common mistakes like unpatched employee computers or failing to use strong passwords consistently across all devices (which could allow hackers access).
When it comes to protecting every bit of your personal information and keeping it out of the hands of everyone who would give anything to squeeze you dry of every luxury you enjoy, you can never be too safe. And considering just how complex and ever-changing newer methods can make the entire internet seem malicious, all it takes is a slight bit of pro-activism. So whether it be for yourself, your family, your friends, or even your business, we should all treat these types of threats with the utmost caution.