January 06, 2023
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0Why Is Online Security So Important for You?
In an environment where almost all people use computers and the internet, cybercrime poses a real threat to many of us. That is why the importance of information security cannot be underestimated.
Here’s what you need to know firstly about the importance of online security.
Online security question
First, let’s figure out what information security (IS) is in general. In simple words, this concept includes the protection of data from use, disclosure, or destruction by intruders, as well as ensuring its integrity and confidentiality. Not only do organizations strive to protect important information, but more and more ordinary people are concerned about it. Why is information security so important? When it comes to companies, everything is clear here. After all, the loss of important data for an organization can mean a loss of money and reputation.
Companies need to be sure that they have reliable data protection and that they can protect themselves from cyberattacks. Weak data protection can lead to the loss or theft of key information and create a bad experience for customers. All this can lead to loss of business. Reliable information security reduces the risks of attacks, applies security measures to prevent unauthorized access to confidential data, and much more.
Therefore, companies, both large and small, always need to be aware of the latest news from the world of information security, as well as constantly studying industry documents regarding information security. This will provide protection against various computer attacks, and allow them to be aware of new threats and respond in time.
But why is information security important even for ordinary people? The leakage of the data of an ordinary person can also lead to a loss of reputation and money. After all, no one wants their data from electronic wallets or bank cards to be stolen by intruders.
Problems in information security
The main problems in information security are: social engineering, third-party exposure, patch management, malware, and general data vulnerabilities.
Social engineering
This is nothing more than psychological manipulation of people to get them to perform any action. For example, attackers gain the confidence of a person, and their target does not even suspect that they are being deceived. They may give out their confidential information, such as bank PIN codes, passwords, answers to secret questions, and so on.
Read more about social engineering here.
Third-party exposure
This applies to companies where any third-party entity can cause the leakage of important data. For example, any employee who has access to the company’s key information can become the very party who neglects the protection of information or simply steals it on purpose.
Patch management
Companies and ordinary people should always be aware of the latest releases of their programs and update them to the latest versions. This way you can be sure that the old bugs in the program will not be used by intruders for devious purposes.
Learn more about it here.
Malware
There are numerous malware and ransomware programs that often impersonate other programs and steal data under their guise, and even lead to a complete loss of information.
All types of malware are here.
Common data vulnerabilities
Almost every program contains errors committed by developers, through which attackers can carry out cyberattacks. To reduce the risk, you need to constantly update programs and make sure that developers correct known errors. Outdated programs, insufficiently protected networks and devices, or poorly trained employees can all become a risk for data loss and leakage.
Cybersecurity rules
Victims of cybercrime suffer not only financially, but also experience symptoms similar to those of post-traumatic stress disorder. In order not to become a victim, follow these basic rules:
- Update the system software.
- Implement the protection of endpoints — computers and other devices connected to the internet that have access to the network.
- Use secure internet connections.
- Password your web browsers and email.
Our guide on choosing the most protected password is here.
- Implement data retention for the possibility of recovery after loss.
- Encrypt your data and devices.
- Activate remote data erasure on other devices (this will help if you lose your laptop or mobile gadget).
- Make sure your cloud storage is secure.
- Control access to your network.
- Create reliable network segmentation (divide it into segments so that a hacker does not gain access to the entire network at once).
- Implement an audit log — monitoring what is happening and not happening on the network.
- Create a blacklist and whitelist for software.
- Secure your mobile devices.
- Secure devices that store data, such as flash drives.
- Keep usernames and passwords in a safe place.
The European Commission has implemented a regulation on cybersecurity, which creates a framework for monitoring and managing risks in the field of cybersecurity. This will lead to the creation of a new interdepartmental cybersecurity council, expand the possibilities of protection against cyber threats, and stimulate regular assessment of maturity and improvement of cyber hygiene.
The collection of cybersecurity laws around the world are here.
Cybersecurity of children
To protect children on the internet, openly share your concerns with them, tell them about safe behavior, and give them tips that will help avoid threats. Here are some tips:
- Teach children not to click on buttons and links in emails.
- Install high-quality antivirus software on all gadgets.
- Find and install software that can check and update privacy settings on social networks.
- Advise children to download apps and programs only from official stores.
- Set up programmatic parental controls that block inappropriate content.
- Teach children to consciously approach their choice of content.
- Tell children that public and school Wi-Fi can be unsafe.
In addition, talk to your children about trolling and bullying (negative comments about a person), stalking (harassment), and flaming (hate speech) on the internet. According to UNICEF, a third of children succumb to aggressive attacks of this kind on the internet. Explain that it is better not to respond to provocations but rather report the aggressors for possible banning.
There are special means of protection against phishing emails and websites, tools to protect smartphones and tablets from mail and web threats. Children will benefit from a password manager that will help them generate complex codes. Use all of this to protect yourself and your children in cyberspace.
Our special guide on data protection for your children is here.
Conclusion
Absolutely everyone needs protection from cyberattacks and threats to digital security. Data leaks are harmful in both the short and long term. Therefore, try to monitor your software updates as often as possible, do not entrust passwords and accesses to anyone, and do not install programs from suspicious sources. Awareness of information security is an important practice and will help protect your data.
