Cybercrimes happen all the time around the world, and can affect anyone and everyone. So that’s why we need cyber security awareness However, there are many different kinds of cybercrimes out there, ranging from identity theft to data breaches to ransomware attacks on businesses. And it doesn’t stop there—cyber-crime affects countries and governments as well, so even governments need to become more cyber security aware! So why do we need cyber security awareness? Well, this blog post will answer that question and more!
Why do we need cyber security awareness?
- It’s more than just computers
- An attack can happen anywhere, anytime
- Who can be attacked?
- The problem with passwords
- What are the risks?
- Password alternatives – PINs and Biometrics
It’s more than just computers
In order to be a good cyber security aware, you have to have a holistic view of threats. Understanding social engineering tactics and phishing emails is important, but you also need to be aware of hacking techniques like man-in-the-middle attacks and session hijacking. Ultimately, though, it all comes down to people — there’s always a human element. Even if you can tell your employees how not to click on links or open suspicious files without coming off as patronizing, your threats will know if they are being monitored by skilled employees that take their job seriously.
An attack can happen anywhere, anytime
whether you’re at home on your computer, out with friends in a crowded coffee shop, or walking down a crowded street. To avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime, first and foremost, it’s important to know how to protect yourself. The best way to stop an attack from happening is through education. At home, talk to your kids about how to be safe on their computers; explain that it’s okay for them to use social media but also make sure they don’t share too much personal information—and make sure they keep track of their passwords and user names.
Next, explain to them that it’s okay to be social online but they must never give out personal information like where they live or their phone number—the kind of information that could lead a stranger straight to their door. It’s also important for kids to learn about phishing scams, which are emails and messages designed to trick users into giving up sensitive information. Teach your children how easy it is for an email from a stranger or from someone who knows them well (like a friend or relative) to be fake; make sure they check to spell and always question why someone would want their data before handing it in over.
This lesson will help children understand why internet safety matters, as well as help them become more savvy users of social media.
Who can be attacked?
We all can. The Department of Homeland Security has estimated that there are over 3,000 state-sponsored cyber attacks per day against U.S. corporations, and these numbers continue to rise annually. And just because you aren’t a Fortune 500 company doesn’t mean you’re safe from hackers; all it takes is one slip-up from an employee to expose your organization to attack, so any business — no matter how small — must be aware of cyber security best practices and protocols in order to protect itself and its customers’ information. To truly be cyber secure, you have to focus on individuals first.
The problem with passwords
The main problem with passwords is that they’re easy to forget, and people reuse them across multiple accounts—making them vulnerable to hacking. For example, did you know that there have been dozens of high-profile cases where a website’s usernames and passwords were hacked from third-party sites like LinkedIn? The reality is, hackers will go to whatever means necessary to access user information.
Even if your password isn’t stolen directly from your email account or other websites you use, it could still be easily guessed by thieves. Hackers take every opportunity they can find; as such, we must also be aware of all potential vulnerabilities in our digital lives and act accordingly. Cybersecurity awareness is about recognizing weak points and learning how to minimize risks so that your personal data stays safe online.
What are the risks?
Cybercrime isn’t just a problem for IT departments, but it’s a growing problem worldwide. It costs U.S. businesses $400 billion every year in lost revenue, brand damage, and operational disruption. In some parts of Europe, only 30% of computer users are aware of threats to their personal information and 70% admitted they wouldn’t change passwords if they were compromised. Most people simply don’t understand what dangers exist when using a public computer or Wi-Fi network, or how easy it is for someone to take control of their device through a malicious app or email attachment—even if that person is miles away from them at an entirely different business establishment.
A large part of preventing cybercrime is ensuring that users are fully aware of what potential threats exist, so they can reduce their chances of becoming a victim. No matter how secure you believe your business to be, you should never assume your security protocols are bulletproof. Instead, review them on a regular basis and test to see if there are any ways hackers could compromise your defenses. It’s also vital to ensure all staff members know about these dangers and take steps to protect themselves.
Password alternatives – PINs and Biometrics
Biometrics such as fingerprint scans and iris scans are also gaining popularity in protecting our data. Many of us have started using fingerprints to unlock phones or even verify our identities, particularly when used in combination with PINs. However, some experts say that biometric authentication methods leave us vulnerable to hacks and identity theft: In fact, research has shown that it is possible to use a high-resolution photograph of an iris to bypass commercial biometric systems. As computer scientists continue to find new ways of hacking into our information, it may be time for us all to consider a new strategy for safeguarding our data: Passwords could soon be replaced by PINs, facial recognition software, or more complex biometric identifiers like your DNA.
