We today live in an evolutionary world where computers and cyber security have become an important part of our day to day activities. These include talking on the phone, to reading emails, surfing the Internet for all sort of things etc; it has now gotten to a point where an individual can be at work and set his/her AC at home to a preferred temperature, switch on/off lights, basically control one’s home virtually. Having constant connection to the internet has its inherent risks and thus, users should to be made aware of the possible treats in cyber space. This is where cyber security comes to play.
According to TechTarget, Cybersecurity is the body of technologies, processes and practices designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access. In a computing context, security includes both cybersecurity and physical security.
In lay man terms, cybersecurity basically involves protecting information and systems from major cyber threats, such as cyber terrorism, cyber warfare, and cyber espionage. In their most disruptive form, cyber threats are not only out to target top secret, political, military, or infrastructural assets of a nation, but also it’s people the individual users. Cybersecurity is therefore a critical point for any user of cyber space.
Basic ways to protect yourself
- Use a strong, unique password for every website; it is advised that password should be alpha-numeric of at least 8 characters.
- Set your smartphone to lock after a short idle time, and set it to require authentication for unlocking. If at all possible, use something stronger than a simple-minded four to eight-digit PIN depending on the device.
- Never click links in emails or texts that seem to come from your bank, the FIRS, or any other institution. If you think the message might be valid, log into your account directly, without using the supplied link.
Post By Ayawarifa Ogolo.