Why Is Cyber Security Important?

Written By:

Elizabeth Thorn

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What Is Cybersecurity?

This term refers to the tech systems that actively work to protect devices and personal data from cyber threats, including malware and hackers. You know, the bad guys.

You might be thinking that because you’re not an Oscar-winning actor or a known billionaire (or maybe you are, in which case, good job), hackers aren’t interested in your data. But that’s far from the truth.

Cybercriminals are looking for any and all potentially useful information. Your social security number may become part of an attempted identity theft. Your email may be targeted by phishing attacks in the hopes that you’ll give out your bank account information.

What Are Examples of Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity technologies work to defend and eliminate any of your online vulnerabilities.

Types of cybersecurity can include:

• Protective software like ad-blockers and antivirus software
• A Burner phone that keeps your primary contacts safe
• A hard drive to store sensitive data offline
• Using a variety of strong passwords for all your accounts
• Two-factor or multifactor authentication
• Using a VPN while on public Wi-Fi
• Keeping your software updated
• Quick incident response times: Deal with the problem when you notice it
• Not opening or answering emails, texts, or calls that seem like scams (messages from unknown senders or numbers)
• Checking and adjusting your privacy settings when using new apps
• Using your best judgment when you’re online

What Is Network Security?

This term refers to the security measures in place that protect your computer network. Essentially, it’s the nitty gritty stuff that makes your computer work and keeps it running.

The Importance of Home Network Security

Your home is a network for all of your devices. The status of your Wi-Fi router, phones, computers, and cameras all fall under your home network security.

What Is Information Security?

Information security refers to protecting information from unauthorized users. Data protection and data security are extremely important. You wouldn’t want anyone getting their hands on something personal about you.

What Is a Cybersecurity Attack?

Cybersecurity attacks refer to any kind of harmful or exploitative online attack that targets devices, networks, information systems, or cloud security.

This could include:

• Malware: Software that is specifically designed to attack or infiltrate your computer
• Ransomware: Software that blocks your access to a computer until you pay a sum of money
• Spyware: Software that allows the user to secretly gain information from another device
• Trojans: Malware that disguises itself as real code/software
• Identity Theft: Stealing and using a person’s private identifying information for gain (usually financial)
• Hacks: Gaining data from a computer or system without permission
• Scams: Fraud involving false information (usually in the form of texts, emails, or calls)
• Phishing Scams: An email seemingly sent from a trusted source (for example, a bank)

What Is the Importance of Password Management?

Because of the sheer amount of accounts you have, it can be tempting to use the same passwords. A strong password should consist of at least 16 characters with a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

How Can Having a Second Phone Number Help?

A second phone number allows you to keep your primary number reserved for essential contacts. You can use your second number whenever a company or person you don’t know asks for your information.

Use Burner for Your Second Number

Burner is a user-friendly second phone number app that provides all the cybersecurity and life management benefits.

Why Contact Cybersecurity Professionals?

A good way to make sure someone claiming to be a cybersecurity professional is able to help is by checking for a certification.

Say No to Scams

Scams are no joke. The National Consumer Law Center estimated that 33 million robocalls are made to Americans each day. The biggest thing to remember about scams is to not engage with them.

How To Protect Your Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to all devices, networks, and technologies that have the ability to connect and communicate with one another.

How Can I Prevent Data Loss?

Sometimes, devices and platforms fail. That’s why it’s a good idea to store your most precious documents, photos, and information in multiple places across multiple platforms, specifically an external hard drive.

So, Wait, Why Is Cybersecurity Important?

Like it or not, all of our information lives online. Your whole life is online, at least to some extent. So protect it the way you would your physical life.