CYBER SECURITY 22/03/25
Protecting The Digital World
INTRODUCTION TO CYBER SECURITY
●
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers,
networks, and information from being stolen or
damaged. As more of our personal and work activities
happen online, it's important to keep our data safe
from hackers and other cyber threats. This includes
using things like strong passwords, special software to
block attacks, and training people to recognize
dangerous emails or websites. The goal is to make sure
our personal details, like bank accounts or private
messages, stay secure and that everything works
smoothly without being interrupted by cyberattacks.
KEY CYBER THREATS
●
Malware:
Viruses, Ransomware, Trojans, Worms
●
Phishing
Fake emails, websites, phone calls to steal data.
●
Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks
Overloading systems to make them unavailable.
●
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks
Intercepting and altering communications.
●
Insider Threats
Employees or trusted individuals misusing access.
IMPACT OF CYBER THREATS
●
Data Breaches: Exposure ●
Financial Loss: Direct theft
of sensitive personal or of funds, damage from
organizational data. fraud.
●
Reputation Damage: Loss ●
Operational Disruption:
of consumer trust and Downtime, loss of
confidence. productivity, and business
continuity challenges.
PRACTICES FOR CYBER SECURITY
●
Use Strong Passwords ●
Monitor Systems
Long, unique passwords Constant surveillance of
with a mix of characters. networks for anomalies.
●
Backup Data Regularly ●
Firewalls & Intrusion
Detection Systems (IDS)
Ensure access to data in
Protect and monitor networks
case of ransomware for malicious activity.
attacks.
●
Limit Access ●
Encryption
Ensure employees only Protect sensitive data
have access to the data they
from unauthorized
need.
access.
Challenges in Cybersecurity
01
●
Evolving Threats
03 ●
Shortage of Skilled
Professionals
Hackers are always coming up with
new methods of attack. There's a global shortage of
qualified cybersecurity experts.
02 04
●
Regulatory Compliance ●
Third-Party Risks
Navigating complex data privacy Vendors or partners may have
and cybersecurity laws. security gaps.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
●
Advantages of Cybersecurity include protecting sensitive data from unauthorized
access and cyberattacks, ensuring business continuity, and maintaining trust
with customers. It helps prevent hacking, malware, and phishing attacks, which
can cause significant damage. Additionally, cybersecurity enables businesses to
comply with data protection laws and avoid legal issues.
●
However, there are disadvantages as well. Cybersecurity can be expensive,
especially for small businesses, and it requires specialized skills to manage
effectively. Some security measures, like strong passwords and multi-factor
authentication, may inconvenience users and impact productivity. Over-reliance
on security tools without a comprehensive strategy can also create a false sense
of security. Additionally, some cybersecurity practices may raise privacy concerns
among users, particularly regarding data monitoring.
Case Study: Equifax Data Breach
In 2017, Equifax, one of the largest credit reporting agencies in the U.S., suffered a
massive data breach that exposed personal and financial data of approximately 147
million people. The breach occurred due to a failure to patch a known vulnerability
in Apache Struts, a widely-used software. Despite the vulnerability being publicly
disclosed earlier in the year, Equifax did not apply the necessary update, which
allowed hackers to gain access to sensitive information, including Social Security
numbers, birth dates, and addresses. The breach wasn’t discovered until months
later, resulting in significant financial and reputational damage to the company.
Equifax had to pay $700 million in settlements and faced public backlash for its lack
of timely action. This incident highlights the importance of regular software
updates, proactive security monitoring, and having a strong incident response plan
in place to prevent similar breaches and minimize their impact.
CONCLUSION
“
●
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more critical than ever. As we
continue to rely on technology and store sensitive information online, the
risks of cyberattacks increase. The Equifax breach serves as a stark
reminder of the serious consequences that can arise from neglecting basic
security practices, such as timely patching of software vulnerabilities. By
implementing effective security strategies—such as using firewalls,
encryption, multi-factor authentication, and employee training—
organizations can better protect their systems and data. Proactive
cybersecurity measures not only safeguard against financial loss and
”
reputation damage but also ensure business continuity and the trust of
customers. In conclusion, the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape
requires constant vigilance and a strong commitment to security to protect
against ever-growing risks.
