The past few years, in particular, have been bleak for cybersecurity. High-profile data breaches and cases of cyberattacks on major corporations have become almost commonplace. But why does this keep happening — and what can you do about it? If you’re not a tech expert, the world of cybersecurity might seem like a tangled mess of code and acronyms.
The prevalence of internet-connected devices, the ubiquity of smartphones and WiFi connections, and the exponential growth in the availability and importance of data makes cyber security more important than ever before. If you’ve read news articles about major hacks or pestered friends for advice on locking down your personal information online, then you probably know how important cybersecurity is right now.
So with that in mind, here’s an overview of why cybersecurity matters and how to protect yourself if you want to keep your personal information safe from intruders and hackers, and it doesn’t matter whether it is by playing Thimbles game or surfing the net.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the protection of computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. The purpose of cybersecurity is to prevent damage or unauthorized access to computers and computer networks. Cybersecurity is a growing field that has become increasingly important as the number and severity of cyberattacks has increased dramatically in recent years.
Cyberattacks can be categorized into four different types: espionage, theft, sabotage, and disruption. Cyber espionage is when a hacker steals sensitive information from a computer system. Cyber theft occurs when someone inappropriately accesses or takes control of your computer or network for their own purposes.
Cyber sabotage is when hackers damage or destroy a computer system or network. Cyber disruption happens when hackers purposely disrupt a computer system or network.
Why Does Cybersecurity Matter?
A lot of people think that cybersecurity is only important for large organizations with sensitive information, like employers and financial institutions. While it’s true that those organizations need to be especially careful, cybersecurity is relevant to everyone. For instance, it’s estimated that almost a fifth of adults have had their online banking account hacked.
It may not be as headline-grabbing as the theft of $100 million worth of diamonds from a vault, but it’s still an important issue. After all, it’s much easier to replace diamonds than it is to replace your entire bank account.
Why Is Cybersecurity So Hard?
Cybersecurity is hard for a number of reasons: New threats emerge all the time. It’s difficult to stay one step ahead of hackers when there are so many different kinds of malware out there. We’re still figuring out how to properly secure our devices. While some apps and programs are great at keeping your data safe, others are known to be vulnerable to hacking.
The problem is that you don’t know which one is which until it’s too late. Many people don’t take cybersecurity seriously. Many people have heard of cybersecurity breaches but don’t think they’re likely to be a victim. Unfortunately, they’re wrong.
The Benefits of Having Good Cybersecurity
Having good cybersecurity means that you’re less likely to experience a cyberattack or other security breach. It also means that if you are hacked, it’s less likely that your data will be stolen. If you have good cybersecurity, you’ll be able to feel more confident about the information you share online. You’ll also likely be more attractive to potential employers.
The Consequences of Poor Cybersecurity
Unfortunately, if you don’t prioritize cybersecurity, the consequences could be severe. One in five people have had their personal information stolen due to poor cybersecurity. It’s not just your bank account that’s at risk, either. If hackers get their hands on your personal information, they can do all sorts of things with it. They can pretend to be you and make purchases online. They can also open new accounts in your name and run up huge bills.
How to Stay Safe and Protect Yourself from Hackers
Protecting yourself from cyberattacks isn’t easy, but there are steps you can take to stay safe.
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Change your passwords regularly
You should change your passwords often, and the recommendation is to change it after every three months. It isn’t enough just to change your passwords once, either—you should regularly change them.
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Don’t click on links in emails from people you don’t know
Hackers will often send emails that appear to come from legitimate companies. If you get an email from your bank that doesn’t look right, call them to make sure it’s actually them.
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Be careful about what apps you use
Be careful about the apps you download and don’t click “accept” on any suspicious permissions.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is more important than ever before. The past few years, in particular, have been bleak for cybersecurity. High-profile data breaches and cases of cyberattacks on major corporations have become almost commonplace. But why does this keep happening — and what can you do about it? If you’re not a tech expert, the world of cybersecurity might seem like a tangled mess of code and acronyms. The prevalence of internet-connected devices, the ubiquity of smartphones and WiFi connections, and the exponential growth in the availability and importance of data make cyber security more important than ever before.
