In a world where the internet has occupied a larger share in the lives of millions, it has become equally essential to protect data from potential threats and hackers. In addition, organizations have moved to the cloud, increasing the need to secure the data stored on cloud platforms. This blog discusses some essential tips for protecting data from hackers.
That will cover the following in this blog:
- Why is Cyber Security important?
- What is meant by “Hackers”?
- Protecting your data from hackers
Why is Cyber Security important?
Cybersecurity professionals keep developing new technologies to protect data and systems from hackers. Organizations are leveraging cyber security tools and techniques to protect their crucial data. Irrespective of the size of the business, cyber security is essential for all types of organizations.
With the rise in cloud services, organizations have numerous cybersecurity threats to care about. In addition, cyber security has become a topic of concern for many governments worldwide. Various attacks, such as the Melissa virus attack in 1999, the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017, and the NASA Cyberattack in 1999, have left multiple organizations and governments in distress. As a result, councils like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have already released frameworks to ensure everyone is familiar with security risks, Cyber Security measures, and prevention methods.
What is meant by “Hackers”?
Hackers carry out malicious attacks on computer systems and networks, thus putting important data under threat. They usually break into computer systems, smartphones, tablets, etc., intending to modify, steal or delete the existing data on the host device. Organizations have moved to the cloud to save both cost and time. Hackers have developed sophisticated techniques for attacking. Hence this has put enormous amounts of data open to cyber security threats. Explore more about hacking through an Ethical Hacking course online.
Now, let us look at the essential tips to help you safeguard your data from such attacks.
Protecting your data from hackers
Below mentioned are the essential tips that can help individuals. As well as organizations to protect their data from cyber attacks:
1- Using a Firewall
Firewalls should be the first in line when it comes to protecting data. They prevent unauthorized access to the system by creating a barrier between the world and the data on a system. In addition, they help protect your system through a brilliant inbound and outbound regulation of network traffic—firewalls also block suspicious websites.
2- Device Security
Taking proper care of your devices is very important, as hackers can quickly access your system through the devices such as laptops, smartphones, or tablets. They can do this by simply grabbing the device physically. Hence it would help if you took utmost care that the devices are never unlocked in public or with people you don’t know.
3- Installation of Antivirus software
Antivirus refers to software installed in systems typically designed to identify and treat malware. This malware can be of any type, such as viruses, computer worms, spyware, keyloggers, etc. Also, regularly updating the antivirus programs makes it possible to reap its benefits better. Thanks to the cyber security industry advancements, high-tech antivirus softwares available in the market these days. They equip to provide automatic updates, too.
4- Internet security suite
It is a collection of utilities involving the benefits of antivirus programs and firewalls. The internet security suite allows users to perform multiple cyber defense activities through a single control panel. In addition, contrary to antivirus programs that only warn about harmful websites, the internet security suite directly blocks the URL. It is also one reason that makes it a better cyber security option.
5- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
2FA is, precisely speaking, an extra protective layer for the system where the user must answer a series of questions. This step ensures that the user trying to gain access to the system is who they claim to be. Sometimes, biometric patterns of a fingerprint, an iris scan, etc., can also be a part of two-factor authentication.
6- Wise Bluetooth and GPS Usage
You can use Bluetooth or a GPS connection to access a system. People may be aware of your system’s location with the help of GPS. Hence, we recommend you keep it turned off when not required. The same thing applies to Bluetooth, as it lets hackers gain unauthorized access to your device through it.
7- Securing sites with HTTPS
Always encrypt and secure the website with HTTPS to preserve the website’s integrity, confidentiality, and user-linked data.
8- Cyber Incident Response Plan (CSIRP)
A CSIRP can also be used as a cyber defense practice by organizations to prioritize cyber security plans and operations. Whatever the size, all organizations must have an effective CSIRP to fight cyberattacks and recover at the earliest from a cyberattack.
9- Creating backups
The hackers might never return the stolen data even after paying the ransom amount. Hence, we recommend you create a data backup to mitigate cyberattack losses. Having backup utilities into macOS (Time machine) and Windows (File history) can help immensely. However, to support these utilities to work well, it is advisable also to have an external backup hard drive.
10- Encryption
In cases where the hacker successfully gains access to your system, encryption can still prove to be of great help in preventing him from getting the information. You can encrypt your files using BitLocker (Windows) and FileVault (Mac).
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