CYBERSECURITY in Brief
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is a concept of protecting connected electronic devices (computers, servers, smartphones, networks, connected objects) and the information they convey against malicious attacks. It is today the most important concept in the security of information systems.
Considering cybersecurity in its entirety, it will be referred to as the set of laws, policies, tools, devices, methods, good security practices that can be used to protect people and IT assets (tangible and intangible) of States and Organizations in order to guarantee the availability, integrity, confidentiality, and traceability of information.
The dimensions of cybersecurity
Cybersecurity can be subdivided into several categories, like :
- Network security;
- Application and software security;
- Information security;
- Operational security;
- Disaster recovery and business continuity;
- Training and support for end-users
- Etc.
With the growth of cyber threats, cybersecurity is becoming more and more crucial. Governments around the world have responded to this surge by providing advice to help businesses and people implement effective cybersecurity and information protection practices.
In France, the National Information Systems Security Agency (ANSSI), which works in close collaboration with the General Secretariat for Defense and National Security (SGDSN), proposes measures and actions in terms of security of systems of ‘information to operators of vital importance in France, companies (private and public) and awareness of individuals. (ANSSI website: https://www.ssi.gouv.fr/ )
In the United States, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has created a framework for cybersecurity. To work against the proliferation of malicious code and facilitate its early detection, NIST recommends continuous real-time monitoring of all electronic resources. (NIST website: https://www.nist.gov/ )
In the UK, the importance of systems monitoring is reflected in the “10 Steps to Cyber Security” advice provided by National Cyber Security (NCS). (NCS website: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/ )
In Australia, the Australian Cyber Security Center (ACSC) regularly publishes tips to help businesses protect themselves from the latest cyber threats. (ACSC website: https://www.cyber.gov.au/ )
The International Data Corporation predicts global spending on cybersecurity to reach $ 133.7 billion in 2022.
Some CYBERSECURITY Tips
- Regularly update your software and operating system: you benefit from the latest security patches
- Use antivirus: Security solutions like Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business detect and remove threats. Update your software for the best level of protection
- Use strong passwords: make sure your passwords are not easy to guess
- Do not open email attachments from strangers: they could be infected with malware;
- Do not click on links from unknown users or sites in emails: this is a frequently used method to spread malware
- Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi networks in public places: unsecured networks make you vulnerable to so-called man-in-the-middle attacks
Name : Efoui Sylvanus HOUGBEKEY
IT specialist
Lyon, France
