Cyber Security and its Awareness

The digital world is growing at a rip-roaring pace. The last few years have witnessed the robust evolution of the digital space, gradually taking most industries under its hood. Most of us who are well-acquainted with the goodness of the internet, smartphones, and the like, realize its immense reach, connectivity, and scope. Other than providing us enormous convenience, the digital world has proven beneficial vis-à-vis building connections, lowering boundaries, technological advancements, innovation, etc. 

However, as all good things come with some cons, the internet space too is dotted with negatives, one of them being cybercrimes. Cyber security is critical in the digital world for protecting one’s identity, information, finances, and even life.

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What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security involves shielding and protecting digital platforms and devices like information, data, identities, software, etc. Cyber security is achieved through various methods like anti-malware installation, well-thought strong passwords, not sharing passwords, using trusted and secure gateways and platforms, and more such options. Cyber security has become essential in the world of digitization for companies and individuals alike. 

With the increasing participation of internet users and the rising number of digital services, tremendous amounts of data are shared and transferred between different parties every minute. Cyber crimes become prevalent when there is lax cyber security. The threat of cyber crimes has increased substantially over the past few years, and as more users participate in sharing their data, the number and scope of cyber crimes are only bound to increase. 

According to the latest reports, the value of the damage caused by cyber attackers has reached $6 trillion. Cyber-attacks have increased so much that they occur every 39 seconds on average. The investment in cyber security remains low across most channels. On average small companies invest less than $500 in securing their cyberspace. 

Various ways are employed to attack individuals and companies, like phishing, virus attack, data corruption, spyware installation, hacking of passwords, ransomware attacks, social engineering, etc. Such activities have often resulted in enormous personal and financial damage, and the prime reason for the success of such activities is human error. 

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Different Levels of Cyber Security

Internet and digital tools are very diverse nowadays, implying that cybercriminals have different avenues to carry out their activities and channel their intent. Cyber security can be categorized into four segments:

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Infrastructure

Digital infrastructure is one of the most important pieces of equipment, serviced and employed by companies to create their digital business. Online businesses and businesses structured around online suites heavily rely on digital infrastructures, where lax cyber security can result in colossal damage.

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Application

Fintech platforms engage the personal and financial information of companies, merchants, and individuals. Security of such gateways and applications is pivotal in ensuring cyber security at all levels. Cyber security is incomplete if it remains one-sided. The onus also lies on application users and customers to protect their data, not share passwords, and always check for secure and reliable channels. 

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Network

Apart from the above, one of the most primitive and wide channels established for data transfer is the internet and the intranet. Securing both networks is equally important to keep the digital world safe and away from malware.

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Cloud

Cloud computing and technologies have had tremendous ground. Hacking in clouds gives cybercriminals mighty leverage over data and the vulnerable party. Protecting clouds by involving only reliable third parties is essential for cyber security. 

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Increased Risk of Breached Security

Cyber security is only as good as the weakest member in the circle. With a low level of cyber security awareness and knowledge, there is an increased risk of compromises. Some of the most common ways in which employees and individuals increase the risk of cyber security are:

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Replying to Phishing Communication

Hackers and cyber criminals send phishing communication like incentivized text messages, vague emails, etc., to lure people into replying to them. As soon as an individual replies or reacts to such phishing communication, they are scammed, resulting in a personal or financial data breach.

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Password

Sharing passwords, one-time-passwords (OTPs), or keeping weak passwords are common mistakes committed by the majority of internet users. Any lax security in passwords can provide a window for hackers and cybercriminals to take advantage of.

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Personal Information

Other than passwords, people also tend to share their personal and financial information through various channels in the digital space. If the channel’s security is lax, the user’s information is at risk of being stolen or misused.

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Data Recovery

An improper system for data recovery is one of the biggest factors contributing to data and financial damage to companies and individuals. 

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Physical Security

Other than protecting digital tools like software, applications, etc., it is also crucial to keep physical equipment like hard drives, hard discs, and more under proper physical security. 

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Best Practices

Some of the best ways of ensuring cyber security and protecting one’s personal safety on digital channels are:

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Training and Increasing Awareness

Companies should invest in training their employees to learn more about cyber security, data breaches, different types of security issues, and how to reduce the risk of cyber attacks. Individuals using the internet and other digital tools should also invest in learning about cyber security and data privacy to safeguard their identities, finances, and other essentials from fraud. 

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Data Recovery

Anyone using the internet or is potentially vulnerable to cyber crimes should set up appropriate data recovery channels. Data recovery has proven crucial in many instances and is one of the best ways to protect what is yours.

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Build Stronger Firewalls

Utilizing secure channels and strong firewalls is extremely important for the digital age. All companies engaging in digital services should invest in building stronger firewalls and only employ reliable third parties.  

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The Bottom Line

Cyber security is an integral part of the digital world which is only gaining more importance with the expanding internet and digital space. As more technological developments occur globally, cybercriminals also gain access to these advancements paving the way for more cyber crimes. Investing in proper cyber security and increasing awareness about it are some of the best ways of protecting oneself from cyber attacks. Companies should strategically plan a multilayered cyber security system that provides them an all-around shield. 

As they say, it is better to be safe than sorry.

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