Cyber security refers to the body of technologies, processes, software and network architecture designed to protect individuals and organizations from potential cyber or digital attacks. In easier terms, cyber security is also known as electronic information security in all forms ranging from mobile computing to larger data networks against all forms of internal and external threats. The objective of cyber security is to prevent harm or destruction of data, applications, networks and of course, devices.

Cyber security is a must and not an option

As technology advances, cyber hackers too are sharpening their tools and skills to bypass existing security systems to gain access to networks, systems, devices and data. Real cyber security is a continuously evolving process and goes beyond applying patches, firewalls and anti-malware programs. The focus should be on prevention and not detection as this is the only way to keep your organization or personal data and devices from harm’s way. This way, you can ensure safe collaboration across multiple environments including mobile and cloud computing.

Good cyber security habits to follow

Apart from using the correct technology and apt infrastructure to secure your organization and personal devices from cyber attacks, make it a habit to follow these to have an imposing cyber secure posture. These advices come from a top cyber security company USA actively engaged in providing cyber security to organizations and individuals.

• Improve password security: This is among the most vulnerable areas of all your cyber defenses. You need to create strong passwords that are unique for each account and if possible even devices. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) suggests that users create long, simple passwords having special characters. In case you opt to use a password manager to manage multiple account passwords, use one that has a large user-base with positive reviews. For those of you who need to grant accounts administrative permissions on a daily basis, make sure that you give such permissions only temporarily. This will reduce the impact of poor internet uses like visiting malicious sites or clicking on phishing mails.
• Use multifactor authentication: Several platforms offer you the option of securing your account with multifactor/step authentication. These usually comprise of biometric, an ID or a password/personal identification number (PIN). Your physical presence at least at one stage makes it difficult to compromise your device and its data.
• Update personal devices and software regularly: Most devices and software manufacturers initiate automatic update that is aimed at mitigating existing vulnerabilities. This includes updating privacy settings of devices, accounts and applications. You may still have to manually update many devices including your tabs, phones, other smart devices along with computers. When updating these, ensure to do so only using manufacturer’s websites and the built-in app stores.
• Beware of suspicious mails: Be skeptical of emails from unknown senders or mails with offers that sound too good to be true. Avoid mails asking for any personal information, ignore mails with typos and strange attachments. Known as phishing mails, these are among the high-category cyber risks to the average internet user. Such mails intend to gain access to your personal information concerning your monetary accounts and steal from them or do it by installing malware on the device.
• Avoid using open or public networks: While it is easy to use Wi-Fi in public places as you keep moving, you need to keep in mind the security issues that it brings along. Such networks make it easy for others to intercept your device and its data. For those of you making frequent use of such networks, ensure to protect your device with a strong firewall and antivirus. The other option is to use a Virtual Private Network service that will allow you to connect with the internet safely by keeping all data exchange private.
• Conduct online transactions only after confirming source: Confirm with the recipient about the address and check if payment has been received. Use of credit card is more secure as companies offer multiple protecting measures as against the use of debit card that are more vulnerable to cyber crimes.

The base of cyber security lies with you maintaining confidentiality of your data by continuing good habit practices while using the internet. It will help you prevent unauthorized users from accessing you data and device and prevent authorized users from making improper modifications.