For this reason, in the current article we are going to discuss
– What cybersecurity is,
– 3 cybersecurity threats to be aware of,
– 4 types of cybersecurity, and
– 4 cybersecurity tips to protect yourself from threats.
So, let’s start with the definition of cybersecurity.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the set of measures taken for the protection of PC networks, devices, servers, data, and electronic systems against possible cyberthreats that may compromise their functions.
That’s why, in order to understand the necessity of cybersecurity measures for the IT infrastructure of a company, it’s useful to see how cyberthreats work and what’s at stake for your business.
3 Cybersecurity Threats to be Aware of
Because there is a vast range of cybersecurity threats, we are going to focus on three main ones which are the following.
Threat #1: Malware
Malware any kind of malicious software aiming at acquiring unauthorised access to your computer system and interfering with its functions.
A malware may enter your system via spam mail or texts, deceptive websites, software/program downloading, or connection to public insecure networks.
Through its activity a malware attack can lead to cyber spyring, temporary or permanent loss of access to your files and generalised data breach.
Threat #2: Phishing
Phishing is the cybercrime where the attacker poses as a legitimate and trustworthy sender or organisation, in order to persuade possible victims to disclose banking or personal information.
The attackers use spam mail, social media direct messages or SMS in which they attach a malicious link that you are asked to click on. When referring to phishing via SMS the attack is specifically characterised as smishing.
Moreover, phishers may use voice calls to extract information from the victims that respond. This kind of attack is referred to as vishing.
Threat #3: Password attacks
Password attack is used as an umbrella term to describe any malicious attempt to crack into your computer system and steal a password.
Attackers exploit the authentication vulnerabilities of your system, so as to infiltrate and use automation tools to speed up and create combinatorial methods to guess the users’ passwords.
Therefore, password cracks may lead to incidents, such as data breach, financial fraud or distributed denial-of-service (DDoS).
Having briefly analysed what the above types of cybersecurity threats are, it is equally important to mention some types of cybersecurity that can protect you against them.
4 Types of Cybersecurity
Each cybersecurity type safeguards and focuses on a different aspect of the IT your business is using.
Type #1: Network Security
Network security refers to the protection of your IT network as an integrated set of hardware and software.
It includes all necessary measures to build a safe barrier between the internal devices, programmes and users of your network and any other external network.
Even though network security may block unauthorised external access to your network, cybersecurity measures must also be applied to protect you from cyberthreats addressed to internal users.
Type #2: Information Security
Informational security includes the deployment and configuration of IT tools that block any unauthorised modification, destruction or access to the data kept in the computer system of your company.
This may be guaranteed through encryption, cloud security softwares and data back-up keeping.
Type #3: End-User Behaviour
End-user behaviour protection is based on two main pillars.
Firstly, it is necessary to install cybersecurity tools that can block attacks triggered by internal end-user actions such as opening spam email, installing malicious software or clicking on suspicious ads.
Secondly, end-users must receive the appropriate training to raise awareness on how to make safer use of IT devices and programmes.
Type #4: Infrastructure Security
Lastly, infrastructure security involves measures that protect valuable assets of the computer system of a company against cybersecurity threats, physical damage or user error.
These assets may include communication systems, data centres, clouds, mobile devices, etc. which may concern both IT and other infrastructure types, such as power supply & air circulation systems.
At this point, since we have covered some of the most crucial cybersecurity types, we could proceed to 4 useful tips that will help you build a strong cybersecurity structure for your organisation.
4 Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Yourself from Threats
Hence, here are four cybersecurity tips you could follow to safeguard your IT from a cyberattack incident.
Tip #1: Protect your passwords
Your password security may be ensured by creating a centralised password management system for the network of your organisation.
Digitals tools such as N-able Passportal or Devolutions Password Hub facilitate password management through strong password generation, automated password updates and secure password sharing routes from one network user to another.
Tip #2: Use a firewall
A firewall is the system which monitors the incoming and outgoing network traffic and data packets addressed to your network in order to block the data or actions that may harm your computer system.
Firewalls may be installed to protect the whole set of your network against other networks or your individual devices and softwares against any other digital actor.
In both cases, they constitute an imperative tool that can effectively ensure the first layer of your cybersecurity.
Tip #3: Update your software
However, to make the most out of a firewall or other kind of cybersecurity tool, the tool’s software must be updated regularly.
Updated versions of a software are adjusted to new and evolving types of cybersecurity threats and can be more easily configured for latest technology devices.
Tip #4: Outsource your IT
In each and every of the above steps, an experienced outsourced IT (ITO) affiliate may help you build a holistic approach concerning your cybersecurity strategy.
More specifically, an IT value added distributor (VAD) assesses the vulnerabilities of your system and plans out the appropriate cybersecurity plan adjusted to your needs. Morevorer, the outsourced IT VAD team takes charge of the implementation of your solutions plan and the installation/configuration of every cybersecurity tool it may include.
Now Over to You
Concluding, it becomes evident that building a cybersecurity structure should be put as a priority on the agenda of every business that wishes to make use of modern technologies in their daily operations.
That’s why Orthology offers a variety of cybersecurity and IT security tools and services, that can be combined so as to get solutions customised to your needs.
Therefore, if you wish to learn more about the cybersecurity support we can provide, don’t hesitate to contact us, in order to get all information necessary!
