Cybersecurity

We can define the cybersecurity as a a series of techniques and best practices that protect computers from threats in the virtual environment. All users surfing the Internet should have a basic knowledge of cybersecurity, essentially knowing how to install an anti-virus, how to detect attempted scams in browsing and e-mail, how to properly encrypt confidential information, etc.

A consistent cyber security strategy is divided into different layers of protection to defend against various cyber attacks such as data manipulation, extortion and blackmail or the disruption of daily business operations.

Why is cybersecurity important?

For businesses and government agencies, cyber security is the biggest IT challenge they face because of its relevance to business well-being, as well as the complexity of IT systems.

After all, the aim of cyber security is to address vulnerabilities and prevent cyber attacks in order to safeguard sensitive information. and ensure the operability of an entire computer network.

In a nutshell, the importance of cybersecurity for businesses lies in the fact that:

• They protect the company's computer networks from cyber-attacks.
• They guarantee the confidentiality of sensitive and/or financial data.
• They prevent unauthorised access.
• They protect end-users.
• It complies with current cybersecurity regulations.
• They drive business survival.
• It enhances the company's reputation and brand internally and externally.

Types of cybersecurity

Cybersecurity comprises different aspects of IT systems and their correct use, e.g:

• Structural cybersecurity: That is, specific advanced cyber security practices aimed at protecting a country's critical cyber infrastructure related to the health system, the economic system or public security.
• Network cyber securitySecurity measures that serve as a barrier to thwart intruders and effectively protect a wired or wireless computer network.
• Application cybersecurityProcesses that contribute to the security of an application or software. These are usually devised at the product design stage.
• Cybersecurity in the cloudData encryption in the cloud during storage, handling and sharing.
• Cybersecurity educationThe more social and pedagogical side of cyber security is to educate others (especially workers) on how to avoid exposing themselves to cyber threats through recklessness.
• Emergency plansCyber security: In cyber security, you should always have a contingency plan in place to respond to unexpected incidents. And not only in the form of cyber-attacks as such, but also in the event of natural disasters or power outages.

All companies and public bodies must investing in devising an effective cybersecurity strategy, The fact that all of them, regardless of their nature, are exposed to threats and dangers, sometimes more explicit and sometimes veiled. There are even an increasing number of ransomware attacks on government (.gov) and non-profit organisations' websites.

Types of cyber-attacks

Some of the most common types of cyber-attacks are:

Malware

When we talk about malware we refer to some software or applications that provide unauthorised access to intruders and damage the health of computer equipment.

Ransomware

It is a highly damaging subtype of malware that locks files or entire computer systems and threatens to delete valuable data or reveal some tricky confidential information in exchange for a sum of money.

Phishing

It is probably one of the most common and most dangerous cyber-attacks for the average user's daily activity. In phishing, cybercriminals fake another identity through text messages or emails so that users end up entering sensitive information.

Threats from within

Not all cyber attacks come from outside a company. Sometimes it is employees, former employees or partners who have unauthorised access to sensitive information and perpetrate the cyber-attack.