Cyber Security

Cyber security:-

is the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks. It's also known as information technology security or electronic information security.

The scale of the cyber threat:-

The global cyber threat continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with a rising number of data breaches each year. A report by RiskBased Security revealed that a shocking 7.9 billion records have been exposed by data breaches in the first nine months of 2019 alone. This figure is more than double (112%) the number of records exposed in the same period in 2018.

· Virus: A self-replicating program that attaches itself to clean file and spreads throughout a computer system, infecting files with malicious code.

· Spyware: A program that secretly records what a user does, so that cybercriminals can make

use of this information. For example, spyware could capture credit card details.

· Ransomware: Malware which locks down a user’s files and data, with the threat of erasing it unless a ransom is paid.

· Adware: Advertising software which can be used to spread malware.

· Botnets: Networks of malware infected computers which cybercriminals use to perform tasks online without the user’s permission.

Types of cyber threats:-

The threats countered by cyber-security are three-fold:

1. Cybercrime includes single actors or groups targeting systems for financial gain or to cause disruption.

2. Cyber-attack often involves politically motivated information gathering.

3. Cyberterrorism is intended to undermine electronic systems to cause panic or fear.

So, how do malicious actors gain control of computer systems? Here are some common methods used to threaten cyber-security:

Malware:-

Malware means malicious software. One of the most common cyber threats, malware is software that a cybercriminal or hacker has created to disrupt or damage a legitimate user’s computer. Often spread via an unsolicited email attachment or legitimate-looking download, malware may be used by cybercriminals to make money or in politically motivated cyber-attacks.

Cyber security definition:-

Cyber security is the application of technologies, processes, and controls to protect systems, networks, programs, devices and data from cyber attacks.

It aims to reduce the risk of cyber attacks and protect against the unauthorised exploitation of systems, networks, and technologies.

Why do you need a cyber health check:-

A cyber health check helps establish a secure infrastructure, which is a requirement of regulatory initiatives and compliance standards such as ISO 27001, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Cyber Essentials and others.

Receive a prioritised action plan:-

1. On-site interviews with key managers;

2. An on-site physical security assessment;

3. External vulnerability scans;

4. Online staff awareness questionnaires; and

5.High-level analysis and expert recommendations for next steps.