It is a well known fact from ancient times up to now that we are safe in the four walls and the roof system which is now called home. In the old times, people used to stay safe and away from attacks of any kind which may harm, and they used to prefer the caves and the safest places to live where the animals cannot reach them. It is a wise strategy from that time to now. In today’s modern world, we keep ourselves safe from the unintended attacks by keeping the doors at the homes with the safe locks. In today’s time, not only the people lives but also the money, data and privacy are the very important and crucial factors to keep safe and protect from the attackers and the thefts.
Let’s see what are the factors which are important in this modern world to stay safe and secure from the unwanted digital attacks and harms.
The very popular and in demand term in tech industry is now-a-days the term “Cybersecurity”. Now, what exactly the term Cybersecurity is and how it is going to impact our lives…
Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and digital assets from unauthorized access, theft, damage, or disruption. It encompasses various technologies, processes, and practices that aim to prevent cyber attacks, mitigate their impact, and recover from their consequences.There are several types of cybersecurity that focus on different aspects of digital security, they are mainly,
- Network Security
- Cloud Security
- Application Security
- Endpoint Security
- Data Security
So, as of now you could understand what Cybersecurity is and now move to the most interesting and well known attacks happened in the world till now -
- WannaCry Ransomware Attack (2017): The WannaCry ransomware attack was a global cyberattack that affected over 200,000 computers in 150 countries. The attack exploited a vulnerability in the Windows operating system, encrypting files and demanding a ransom payment in Bitcoin. The attack caused massive disruptions in hospitals, government agencies, and businesses worldwide, costing an estimated $4 billion in damages.
- Equifax Data Breach (2017): The Equifax data breach was one of the largest data breaches in history, affecting over 143 million people. The breach occurred when cybercriminals exploited a vulnerability in the Equifax website, gaining access to sensitive personal information, including names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, and addresses.
- Yahoo Data Breaches (2013-2014): The Yahoo data breaches were two separate attacks that occurred in 2013 and 2014, affecting all 3 billion Yahoo user accounts. The breaches exposed sensitive user information, including names, email addresses, dates of birth, and hashed passwords. The attack resulted in a $350 million reduction in the sale price of Yahoo to Verizon.
- Target Data Breach (2013): The Target data breach was a massive cyberattack that affected over 40 million customers. The breach occurred when cybercriminals gained access to Target's payment system, stealing credit and debit card information. The attack resulted in a $18.5 million settlement with affected customers and a $10 million settlement with state attorneys general.
- Sony Pictures Hack (2014): The Sony Pictures hack was a cyberattack on Sony Pictures Entertainment that resulted in the theft of sensitive company data, including unreleased films, scripts, and personal information of employees. The attack was attributed to North Korean hackers and was seen as retaliation for the release of the film "The Interview."
And now-a-days, the data breach, privacy compromised, bullying, phishing, email scams, ransomware attacks, DDoS attacks, and SMS and Whatsapp scams are the common ones. And to help ourselves to stay away from such king of attacks it is very important fir the people like us to take all the preventive measures as we can. Let’s see few of them -
- Use strong and unique passwords: Using strong and unique passwords is one of the most effective ways to protect your online accounts from cybercriminals. Consider using a password manager to generate and store strong passwords for your various accounts.
- Keep your software and devices up to date: Software updates often contain security patches and bug fixes that address known vulnerabilities. Make sure you keep your software and devices up to date to minimize the risk of cyber attacks.
- Use two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second factor, such as a fingerprint or a code sent to your phone, to log in. Enable two-factor authentication for all your online accounts that offer it.
- Be cautious of phishing scams: Phishing scams are fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information, such as login credentials and credit card numbers, by posing as a trustworthy entity. Be cautious of emails and messages that ask for your personal information or urge you to click on a link or download an attachment.
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it difficult for cybercriminals to intercept your data. Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks or when accessing sensitive information online.
- Use anti-virus software: Anti-virus software can detect and remove malware from your computer or device. Install and regularly update anti-virus software to protect against known threats.
- Backup your data regularly: Backing up your data regularly ensures that you can recover your important files in case of a cyber attack or data loss. Use cloud storage or an external hard drive to back up your data regularly.
These are the few security measures we can take as to protect our digital identity and keep our online presence secure. I hope this information related to the cybersecurity and its effect on our society would be able to keep you updated in the modern world.
Thanks for reading, Stay safe in cyber world!
