·
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. It covers everything from password management to computer security tools driven by machine learning. Cybersecurity makes it possible to reliably trade, chat, and browse over the internet.
Types of cybersecurity
Cybersecurity can be broadly divided into five types, although they aren’t set in stone — cybersecurity tools can easily belong to more than one category.
Critical infrastructure cybersecurity guards key systems required to keep society functioning (such as power grids and hospitals) from cyber threats.
Network security keeps intruders out of internal computer networks, such as your company’s servers.
IoT security protects the IT elements in physical objects, such as smart gadgets, security cameras, and Wi-Fi routers.
Cloud security protects the data stored in the cloud and the services provided through it.
App security keeps apps safe from outside threats, starting with secure development practices and ending with dedicated hardware solutions.
Types of cybersecurity threats
A cyberattack or cyber threat is any malicious act seeking to damage, steal, or secretly alter data. Here are the most common cyber threats.
Malware
Malware is any malicious software that takes advantage of the user. It can range from programs that flood your device with ads to keyloggers that record every stroke of your keyboard.
Ransomware
During a cyberattack, ransomware infects a device encrypting all its data. If the attack victim wants to access the data on their device again, they have to pay a ransom.
Phishing
Phishing involves a malicious actor using messages and calls, pretending to be someone else, and tricking the victim into performing an action, such as clicking a malicious link.
Social engineering
Social engineering is a set of techniques that manipulate the victim into doing something the hacker wants. It’s an umbrella term that includes phishing, vishing, catfishing, pretexting, and more.
Distributed denial of service
In DDoS attacks, a network of infected computers overwhelms their target with enormous amounts of traffic. It can slow websites to the point where it’s impossible to use or take them down for some time.
Zero-day exploits
These are unpatched security flaws. Software developers strive to find and patch these weaknesses as soon as possible. Therefore, updating software whenever a security patch comes out is essential.
Explore the world of cybersecurity in detail
Everything cybersecurity, from A to Z. Check out our glossary for the most important cybersecurity terms and learn about common online threats from our Threat Center.
Cybersecurity measures and best practices
Cybersecurity is both simple and complex. Often, staying secure includes basic cyber hygiene, such as using a strong password and two-factor authentication, not sharing sensitive information online, and being careful with email attachments. But basic cybersecurity will only get you so far if you’re a company or a supplier. To protect against cyberattacks, you’ll likely need to train your staff, implement backups, and get advanced threat detection tools.
Prevention involves your actions online and the tools you use to protect against cyberattacks. A strong password, antivirus software, and web filters all constitute threat prevention. It’s the first line of defense built to protect your system and network.
Threat detection refers to the methods of detecting viruses. Technically, if threat prevention is done correctly, threat detection would not be needed. However, no threat prevention measure is foolproof, so tools analyzing data patterns and intrusion detection systems ensure malicious activity can be detected quickly.
Threat response follows the detection of malware. It involves analyzing the threat, assessing the damage it may have done, and completely removing it from the system. Threat response also involves repairing and restoring the system to its previous state.
Without continuous training, people are much more likely to be sloppy and make mistakes. Continuous awareness training reminds employees to stay vigilant, reduces errors, improves the organization’s overall cybersecurity posture, and helps comply with privacy laws.
Cybersecurity safety tips
Here are some tips on keeping safe online:
Every digital device has weaknesses that can be exploited. Most of these flaws are yet undiscovered, so while hackers race to find them for their attacks, companies strive to plug these weaknesses. You can’t do anything about unknown vulnerabilities, but keeping your software updated ensures that available security patches are applied immediately.
Various tools, such as an antivirus, anti-malware software, or a VPN, can silently work in the background and help you keep safe. For example, a firewall controls your inbound and outbound traffic, while a VPN secures your connection to the network. Using additional security tools takes some of the cybersecurity burden off you.
Public WiFi networks are not safe. Hackers set up lookalike networks to lure unsuspecting users, and even when they don’t, public networks are too easy to track or hack. If you connect to one in an airport or a coffee shop, you can never know who’s listening on the other end. The easiest way to mitigate the risk is by using a VPN.
Malicious links and attachments are the most popular methods of spreading malware. Cybercriminals can use stolen credentials to send a malicious message to the victim’s contacts to make it seem more legitimate. That’s why it’s crucial to double-check whenever you get a link or an attachment you didn’t ask for, even if it’s from a friend or relative.
Most of your activities online leave a trace that somebody else is tracking, storing, and selling. The only solution is to reduce your digital footprint as much as possible. For example, instead of using Google for search, you use privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo. Other ways include removing unused accounts, deleting personal information online, and using a VPN for browsing.
Nord Security’s role in cybersecurity
Nord Security is active in educating internet users about the benefits of cybersecurity and good online habits. Our products (like NordVPN) help you protect yourself against many common online threats.
VPN with anti-malware
Surf online with confidence. NordVPN will cover your daily cybersecurity needs by securing internet traffic and blocking dangerous websites, ads, and malware.
VPN for business
Businesses have specific cybersecurity requirements — that’s why they need a specialized VPN. Enable remote teams and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Password manager
Passwords are key to your digital security. Generate and autofill unique passwords, identify vulnerable credentials, and check if your passwords have been leaked.
Secure cloud storage
Keep your files backed up, synced, and protected from snoopers, loss, or malware in NordLocker’s secure cloud. Nobody will see, touch, or sell them.
Improve your cybersecurity with NordVPN
30-day money-back guarantee