Cybersecurity is a constantly changing area of ​​IT. New technologies usually also bring new possibilities for cyberattacks with them. Security incidents at well-known companies or institutions are generally effective in the media and with the public. All users and companies of all sizes have to deal intensively with the threats, as they are often the target of malware or phishing attacks.

A combination of many measures is required to protect organizations, companies, employees and individuals. In addition to technical tools (like best Korean VPNs) and security solutions, this also includes risk management and, last but not least, training in security awareness.

What are the typical cyber threats?

It is a great challenge to keep up with new technologies, security trends and the associated threats. However, this is necessary to be able to protect the data and systems against cyber threats. The most important IT security threats include:

1. Malicious software or malware that can damage a system or user with any file or program. These include, for example, computer viruses, Trojans, worms and also spyware.
2. Ransomware attacks that involve a particular type of malware referred to as blackmail trojans. Usually, data is encrypted on a target system or even network to extort a ransom for decrypting the data.
3. Social engineering underlies many attacks and works based on carefully researched information from potential victims to induce them to interact. For example, to gain access to sensitive information that would otherwise protect.
4. Phishing usually involves sending fraudulent emails that appear to come from reputable sources. Here, too, the aim is to capture sensitive data, such as login information, to use it for further attacks.

What areas does cybersecurity cover?

The implementation of comprehensive cybersecurity requires joint efforts across all segments of information technology. The most important areas include:

• application security;
• information security;
• network security;
• disaster recovery and business continuity planning;
• safe procedures in day-to-day business;
• training measures for end-users.

One of the biggest problems for reliable cybersecurity is the rapid and continuous growth of many security risks and dangers. The traditional approach is all about focusing on the systems and components that matter most to an organization and the top known threats. 

However, this means that less critical systems are not adequately protected and that no measures are taken against less threatening threats. However, this is no longer appropriate. The changing threat landscape requires a more proactive and adaptable approach.

What are the benefits of solid cybersecurity?

The benefits of a properly implemented cybersecurity strategy include:

1. Protection from malware, phishing, social engineering and blackmail attempts due to ransomware.
2. Protection of data and networks.
3. Protection against unauthorized users.
4. Shorter recovery time in security incidents.
5. Protection of end-users in companies.

What are the challenges of cybersecurity?

IT security status is constantly being called into question by hackers, data loss, data protection, risk management, and changing security strategies. There is no trend insight that the number of attacks will decrease in the future. The more entry points there are for attacks, the better cybersecurity is required to secure users, networks and devices.

One of the biggest challenges in ensuring cybersecurity is the constant evolution of security risks. With every new technology, there is usually a new possibility of an attack. As a result, organizations must constantly adapt their practices to protect the IT environment. It means that all elements of your own IT security must be checked continuously, adapted and updated. I can pose significant challenges, especially for smaller companies.

Besides, companies nowadays collect a lot of sensitive personal data about customers, suppliers, or employees. And this data is usually a sought-after target for cyber attackers. This data is often also stored in the cloud, in which case special protective measures are required again.

IT security always encompasses much more than purely technical solutions. The human factor is an important aspect. Therefore, companies should pay close attention to training and educating employees about cybersecurity and security awareness. A small human interaction preceded many security incidents.

Another non-technical aspect is the shortage of skilled workers in the area of ​​IT security. Often, even when budgets are in place, not all organizations get the cybersecurity professionals they need. With the increase in data and threats, the need for security specialists also increases.

Technologies that use machine learning and AI (artificial intelligence) are increasingly being used to relieve the IT teams and delegate tasks to tools.

How does automation work in cybersecurity?

We can use security, machine learning and AI (artificial intelligence) in all areas with large amounts of data.

1. Correlate data. Such solutions can detect possible threats within large amounts of data and also detect attacks at an early stage.
2. Recognize viruses. Appropriate security platforms can analyze data, detect threats and implement security precautions – for example, isolate systems.
3. Generate, implement and update protective measures automatically – without burdening resources.

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Therefore, you should be prepared for everything on the Internet and be as well-armed as possible for any eventuality. However, the dangers are not always easy to see, so people face many questions about the risks on the Internet and protection against these threats. So, what is security software? How does security software work? And which applications are urgently needed?

What is security software?

This question seems easy to answer: security software ensures that criminals stay outside and that your system works perfectly. So it creates a secure digital environment. 

Experts in this field define security software according to its area of ​​application or the so-called security goal. It means that security software is always designed for a specific application area: authenticity, authorization, billing, integrity, confidentiality, availability, liability/non-denial or anonymization.

In any case, authenticity has great importance. If the software turns out to be an original product that was published by a well-known company, the user immediately gains trust. After all, he deals with a trustworthy source whose software can be installed and used without hesitation.

Other users rely on the privacy settings of their browsers to surf anonymously. Some fall under the mistake of not being able to track them this way. However, the pages visited still appear in the logs of the service provider.

Antivirus program and firewall

The user should carefully consider which security goals affect him. And what he can before starting the search for suitable security software.

When looking at the market, it quickly becomes apparent that numerous software packages want to serve several set security goals. An antivirus program often comes in a double pack with a firewall or an anonymization tool. 

Apart from the router’s encryption, which experts highly recommend, the firewall is the first barrier a hacker has to overcome to gain access to a protected network. A strong firewall offers numerous configuration options. Because not everything that wants to enter the network should be locked out. Many applications on the web must access the Internet to function correctly. Since a network nowadays consists of many parts, such as a PC, notebook, printer, tablet, or even smart TV, it is essential to maintain the firewall. Should therefore manage device by device and program by the program.

A good antivirus program is a must. It ensures that incoming access, e.g., downloaded files, incoming emails, etc., are checked for security. Numerous antivirus programs are available in their basic version free of charge. However, the paid versions, in particular, offer comprehensive protection and support as well as multiple extended functions.

A good antivirus can block hundreds of thousands of threats and warn of potential dangers. It can be configured so that it scans the hard drive (s) regularly – ideally daily – and not only points out threats but also outdated software.

Security systems that think for themselves

For a usual man, it is almost impossible to find their way through the jungle of security software and the dangers it avoids. Every day, the forms of attack are becoming more sophisticated and the malware more complex.

Security programs that think ahead are therefore essential. They check the PC for software that needs to be updated, scan independently for viruses and other malware after initial configuration and always update themselves with the latest data on viruses and Trojans. In this case, the user does not have to do a lot himself after the initial setting. An occasional check is sufficient with a good antivirus program in combination with a firewall. Encryption, once established, is also relatively easy to maintain. And even the back-up for backing up all data can be automated or done manually with just as little effort.

This automation of the security programs is essential nowadays because the digital world is taking on more expansive forms every day. Experts from the BSI also point out the networking of individual components, which pose a growing risk. 

In concrete terms, this means: if a network is not adequately secured, a criminal can hack into his victim’s smartphone and use it to tamper with the computer connected or even synchronized with the smartphone. So take care of yourself.

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