Today’s world relies more on technology than ever before. Whether it’s instant access to information on the Internet, smart home automation technology or concepts like the “Internet of Things”, our lives are reliant on computers, networks and digital communication systems. But these advancements bring a new set of vulnerabilities to individuals, businesses and government entities. Cyber security is the practice of protecting these computer systems from cyberattacks. This includes malware, phishing attacks, ransomware and data breaches. It also protects against threats to critical infrastructure like power grids and water treatment facilities.
Thankfully, there are a variety of tools to prevent and mitigate these cyberattacks. These include firewalls, antivirus software, password protection and two-factor authentication. But the most important element of cyber security is common sense: never click on suspicious links, open attachments or download files from unknown sources. This is how most malware, ransomware and phishing attacks start.
It’s also a good idea to stay up-to-date on new threats and the techniques used by attackers. This can be difficult, especially for small business owners who lack the staff and resources to keep up with this rapidly evolving field.
The National Cybersecurity Action Plan is a great place to start, with recommendations for how individuals and businesses can protect themselves from cyberattacks. Finally, it’s always best to have a backup in case of an attack. Backups are essentially multiple copies of your most important computer files. These are kept at different locations so that if one copy is compromised or lost, there are still other copies available to restore the originals. SOC