What is Cyber Security
Cyber security refers to the practice of protecting technology from outside attacks such as Malware, Spyware, data phishing and other malicious activities.
Although once upon a time it would have referred to protecting computers only, it now includes everything related to information technology. That encompasses computers, servers, electronic systems, computer networks and data.
It’s important to have strong cyber security controls in place to ensure your information technology systems remain free from threats. As threats are constantly evolving, you need to keep your cyber security systems up to date at all times; and if you suspect any malicious activity call the team at Urban Digital Co who can help manage your cyber security for you.
Cyber security is different from computer security and IT security. Cyber security is a sub category of IT security. It specifically refers to the protection of your data on networks, computers and devices.
Cyber criminals are becoming more savvy as time goes on, so you need to have a foolproof system and there are a few main types of cyber security including:
- Critical infrastructure security
- Network security
- Application security – software and hardware are protected through the use of antivirus software, firewalls or encryption
- Information security – consisting of measures that protect all data from unapproved access, use, changes, deletion, or anything else not authorised
- Cloud security
- Data loss protection – involving backing up data and implementing recovery strategies if data was lost.
- User information – to manage cyber security efficiently within an organisation, everyone needs to know the protocols to adhere to. If some implement certain policies but others don’t it can lead to chaos and your cyber security strategy being compromised.
In the age of technology and increased internet banking and data being shared through the internet, people’s private information is at the biggest risk of a cyber attack. A cyber attack which targets confidentiality will seek bank account details, credit card numbers or other personal information that can then be used for purchases. Effectively this is known as identity fraud; and if you don’t have good cyber security systems in place you are in danger of being the victim of a cyber attack.
Other cyber attacks seek to ruin the integrity of an organisation. Think social media data breaches. It’s unknown if information was ever used maliciously but it was certainly used to discredit the social media platform and it was successful. It’s very important you protect your data from cyber attacks so that you keep your reputation as a trusted organisation.
In other cases, malware is installed in computers without people even known. Malware includes spyware and other malicious software. It’s installed with the intention of capturing confidential data – again, with the purpose of carrying out identity fraud and using the information maliciously.
The main thing you need to know is that if your cyber security systems aren’t up to a high standard you could become the victim of a cyber attack. That could cost you your reputation or you could lose a lot of money because your credit card details were stolen and used without your consent.
Check out the Australian Cyber Govs Essential 8
So how can you protect yourself from a cyber attack and maintain high cyber security?
This shouldn’t need to be said in 2020 but if you receive an email from an unknown address or from a sender claiming to be your bank, always check the email address of the sender. If you’re in doubt, contact your bank or delete the email. Don’t open any attachments and if you can, block the sender’s address as well.
Only use sites you trust, don’t click on web links from external browsers. You may think you’re going to your bank’s website, but in reality you could be going to a website disguised as your bank’s. Always type in the URL yourself and check for websites that use “https” in the URL rather than “http”. The ’S” symbolises that it’s a secure site and you can enter personal information confidently. Websites that hold even more credibility are those with the lock symbol before the “https” as well. The lock symbol also indicates increased security.
Update your devices and your software. Doing so helps you protect them from cyber attacks that may prey on vulnerabilities and holes in software. Outdated devices may no longer be supported by the manufacturer and therefore they don’t receive updates. If they don’t receive updates that increases the vulnerabilities because they may not be running the most recent antivirus or security software.
Always update your files and back them up, especially if they contain important information. If your systems were to be attacked then you could lose all your data and other sensitive information. Backing up your data outside of your network helps you retain that important information and can also give you peace of mind that data is protected. If you’re dealing with large volumes of data this is extremely important for you. and your business.
You should also subscribe to IT magazines and newsletters so you keep up to date with the current cyber security information. If there’s a new development you’ll be one of the first people to know and can act to protect your computer systems.
If you think that your cyber security has been compromised and you’re unsure how to resolve the issue then contact one of our Cyber Security experts who can fix your existing issues and guide you through the whole process. IT often goes over people’s heads if they’re not used to it so we’ll always explain it in a simple way that you can understand. We’re based in Australia as well so you don’t need to worry about your data being compromised or sent overseas.
Why Choose Us as your Managed IT Services Melbourne Provider?
Technology shouldn’t give you a headache and nor should it cost your business money if things go wrong, we are here to support you for the best of your business ensuring youre always online and have a rock solid IT fastructure to support you.
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