Cybersec Base #002: What is Cybersecurity?| Definition and its Importance

To access Hallowe supermarket, you must put all your valuables in a safe (Everyone has had this experience, especially when going to a bank or a sensitive meeting requiring more protection). The safe at Hallowe is always guarded to prevent anyone from tampering with it and breaking in. On one occasion, a thief posing as a customer managed to open the safe but was caught by security. After questioning the criminal for a while, he revealed his strategy, which involved diverting the attention of the single guard on duty. Hallowe supermarket's management knew they needed to make an adequate decision to protect their customers' possessions. It was agreed that the guards should take turns, but there should be shifts with more persons on duty simultaneously, use the safe's locks as a protective barrier, implement CCTV for surveillance, and never let their guards down. This experience ensured Hallowe would never again rely on a single person for security. Imagine how the store's reputation might suffer if the planned robbery was successful, plus the financial constraints the business will face when compensating customers.

Today we will focus on cybersecurity, its importance, and how to protect ourselves from cyber threats.

STAY TUNED!!!

1.1 What is Cyber Security?

Cybersecurity is an effort aimed at protecting data, networks, or systems from cyber attacks. It is the protection of devices and networks from unauthorized access and other cyber threats.

Simply said, it is about protecting your online information and gadgets against malicious actors such as hackers, malware, and other forms of cybercrime.

Think of cybersecurity as a shield against bad people who want to steal or damage your online (It's no surprise that the image shield is commonly used to represent cybersecurity; you can prove this by searching on Google).

A good cybersecurity strategy is important, and it gives a good security posture to withstand targeted attacks whose goal is to either access, delete, manipulate, extort, or damage important data from your system or network.

1.2 Why is Cybersecurity Important

Protection of sensitive information: Cybersecurity protects sensitive information such as personal data, financial information, and private company data against theft, unlawful access, and misuse.

Financial loss prevention: Cybersecurity measures help to avoid cyber attacks and reduce the financial impact of such attacks (should an attack occur).

Critical infrastructure protection: Cybersecurity is the protection of critical infrastructures such as power grids, transport, etc. Also, cybersecurity is embraced by the communication network against cyber threats. Disruption will interfere with everyday reality.

(You don't want to be in a country without electricity, do you?)

Sustaining trust and reputation: With cybersecurity attacks, there comes reputation damage from the perspective of a customer, partner, or stakeholder. Cybersecurity sustains an organization's reputation and builds the public's confidence to keep trusting them.

(Would you be comfortable entrusting your banking needs to a financial institution that experienced multiple instances of cyber attacks?).

Regulation compliance: Many industries have regulations, and legislation, which entail companies to adhere to specific cybersecurity standards ensuring the secure storage of intellectual assets. Disobedience to this regulation will attract sanctions, fines, and legal liability.

1.3 Who needs Cybersecurity?

Everyone!!!

Everyone should be concerned about cybersecurity. Suppose you use the Internet or have sensitive information you want to keep safe from cyber attacks, whether you are an individual, a corporation, or a government. In that case, cybersecurity should be considered a necessary precaution.

Cyber attacks can, apart from leading to financial loss or shortage of funds, damage the reputation of their victims and constitute unauthorized access to sensitive data. While you still can, move the decks to adapt cyber security to protect your assets from digital threats