Cyber Security is a growing issue, as the modern era relies heavily upon technology for banking, messaging and almost everything else. As such, crucial information lives on the web and the internet needs protecting and policing, just like in the outside world.
Businesses and areas of government themselves have been targeted by cyber criminals and cyber terrorism remains a threat, with the risk that someone will look to exploit the technological age to help push their own political or religious views.
Thankfully, the web isn’t defenseless. Over the past decade, the rise in cyber security has been staggering and there are now specialist companies that provide data protection. In the modern day world, businesses and organizations need to protect their data- and can be punished if they fail to do so.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that popular taxi app Uber had hidden a data breach for over a year that exposed millions of customers. The backlash that has followed has severely hurt the company and they could now face an inquest from the United States government.
How are we protected?
Just like there are policeman on the streets, the web is also protected by a number of policing techniques but plenty of advice is provided to help an individual stay safe online, with simple steps like installing security software and ensuring that your password is strong.
Further up that ladder, organizations monitor the web to prevent hacks, find criminals and prevent attacks, though the workings of all of that are largely secret- and for good reason, so they don’t become exposed.
Source – Flickr
The issue is that as the organizations and protections grow smarter, so do the criminals. Cyber security always needs to remain strong, particularly as it protects your banking, your personal data and plenty of other crucial information that, if found in the wrong hands, could lead to fraud.
Companies are smart with their developments though and are always looking for ways to stay ahead. In banking, there’s a limitless number of passwords, key phrases and tests to pass if you lose access to your account. Whilst that can be frustrating for you if it does happen, it’s that level of detail that keeps you safe. As a result of these extras, 84 percent of consumers indicated that they believed their online banks authentication methods were secure.
Source – Flickr
Everyday security
Cyber security is more present than you think. When buying something online, you’ll often be asked for a passcode before your bank puts the payment through and your personal data that you provide for the likes of delivery is not shared by the company you’re buying from.
Also on the web, there’s scenarios where users have to solve a simple puzzle to prove they’re not malware or programming with malicious intent. This can include reading letters or numbers to clicking specific images when asked. Again, it may seem frustrating but it’s a crucial block to prevent everyday cyber security.
According to some, Gambling companies are now looking towards the use of Bitcoins, with arguments for and against even using them at online casinos. Larger companies have become accepting bitcoins with e-wallets like PayPal allowing bitcoin transactions with a small fee with each transaction. As the online wallet can be adjusted to suit yourself personally- with limits on what you can spend. A number of payment methods are provided, all of which are secured and ensure that your vital personal data remains safe.
A lot of the things that keep us safe on the web are often overlooked as mundane and frustrating, particular the passcodes and puzzles, but it’s a simple way to ensure that cybercrime is kept to a minimum. Still though, it’s always beneficial to be alert.
What can you do?
As mentioned, two of the most simple ways to protect yourself from cybercrime include installing security software into your products and ensuring your password is strong. It’s also advisable to take advantage of companies like Microsoft and Google offering text messaging, ensuring a two-step authentication process that means you can’t get blindsided.
With this, you’ll be sent a message to your phone and you have to enter the same message on your computer. It’s a simple but effective way to ensure the person trying to access information is the person who owns that information, so it’s definitely something that should be taken advantage of.
Other similar approaches include a system with a regularly-changing password, and a device that shows you the latest password, which has been used by companies for a while. Another approach is a physical key that you plug into your computer, providing the same lock method that everyday things in our life do.
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