Importance of Cyber Security

Have you ever wondered what would happen if all of your personal information or an organization’s confidential information became public? The consequences will be catastrophic. As a result, cyber security comes into play to keep it secure and confidential. Security and confidentiality are just two benefits or advantages of cyber security. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of cyber security in this article.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of cyber security in great detail. But, before we begin explaining or understanding the importance of cyber security, let’s go through the topics listed under the table of contents (TOC) that we will cover in this article.

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Table of content (TOC)

• What is cyber security?
• Importance of cyber security
• How can I improve the security of my data as an individual?
• Conclusion

What is cyber security? 

Cyber security definition: Cyber security is the technique of defending against malicious attacks on computer systems, data centers, portable devices, communications devices, networks, data, and so on.

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Now that we know what cybersecurity is, let’s go through different types of cyber security. There are six types of cyber security: Network security, Cloud security, Endpoint security, Mobile security, IoT security, and Application security. Let’s explore different types of cyber security in detail:

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• Network security refers to the steps taken by an establishment to safeguard its computer network and data using software and hardware systems.
• Cloud security refers to a set of security measures designed to safeguard cloud-based infrastructure, applications, and data.
• Endpoint security prevents attackers from gaining access to or exploiting endpoints on end-user devices such as laptops, desktop computers, and mobile devices.
• Mobile security refers to the approach, infrastructure, and software used to safeguard laptops, tablets, and other portable computing devices, as well as any gadget that users carry with them.
• Internet of Things (IoT) security refers to the protection provided for cloud-connected devices such as security cameras, home SCADA machines, automation, and any other technology directly connecting to the cloud.
• Application security refers to measures taken at the application level to prevent the application’s data or code from being hijacked or stolen.

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Importance of cyber security 

Now let’s explore why cyber security is essential or the importance of cybersecurity in detail. Here are some of the reasons:

Protection of data

As an individual or a business, you may have a lot of valuable data, such as personal data (pictures, videos, etc.), business insights, financial data, and so on, that you want to keep safe or confidential with current regulations. Here is where cyber security comes into play.

If no cyber security solutions are implemented, it can result in financial loss and a loss of customer loyalty, trust, and brand reputation. Hence, you can prevent or at least mitigate the damage caused by a security breach by implementing or having an excellent cyber security solution.

Protection against cyber attacks

Before we understand this point in detail, let’s first understand what a cyber attack or cyber threat is. A cyber attack or cyber threat can be defined as any attempt to obtain unauthorized access to a computer or computer network with the intent of causing damage.

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By implementing cyber security solutions, businesses and individuals can protect themselves and others against the full range of cyber security threats or cyberterrorism, such as data breach, phishing, trojan horse, malware, smishing, spyware, DDoS, denial of service, social engineering, clickjacking, salami attack, and many more.

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Protection against increasing digitalization

In growing countries like India, where digitization is happening at a rapid phase, it has become vital to implement tight cyber security solutions. As digital technologies evolve, the number of devices and users grows, and data becomes more critical in the digital economy, the number of cyber threats will grow. Strong cyber security will be essential for reducing the risk of an attack and securing systems and data.

Ensuring business continuity

Without strong cyber security defenses, destroying modern-day necessities such as power grids, water facilities, social media, and government and non-government websites would be simple. As a result, cyber security is crucial because it contributes to preserving the lifestyle choices we have already come to appreciate and enjoy.

Protects privacy

Privacy is recognized as a fundamental human right and is legally protected. But did you know that the right to privacy is a human right in the digital world?

Originally, privacy meant that people should be able to live within the confines of their homes without government interference. However, in today’s world, the definition of “Privacy” has shifted. In today’s world, this means that people should be able to make their own decisions, communicate freely, and search online without being influenced or negatively impacting their daily lives.

Despite multiple campaigns, advertisements, memes, and so on, most people need to be made aware of how their personal data is collected, used, and shared. To address this, 28th January is observed globally as Data Protection Day. The primary goal of commemorating this day is to promote privacy and raise awareness about best practices in data protection.

Maintains CIA

Factors such as confidentiality, integrity, and availability will be maintained if you have opted for solid cyber security solutions. According to confidentiality principles, only authorized parties should have access to sensitive information and functions. 

According to the principles of integrity, only authorized people and means can change, add, or delete classified information. The availability principles affirm that functions, systems, and data must be available on-demand per predetermined parameters based on the service levels. These three principles: confidentiality, integrity, and availability, are known as CIA and are termed the industry standard for computer security.

Here is an image that explains importance of cyber security in a better way:

How can I improve the security of my data as an individual? 

There are many ways, methods, or practices to improve data security as an individual. Let’s go through some of the methods:

• Install antivirus software.
• Encrypt your information.
• Clear your browsing history.
• Install an anti-spyware program.
• Utilize two-factor authentication.
• Use Google Safe Browsing service.
• Update your operating system, apps, and browser.
• Do not access personal or financial information via public Wi-Fi.
• Turn off features like location when you’re not using your device.
• Download apps only from reputable sources with a good reputation.
• Only use the link or open the attachment if unsure about the source.
• Set up a firewall. (You can also explore: What are Different Types of firewall?)
• Configure your device to lock after a certain number of unsuccessful log-in attempts.
• Passwords should be at least eight characters long, with a mix of upper and lower case, numbers, and other characters, and never use the password auto-complete feature.

Conclusion

The importance of cyber security is enormous. Without proper or solid cyber security solutions, it would be next to impossible to safeguard and keep the data confidential. It will also be impossible to preserve the lifestyle choices we have already come to appreciate and enjoy.

The most difficult challenge in the cyber security industry is technological advancement, which provides cybercriminals with an ever-expanding list of potential exploitation opportunities. Hence, in order to spread awareness of the importance of cyber security among individuals, 28th January is observed globally as Data Protection Day. The main goal of commemorating this day is to promote privacy and raise awareness about best practices in data protection.