Table of Contents:
What is Computer Security?
Computer security is the protection that is set up for computer systems and keeps critical information from unauthorized access, theft, or misuse. There are various practices in place that are widely in use, mainly for the protection of computer systems and networks and preventing potential malicious activities.
While computer hardware is secured in the same way that sensitive equipment such as lockers and doors are protected, critical information and system access and authorization, on the other hand, are protected through complex security tactics and practices.
That’s all for the computer security definition. Let’s move on to the section on security threats and issues.`
Importance of Computer Security
If a computer security system is not put in place until a problem arises, it could lead to major issues and concerns, and it will be too late to resolve them. Especially in a data-driven world, it is imperative to keep all kinds of information from malicious hackers and prevent vital information from falling into the wrong hands for misuse.
Computer security helps keep valuable information protected and maintain the health of a computer with no disruptive behaviour in its performance caused by viruses and malware.
That’s all for the importance and need of computer security. Read on to learn about different categories of computer security.
Types of Cyber Attacks
Computer security threats are potential risks that have the capability of disrupting the normal functioning of computer systems. Cyber threats are on the rise each day, especially with the digitization of the world. Let’s take a look at all kinds of major computer security threats, issues, and vulnerabilities.
1. Viruses
A Computer Virus is a malicious program that is installed into a computer without the knowledge of its user. This program can replicate itself and infect all the programs and files that are in the system. These viruses make the victim’s computer malfunction or, at worst, completely unusable.
2. Computer Worm
A computer worm is a software program that can undergo replication from one computer system to another without the need for human interaction. Computer worms use up all of the hard disk space owing to their replication capability and the speed of replication, which can wreak havoc on the system’s resources. They can even modify or delete files and introduce other malicious programs into the system. Computer worms are also capable of stealing information and introducing a backdoor for hackers to gain unauthorized access and control of the system.
3. Phishing
Phishing is a form of cybercrimes, which involves someone posing as a legitimate institution over the telephone, email, or text message in an attempt to trick potential targets to give away personal and critical information like banking details and passwords. This results in financial loss and identity thefts. Even though most people are wary of such attacks, it is completely easy to fall victim to phishing, unfortunately.
4. Botnet
A botnet is a network of connected computers that have been compromised by hackers without the knowledge of the users. Each of the infected computers in the network is called a ‘zombie computer.’ The infected computer, which now is the bot, is used for carrying out malicious activities in larger-scale attacks like DDoS.
5. Rootkit
A rootkit is malicious software designed to provide unauthorized access to a computer or restricted areas while actively masking its existence. Through rootkits, hackers can change system configurations and execute files remotely on the host computer.
6. Keylogger
A keylogger is a type of monitoring software that can track and record all keyboard strokes and activities by a user without his/her knowledge. Also known as the keystroke logger, it is one of the common ways to steal a person’s login credentials.
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Types of Cyber Security
Here are a few types of computer security tactics that are used widely for the protection of software, hardware, electronic data, and network in computer systems.
1. Application Security
Application security is the introduction of security features in applications during their development process. This actively helps prevent potential cyber threats such as data breaches, denial-of-service attacks (DoS), SQL injection, and many others. Some examples of application security tools are antivirus software, firewalls, web application firewalls, encryption, etc.
Information security is a set of practices that aim to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (known as the CIA triad) of data from unauthorized access and misuse.
3. Network Security
Network security is any activity that aims to protect the integrity and usability of a network and data. It consists of both hardware and software technologies that are specifically designed to prevent unauthorized intrusion into computer systems and networks.
4. Endpoint Security
End-users are increasingly becoming the biggest security risk unintentionally. With no-fault from their end, exempting the lack of awareness, the virtual gates of an organization are open to hackers and attacks. Most of the end-users are unaware of the ICT policy, and therefore, it is imperative that the users who handle sensitive information on a regular basis understand and be knowledgeable about all comprehensive security policies, protocols, and procedures.
5. Internet Security
Internet security is one of the most important types of computer security that come with a set of rules and protocols that focus on specific threats and activities that happen online. It provides protection against hacking, DoS attacks, computer viruses, and malware.
Computer Security Principles and Practices
Since attacks on computer systems and networks are becoming relentlessly inventive day by day, the need for combating them is vital. Listed are a few of the healthy computer security practices that one must be aware of to safeguard against growing computer threats.
- Ensure physical computer security:
- Install security and anti-virus software
- Activate firewall
- Update your software and stay alert on news and the latest software
- Do not click on email attachments from unknown senders
- Make your passwords strong and change them regularly
- Ignore pop-ups and drive-by downloads when using the Internet
- Educate yourself on the fundamentals of computer security and the latest cyber threats
- Perform regular scans and create system backups periodically
In addition to the above, there are several other ways, such as computer cleaners and encryption, to protect your computer system.
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Conclusion
With security threats constantly evolving, security programs also continue to invent new defences against these new threats and find new ways to combat them. Most computer security threats are largely avoidable, and understanding how to keep computer systems secure can take care of most other security concerns.
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