Cyberspace is a resourceful platform. It supports various infrastructures for government entities and individual organizations. People’s daily lives, economic activities and national security rely on cyberspace. Despite its importance, cyberspace faces threats and vulnerabilities. Cyber security aims at resolving these hazards that disrupt the important work and processes happening in cyberspace. Everyone needs to use safe, stable and resilient cyber security.
The present world is more interlinked than ever before. The inter-connectivity has simplified communication, business, and socialization. The world has become a global village due to the ease and convenience of cyberspace. As the benefits of cyberspace increase, so do the disadvantages. While people continue to embrace and appreciate technology, they should also be aware of security. Every individual has a responsibility of securing cyberspace that concerns him or her. For instance, owners of personal computers need to guarantee their safety.
The government has addressed cyber security by enacting laws. These laws define what a cyber crime is, and law enforcers achieve security objectives by investigating these crimes. Cyber security is experiencing challenges in accomplishing its goals. The most common is the ambiguity of malicious actors. Cyber criminals could commit a crime from anywhere in the world. Critical infrastructure is also facing increasing vulnerability. Cyber networks are complex. This increases risks, especially when the networks are connected with physical systems.
Cyber security is a continuum of technologies, operations, and practices aimed at protecting computers, data, and networks from malicious actions. Although cyber security is about cyberspace, it goes hand in hand with physical security. Coordinated efforts are vital in ensuring cyber security. Among the elements of cyber security includes information security, network security, application security, disaster recovery, operational security and end-user education. All these items have to adjust according to how security risks are evolving.
Cyber Security Risks
Both cyber and physical systems of the computer are vulnerable and facing risks. The latest biggest threat is ransomware. Globally, it has cost people millions of dollars. Ransomware attackers are encrypting people’s valuable information. They are even moving to the cloud and encrypting backup files. Such a situation leaves people or organizations with no other alternative. They have to pay the ransom and recover their information.
Phishing is among the many ways attackers are accessing people’s information. For instance, an employee clicks a link sent through an email. He or she does it because it looks legitimate and unknowingly, the employee exposes company information to the attacker. Another vulnerable system is Internet of Things. The inter-connectivity of home appliances increases chances of compromise. An attacker can easily hack this connection because there is a lack of security that has been invested in it.
Online banking users and other financial systems have to be protective of their details. Identity theft and other forms of cyber crimes are happening because of inadequate security measure such as weak passwords. Polymorphic malware is the most common challenge many individuals and organizations. They are also contending with spyware, worms, viruses and Trojans. For this reason, security systems need regular upgrades to keep up with this malware.
Careers in Cyber Security
The cyber security field has numerous career opportunities for interested people. Among these positions are penetration testers, security manager, vulnerable assessor, security software developer, security code auditor qualification, security administrator, forensic experts, incident responder and cryptographer.
All of these positions require a certain level of education and professionalism. Minimum professional requirements depend on the position. Some will demand a bachelor’s degree while others need short courses. Before choosing a career, an individual should evaluate his or her strengths, weaknesses and interests. Every cyber security specialist should be an analyst. Therefore analytical skills are a fundamental prerequisite when considering choosing a career in this field.