Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These cyberattacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users, or interrupting normal business processes.
Cybersecurity is crucial because it protects all categories of data from theft and damage. This includes sensitive data like personally identifiable information (PII), protected health information (PHI), intellectual property, and governmental and industry information systems.
Common cyber threats include malware, phishing, ransomware, man-in-the-middle attacks, denial-of-service attacks, and SQL injection.
To protect your personal information online, use strong, unique passwords for different accounts, enable two-factor authentication, avoid sharing personal details on social media, and be cautious about the websites you visit and the links you click on.
If you suspect that you’ve been hacked, immediately change your passwords, enable two-factor authentication, run a virus scan on your devices, check for unauthorized transactions or changes in your accounts, and report the incident to the relevant authorities.
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files. The attacker then demands a ransom from the victim to restore access to the data upon payment. To protect against ransomware, regularly back up your data, keep your software updated, and avoid downloading attachments or clicking on links from unknown sources.
