What is Cybersecurity?
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the set of methods used to ensure the security, integrity, and confidentiality of individuals’ tangible and intangible assets in the digital world. As technology encompasses almost every aspect of modern life, daily activities are increasingly conducted in the digital realm. Governments, public institutions, and private companies provide their services to individuals through the internet. In fact, many official transactions can only be carried out online. Sharing information that we value for its privacy in the digital world highlights the importance of security.
Although it is called the “virtual realm,” all actions performed there have real-life implications. Individuals are responsible for their actions in the virtual realm just as they are in the physical world. Therefore, the issue of security becomes a reality for individuals using the digital world, as millions of data points are constantly being threatened by cybercriminals in the vast sea of big data.
Cybersecurity can be divided into two main categories in terms of preventive measures: precautions individuals should take and precautions organizations should take. Firstly, organizations play a crucial role in ensuring cybersecurity. Since they collect personal data of users through the internet or various platforms, they must always take high-level precautions against security threats.
On the other hand, individuals also have responsibilities in terms of cybersecurity. Malicious software tends to target individual systems because they are often perceived as more vulnerable. By installing up-to-date antivirus software on the devices they use, individuals can minimize the threat level. The topic of computer security can also be helpful. (You can find more information at Bilgisayar Güvenliği Nedir?)
Types of Cyber Threats
Cybercriminals employ various infiltration methods in their attempts. Regardless of how effective security measures are, they usually create new threat models. So, what are the most common methods that currently pose a threat to cybersecurity? Here’s the answer:
- Malware: Malware, also known as malicious software, is the most common type of cyber threat. Cybercriminals design malicious software to gain access to users’ devices or systems and cause harm. They then strive to infiltrate these software into individuals’ systems. The most well-known types of malware include viruses, Trojans, spyware, and ransomware.
- SQL Injection: SQL injection is an attempt to infiltrate a database by exploiting security vulnerabilities in systems. Cybercriminals take advantage of security vulnerabilities in order to access databases.
- Phishing: Phishing is a type of cyber attack commonly used to directly harm companies or individuals. The method of targeting victims involves sending emails designed to appear as if they are coming from familiar sources and enticing recipients to click on embedded links. This allows a malicious software to be installed and grants access to personal information.
Additionally, there are also applications that intervene in operations and launch attacks. Cybercriminals can connect to public networks, such as Wi-Fi, to eavesdrop on interpersonal conversations and steal others’ data.
As described above, cybersecurity measures have become a necessity rather than a choice in all areas. Especially for companies operating in the public domain through the internet, they must take extra care to ensure cybersecurity. They are obligated to protect not only their own data but also customer information.
Cybersecurity experts possess security programs that can deal with existing threats and anticipate potential risks in the future. These security measures eliminate the possibility of being victimized by malicious individuals in the cyber world, ultimately opening the door to a clean and secure digital environment.
