Cyber Security

 Cyber security is part of technology and practices that are used to protect network, data, programs and software devices from any attack, damage or unauthorized access. It can also be termed as the protection of systems that are connected to the internet from threats and attack. These systems that are connected to the internet include: 

1.The hardware, this is the physical and tangible parts of a software device.

2. The software, this is a collection of programs or instructions that allows and enable users to perform a specific task.

3. Data, this is the information that is stored in a software device.

Types of Cyber Security Threats.

There are various types of cyber threats:

1. Social engineering. This is an attack that relies on human interaction to trick or lure users into breaking security protocol or procedures to get sensitive information that has been protected from unauthorized access.

2. Malware. This is a form of malicious software  in which any file or program can be used to harm a software user. Malwares include worms, trojan, spyware and viruses.

3. Ransomware. This is an attack that involves an attacker locking a victim's computer system, typically through encryption, and demanding payment to decrypt and unlock the computer.

4. Phishing. This is a form of social engineering where a fraudulent email or text message resembling those of trusted sources is sent, with an intention of stealing sensitive data like login information or credit card. 

5. Spear phishing. This is a type of phishing attack where an attacker has a specific or intended target user, business or organization. 

6. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS). This is an attack where an attacker uses multiple systems to flood or disrupt the traffic flow of a system such as a server or website. Flooding the system slows down the system or even crushing it, thus preventing legitimate traffic.

7. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). These are prolonged targeted attacks where an attacker infiltrates a network and remains undetected for a long period of time with an intention of stealing data.

8. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack. These are eaves dropping attacks involving an attacker intercepting and relaying messages between two parties that are communicating together.

Is Cyber Security Important?

With the advancement in technology and an increase in online activities, there is no doubt that there is a need for adaptation of cyber security in our world today. 

Being cyber secure is important because:

1.Cyber attacks affect many if not all people.

Cyber attacks have become common nowadays. According to various cyber reports, a computer is attacked every 39 seconds in the United States (US). In case of an attack, millions of people end up being affected. A case study is in the city of Atlanta, where an attack was made using the SamSam ransomware. The ransomware was harmful to an extent of making the city of Atlanta offline for a period of five days. The attackers demanded for a ransom of $51,000 (ksh 5,608,470). It caused various operations and activities to be brought to a halt.

2. Damage to business and loss of jobs.

Cyber attack or data breach on a business could automatically lead to a huge loss to the business. The recovery of data that has been attacked is not something easy and also millions of money will be used in the entire process. Some business may not afford the cost of data recovery and may end up being closed. This will trigger a loss of job to the various employees within the same business or organization. 

3. Rapid changes in technology.

With the advent of 5G network, it is estimated that there is going to be an increase in cyber attack due to the network vulnerabilities that will be created by 5G network. 5G network requires a redefined cyber strategy which is not in place at the moment. Also the advent of modern technology like Internet of Things(IoT), has increased the number of connected devices to over 2 billion. Cyber attackers and hackers are increasing their knowledge and using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to create and trigger automated cyber attacks which compromise secure systems without any intervention by human, posing a global scare. The use of cloud computing also increases cyber security risks.

Is there any benefits of Cyber security?

Cyber security comes with a lot of benefits.

1. Protection of data and networks.

2. Prevention of unauthorized user access.

3. Protection of end users and end point devices.

4. Business protection against data breaches.

5. It improves the recovery time after a breach.

6. Improved confidence in the company's reputation.

7. Improved information security.

8. Denies spyware. (computer virus that spies a computer and relays information to a cyber-criminal or hacker)

9. Prevents adware. (computer virus that fills a computer with advertisements)

Can one be cyber secure?

It is much easy and cheaper to be cyber secure by following and taking seriously these simple precautions.

1.Use strong passwords and also a password management tool.

2. Use anti-virus protection and firewall.

3. Avoid accessing personal credentials using a public WI-FI

4. Keep your software up to date.

5.Use two-factor or multifactor authentication.

6. Avoid clicking on any links (phishing and scams)sent to you from untrusted sources as most of them could be malicious.

7. Backup your data on a regular basis.

8. Review your online accounts and credit reports regularly for changes.

9. Protect your sensitive personal identifiable information (PII) such as your IP address, date of birth, name, phone numbers, social security number and location details.

10. Keep track of your digital footprint.

11. Secure your mobile device.

|*Remember that no one is immune to a cyber attack, always be on guard!*|