Cybersecurity
What is it?
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital threats such as unauthorised access, cyberattacks, and data breaches. It plays a critical role in safeguarding sensitive information, ensuring business continuity, and maintaining trust in digital systems. As our reliance on technology grows, so does the importance of cybersecurity in both personal and professional contexts.
At its core, cybersecurity is built around the CIA triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. Confidentiality ensures that sensitive data is accessible only to authorised individuals. Integrity guarantees that information remains accurate and unaltered. Availability ensures that systems and data are accessible when needed by legitimate users.
Key goals of Cybersecurity
- Confidentiality – Ensuring that information is accessible only to those authorised to have access.
- Integrity – Protecting information from being altered by unauthorised individuals.
- Availability – Ensuring that authorised users have access to information and systems when needed.
Types of Cybersecurity:
- Network Security: Protects internal networks from intrusions by securing both hardware and software.
- Application Security: Ensures software is free of threats and vulnerabilities.
- Information Security: Protects data from unauthorised access and breaches.
- Operational Security: Involves processes and decisions for handling and protecting data assets.
- Endpoint Security: Secures devices like computers, phones, and tablets.
- Cloud Security: Protects data and applications in cloud environments.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM): Ensures only authorised individuals can access resources.
Common cyber threats:
- Malware (viruses, worms, ransomware)
- Phishing (fraudulent emails or messages)
- Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks
- Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks
- SQL Injection
- Zero-day exploits
Best practices for cybersecurity:
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
- Keep software and systems updated.
- Be cautious with email links and attachments.
- Regularly back up important data.
- Use antivirus and firewall protection.
- Educate users about security awareness.
To defend against these threats, organisations and individuals must adopt a layered approach to security. This includes using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA), keeping systems and software up to date, installing antivirus and firewall protection, and regularly backing up important data. Security awareness training is also essential to help users recognise and avoid common threats.
Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue—it’s a shared responsibility. Governments, businesses, and individuals all play a role in creating a secure digital environment. As cyber threats continue to evolve, staying informed and proactive is key to protecting our digital lives.