What is security information, what does it do and how does it protect us from cybercrime? Here's the answers!
John Giordani, DIA
Doctor of Information Assurance -Technology Risk Manager - Information Assurance, and AI Governance Advisor - Adjunct Professor UoF
Over the last few decades, technology has become more and more present in our lives, now it is rooted in the daily life and seems unwilling to stop. Almost everything is entrusted to computers and the internet, from communications to transportation, through the purchases we make. Without even considering in how many terminals our personal data is recorded.
For this reason, computer security is a well-researched. But what exactly is it?
Computer security is a science that deals with risk and threat analysis to which the network is exposed in order to protect it as much as possible by detecting and responding to internal or external attacks that could also cause serious damage.
Computer security also focuses on the protection of privacy and the integrity of information exchanged between users. Let's see what are the risks we run on the web and how to protect us.
What are the risks?
The risks that IT security always seeks to eradicate may be superficial or very serious. The most dangerous threats are viruses that can be very aggressive and cause damage to your computer, erase the disk or alter files, or even endangering your data, steal information, attack other PCs, or access your bank account!
Unfortunately, for as much as you try to protect yourself against these dangers, you are never 100% safe.
Computer security: 8 rules for defense
It is very difficult to be careful about your computer security and to protect our data in the best way. Almost every day, there are attacks on every side, between unwanted and dangerous advertisements by Adware, threats from social media and viruses that try to enter the computer to steal important information or put it out of use.
To defend yourself from this, a good antivirus or anti-malware is not enough; even common-sense can be a great ally for your computer security. Here are 8 rules to avoid web traps:
- Good security systems: We have said it is never enough, but it is a first step, the safest way to protecting your computer and your data. Good antivirus, firewall, etc., can counter any threat if they are up to date.
- Beware of passwords: here is a delicate topic, there are so many rules to keep in mind about the password, since, if discovered, it can jeopardize many important accesses like banking. For example, the first rule is to never use the same password for either the bank account or the email or social network. It is also important that the password be complicated and formed by numbers, letters, and symbols whenever possible. Never and ever share your password on the web with others. Update it often and if there are any secret questions, make sure the answers are really true.
- Eyes open for scams: Scammers are everywhere! It is important to have your eyes open and to be smarter. Never respond to emails or instant messages that require personal information, credit cards, or passwords. If you do, always report these contents.
- AutoBlocks: Always protect your devices with screensavers or codes when you do not use them and keep them locked automatically if they remain on for some time without being used.
- Beware of online sign-ups: Every time you sign up for something online, it is advisable to use a "disposable" email, and it is always a good rule of not using a password already used elsewhere. Also, always verify that the site is trusted and that it is encrypted by checking that there is "https: //" in the address bar.
- Always update your PC: We know how boring it is, but when your PC asks you to update it, it is always good to do it because these updates often to protect it further. Also, if you install a new software, be sure to do so from a trusted site.
- Keep your browser clean: Never save any password or personal data on your browser and do not install any plugins that are not super secure. The attacks come from there too.
- Beware of strangers: it seems like an obvious advice, but you never know! Do not trust the strangers, especially on the Social. Do not accept friendships of people you do not know or, however, from dubious profiles and attention to the content you click on.