Essential Guide to Cyber Security
What is cyber security?
Regardless of whether your data is personal or professional, cyber security is the practice of safeguarding computers, networks, devices, software, mobile devices, and data from any kind of unauthorized access or use. We use cyber security to discuss all of the tools, polices, processes, and rules around keeping information safe from cyber attacks.
Why is cyber security important?
Protecting Assets
Without maintaining cyber security systems and best practices, digital assets, data, financial assets, and more could be at risk of theft or misuse.
Securing Trust
When user data and private information is safe, customers and clients can have solid trust in the companies and businesses in whom they entrust that information.
Continued Operation
Preventing attacks and having systems in place for recovery means that your business – or email inbox! – can continue to function the way it needs to.
What are the types of cyber security threats you should be aware of?
Cloud security
Cloud security threats involve risks on cloud computing platforms such as Microsoft Office 365, Google Suite, Dropbox, Slack, etc.
identity
Identity threats an individual’s personal or digital information being compromised or misused as a result of unauthorized access to accounts.
malware
Malware threats involve the use of viruses, worms, spyware, and ransomware to steal data, disrupt normal computer operations, display unwanted ads, or encrypt files and demand a ransom for their release.
phishing/email scams
Phishing and email scams involve malicious senders impersonating others via emails in order to trick recipients into sending personal information, clicking malicious links, or downloading malware.
ransomware
Ransomeware threats involve malware encrypting files or locking a computer, demanding payment for release and stealing significant data in the process.
social engineering
Social engineering involves tricking people using techniques like phishing or tailgating to access private information and sensitive computer systems.
zero trust
A Zero Trust threat involves the idea that a company or person doesn’t have a Zero Trust model, or a system in place to verify users, devices, and applications regularly.
brute force attack
A brute force attack involves a malicious party using a rapid trial-and-error method to try to guess credentials and passwords until they gain access, usually using software or bots.
Cyber Security Best Practices
- Use strong, hard to guess passwords
- Utilize 2-factor authentication wherever possible
- Store and share credentials safely
- Access the internet over safe Wifi connections
- Encrypt sensitive data when it’s being sent over networks
- Backup data thoroughly and often
- Keep all software updated, especially when containing security patches
- Use preventative software like firewalls and reactive software like malware scanning
- Do not ever click on links or open attachments you’re unsure about
- Have an incident response plan – just in case!
What is Operational Risk?
According to IBM: “Operational risk is a summary of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems or from external events.“
In summary, operational risk is the chance you take of loss or negative outcomes as a result of things like human error, broken systems, or any kind of event outside your control that could put your data, system or business at risk.
Cyber Security vs. Website Security
If you run or manage a website, you might be wondering how cyber security applies to your site. Want to know more? Read our full article on the difference between cyber and website security.
How are cyber and website security similar?
Both focus on protecting data and preventing unauthorized access. Because highly important and valuable information passes through the internet, there are individuals and companies who spend huge amounts of time and effort to illegally access that information.
How do they differ?
Cyber security encompasses the topic of website security. When we discuss securing and safeguarding digital data and access, we’re talking about cyber security. That includes websites – as well as applications, devices, systems, servers, and more.
How can you tell if a website is secure?
“Secure” is not a binary term. Rather, website security is a spectrum. Some sites can be more or less secure than others.
When visiting a website, you can look for things like the SSL certificate in the URL and trust seals. Secure sites use trusted CMSs and highly-vetted software. If you want to see how secure your own website is, learn how to audit your site for security.
Cyber Security Terms to Know
operational risk
The potential for significant loss – financial or otherwise – as a result of failed internal processes or from external actions.
firewall
A network security system that monitors and controls both incoming and outgoing traffic to protect an internal network or website.
network security
A collection of actions and tools designed to protect a computer network from hostile access, misuse, or attacks.
endpoint security
The practice of protecting devices like computers, mobile phones, or servers from cyber attacks (as opposed to protecting software)
cyber resilience
The ability to prevent, respond to, and recover from a cyber attack while continuing to keep the business running like normal.
exploit
Something that takes advantage of a vulnerability in a software, system, or device; the method a hacker takes to access and compromise a system.
encryption
The process of turning information or data into code, or a different type of code, in order to disguise and protect it.
data loss prevention
The strategy used to protect information and prevent information from being accessed, abused, or lost.
vulnerability
A weakness or access point in a system that someone can use to gain unauthorized access.
Trust the pros with your website security
Our WordPress website maintenance and Fractional CWO services prioritize security and risk-management as much as possible. Between regular thorough backups, malware scanning, and hands-on proactive attention… we’ve got your back, day or night.