We often hear about cyber-attacks, the emergence of new attack methods and new cybercriminals with improved technology and digitization.. but how to prevent cyber attacks and ensure total security ? 

This is where cyber security comes in. 

Cybersecurity encompasses all the means that make it possible to ensure the protection and integrity of data, sensitive or not, within a digital infrastructure. It is a specialty within the information systems professions. The notion of cybersecurity comes into play on a recurring basis thanks to the digital transformation of companies, which generalize the use of computer tools and communication via the Internet.

What is cybersecurity ?

Cyber ​​security is about protecting computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks and data against malicious attacks. It is also called computer security or information systems security. 

You can encounter it in many contexts, from corporate IT to mobile devices. It can be divided into several categories : 

• Network security is about protecting the computer network against intruders, whether they are targeted attacks or opportunistic malware.

• Application security aims to protect software and devices against threats. A corrupted application could open up access to the data it is supposed to protect. A reliable security system can be recognized at the design stage, long before a program or device is deployed.

• Information security ensures the integrity and confidentiality of data, whether in storage or in transit.

• Operational security includes the processes and decisions related to the processing and protection of data. User permissions for network access and the procedures that define the storage and location of data fall under this type of security.

• Disaster recovery and business continuity specify how an organization responds to a cybersecurity incident or any other event causing loss of operations or data. Disaster recovery policies govern how a business recovers its operations and information to regain the same ability to function as before the event. Business continuity refers to the blueprint on which a business relies while trying to operate without certain resources.

• The end user training focuses on the most unpredictable factor: people. Anyone can accidentally introduce a virus into a usually secure system by not following good security practices. Teaching users how to delete suspicious email attachments and not to plug in unidentified USB drives is essential for the security of a business.

Challenges of cybersecurity

• Evolution is permanent :

Perhaps the biggest challenge in cybersecurity is the continued development of technology, which offers cybercriminals an ever-growing list of opportunities they can exploit. To make this challenge even more complex, cybercriminals are constantly developing new methods to carry out their cyber attacks.

The result is cybersecurity software and experts who are constantly creating new solutions to address potential vulnerabilities, so that cybercriminals are enticed to continually look for other ways to launch attacks. As such, cybersecurity is constantly evolving.

Keeping abreast of the ever-changing nature of cybersecurity is extremely difficult for businesses, and this task can also be costly. Thus, it requires constant attention paid to this sector as well as regular updates.

• The amount of data :

Another major cybersecurity challenge is the amount of data most businesses have. The larger the amount of data, the more attractive a business becomes, especially when the data is sensitive information.

Thus, not only are those whose data is stored by the company at risk of their data being stolen, but the company itself is also at risk of legal action if the data is obtained negligently.

• The need of training and awareness :

Another challenge is the fact that it is impossible to rely solely on cybersecurity software or other solutions : indeed, training and user awareness is also essential.

Employees of a company need to understand which actions are risky , for example opening a link from unknown emails or accidently introducing malware on their smartphones.

Such an approach requires spending time on training in addition to the normal tasks to be carried out and the company must have the necessary budget.

Note : With the growing scale of the cyber threat, International Data Corporation predicts that global spending on cybersecurity solutions will reach a massive $ 133.7 billion by 2022.

Cybersecurity Tips

How can businesses and particulars protect themselves against cyberattacks ? 

Here are some cybersecurity tips to prevent cyberattacks : 

• Regularly update your software and operating system , you benefit from the latest security patches. 

• Use strong passwords : make sure your passwords aren’t easy to guess. 

• Do not open email attachments from strangers , They could be infected with malware. 

• Do not click on links from unknown users or sites in emails , This is a frequently used method of spreading malware. 

• Avoid unsecured WI-FI networks in public places , unsecured networks make you vulnerable to so-called man-in-the-middle attacks. 

• Use an antivirus : Security solutions detect and remove threats. Update your software for the best level of protection. 

 

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