Cybersecurity is the term used to define the practices or technologies used to protect computers, software, servers, applications, networks, and data from possible cyber attacks.
It is part of information security and specifically focuses on protecting digital information files. Cybersecurity has become increasingly relevant in companies precisely because of the new coronavirus pandemic, which has caused many to work remotely.
As the adhesion to the home office happened practically overnight, there in mid-March 2020, most companies did not have an adequate structure, which opened several security breaches.
After all, on a typical working day, employees exchange or even produce a series of sensitive information and data, which were not always stored in safe places, which increased investments in this area.
What Is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is a set of techniques used to protect systems, programs, and information networks, thus preventing invasions and malicious attacks.
Due to the fourth industrial revolution, or industry 4.0, companies started to store their data and information in cloud systems ( because they offer more excellent responsiveness and flexibility, with better cost-benefit ) because technology made it possible to increase information collection and analysis. In addition, it has also become necessary to facilitate communication between devices, which increases the volume of transactions and consequently the need for security and protection systems.
For example, imagine that a company works with the development of financial applications. For this, she needs to analyze a series of customer data, to improve the app further. Therefore, it is normal for many people to access this particular database. Thus, it is necessary to guarantee that only authorized persons have access to and protect this data from possible attacks.
Main Types Of Cyber Threats
The main cyber threats that you and your security team may face are:
- Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS): This attack occurs when a service is purposely overloaded with accesses and requests that cause the page to “fall” or go offline, causing damage.
- Botnets: when computer networks are infected by malware (malicious software) so that cybercriminals can perform online tasks without the user’s permission.
- Spyware: A program that secretly records what a user does so cybercriminals can use this information.
- Ransomware: Malware that locks a user’s files and data, threatening to erase them unless a ransom is paid.
Information systems on the internet are usually made up of layers. So attacks can happen in just one sphere or several. In cases where blockchain technologies are applied, applying the chain code mechanism for virtual protection is expected. Thus, cybersecurity is used to keep data and processes safe.
Security Tips For Businesses
Now that the importance of investing in cybersecurity has become clear, here are some tips for managers and companies that want to improve or implement better security rules to protect their sensitive information.
Security Mapping One of the first steps is to carry out a mapping of the company’s status, to understand the amount and types of attacks that happen, which tools are available, which ones need to be acquired, and what needs to be redefined and aligned with the team.
Define Internal Cybersecurity Policies
In addition to defining these guidelines, these rules must be shared with the company – even more so when working remotely – to ensure that everyone knows how to act during potential threat situations. After all, employees also help technology and security teams identify a problem.
Protection And Cybersecurity Culture
This topic complements the previous one precisely because the process of adopting security practices must start with awareness. This prevents the information from customers and the organization itself from being at risk and ensures that action strategies and internal knowledge are by the defined guidelines. Sharing information also helps create a learning culture between teams from different areas within organizations.
Monitoring Of Systems And Networks
This item has become even more relevant during the home office precisely because it can identify changes that may be threats, intrusions, or breaches in information security.
In addition, monitoring also facilitates access control to ensure that only authorized employees can see sensitive information.
Make Investments In Cybersecurity
Due to the large volume of information processed daily and the number of people who need to access a network or a database, most companies need to maintain constant vigilance.
Also Read: AI Is Revolutionizing Cybersecurity