Cyber Security Explained: Everything You Need to Know

Cybersecurity is the protection of your computer systems and data against cyberattacks. Cybersecurity helps ensure that your private information remains private, even when transferred over the Internet.

The Wall Street Journal reports that more than 117 million Americans were affected by data breaches in 2017 alone. These breaches can lead to identity theft or fraud. With these figures in mind, it is important that we all learn how to protect our computer systems and data.

How does cybersecurity work?

Before learning how cybersecurity works, let's take a look at the three basic components: Cybersecurity Infrastructure, Information Security, Identification. A fundamental component of the infrastructure is encryption. Simply put, encryption scrambles data so that it cannot be read or altered without prior knowledge of the encryption key.

This is usually accomplished by using something called a single-use pad. It is a series of random letters, numbers, and symbols that are mixed up and then encrypted. Only when this string of random characters is combined with a specific encryption number will the person trying to read the encrypted data be able to decrypt it.

What is the goal of cybersecurity?

The goal of cybersecurity is to ensure that when your computer or email is hacked, your private information remains private. So if an email is hacked or an online account is hacked, the only thing that is revealed is that the information was stolen.

But, is it important? Many people don't realize that cybersecurity is so important. However, it is essential to ensure that when you click on a link or open an email, you do not send your personal information to a malicious computer program, as these programs can pose a threat to your identity. If the information that is collected can be used to pose a threat to your identity, then it can be used to commit fraud and other types of crimes.

What types of cybersecurity exist?

There are several categories of cybersecurity, with different types of attacks. In an interview with NPR, Dr. Mary Aiken of Stanford University outlines some of the main categories: System Security, Access Control, Database Security, Network Security, Physical Security, Ethical Hacking, Data Security, Data breaches.

What are some common types of cybersecurity attacks?

Generally, the attacks are classified as "annoying" or "critical". A "nuisance attack" is an intrusion designed to be a minor annoyance to victims, often using a Trojan horse or other form of malware. The purpose of these attacks is to destroy data or disrupt access to data by requesting access to the victim's computer or network in a different and unauthorized way.

Cybersecurity is the security of computer networks, information and devices against cyberattacks. Cyberattacks can be anything from hacking into your email account to stealing your data by holding it for ransom.

The good news is that cybersecurity has become one of the top priorities in the last two decades with the help of the US secret security clearance. However, with the advancements in technology and the Internet of Things, we have seen an increase in cybercrime. The importance of protecting your devices cannot be stressed enough.

Cybersecurity has become a priority, with over 90% of businesses reporting that they have been breached by cybercriminals in the last 12 months.