What is Cybersecurity?
10/02/2024
What is Cybersecurity?
As we head into October and Cybersecurity Awareness month, we wanted to delve into what exactly cybersecurity means and how it affects the everyday consumer. Pop culture often makes cybersecurity look like it is used strictly by agencies like the FBI and CIA to protect confidential information. However, all Americans should be aware of how cybersecurity is imperative to their everyday lives. Let’s take a look into cybersecurity together!
First and foremost, “cybersecurity” refers to “the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use and the practice of ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information” (CISA.gov). Our world increasingly relies on technology to do most things in our daily lives. Think about how many times a day you are on your phone or computer purchasing items, checking your bank account, or backing up personal documents in a cloud. While this often provides convenience and instant access, it can also have major security ramifications.
As your community bank, we often bring to our customers’ attention phishing, smishing, and other attacks as we are made aware of them. The main concern with these attacks is the possibility of a criminal hacking into your bank accounts, devices, or online accounts. These criminals often exploit weaknesses in software to steal personal information or money. Furthermore, these criminals can also install malware onto your devices and use them for their own purposes. Malware usually refers to malicious code that contains viruses and worms that compromise your data. All these examples are considered a breach in cybersecurity.
Both consumers and businesses can be vulnerable to these attacks, and it can cost big money. According to IBM’s report, “the average cost of a data breach jumped to USD 4.88 million…in 2023” (IBM.com). But how are we supposed to keep up with these attacks when both our personal and business worlds are only becoming more and more reliant on technology? The answer is to practice diligent cybersecurity!
Good cybersecurity practices include
- Updating software regularly,
- Running antivirus software,
- Using strong passwords (at least 16 characters),
- Implementing multifactor authentication,
- Installing firewalls, and
- Being on the lookout for suspicious communication (emails, texts, or direct messages).
There are many IT specialists and government agencies dedicated to helping Americans increase their cybersecurity. If you would like more information on any of the cybersecurity practices mentioned above, we recommend visiting the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency’s website at https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/what-cybersecurity. They offer great resources for consumers on each practice.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by this topic – don’t worry! We will be discussing cybersecurity for the rest of the month in an effort to help everyone improve their cybersecurity. Stay tuned for our next blog on cyber scams and how good cybersecurity can protect you and your loved ones!
Sources:
https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/what-cybersecurity
https://www.ibm.com/topics/cybersecurity
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/what-is-cybersecurity/