Computer security, or cybersecurity or information security is the protection of networks and computer systems from outside intrusions, damage of or theft of their hardware, data, or software, and from the misuse or disruption of their services. It encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at protecting computers from unlawful access, fuzzing (a testing process for security) and vulnerability testing. Security testing refers to a process for identifying, describing, and analyzing security threats or vulnerabilities in a computer system.
Hackers are constantly trying to penetrate computer security systems, and it becomes ever more difficult to protect computers from outside attacks. Security experts have developed very specific means to thwart hackers’ attacks, while enabling users to use computers more efficiently. Here are some examples of computer security measures being used today.
Internet security has come a long way over the years. Back in the early nineties, there were few effective methods for preventing hackers from penetrating computers and causing problems. However, with the dawn of the web and growing popularity of PCs, there came the development of many web-based security programs and anti-virus softwares that have since been instrumental in thwarting a variety of security threats, including malware, adware, spyware, and viruses. In order to stop these latest waves of cybercrime, it is essential for both companies and end-users to be familiar with the latest and most up-to-date threats. For this reason, organizations frequently conduct security campaigns through the employment of IT professionals, which include the deployment of firewalls, anti-virus software, and anti-spyware programs. For end-users, however, there are several simple steps they can take to minimize the impact of internet security threats, and increase the security level of their computers.
Some of the most serious types of security threats to computers are viruses, which are able to steal data by utilizing malicious coding and can spread at a rapid pace, wreaking havoc on a system. There are many different types of virus that may attack a PC, including viruses that can steal personal information, corrupt files, shut down computer processes, and distribute spam. Malware, on the other hand, is a more serious threat because it can install additional harmful software programs onto a computer without the user’s knowledge. Spyware can also take a record of web browsing activities and transmit sensitive information such as credit card numbers to advertisers. When combined with other forms of threats, spyware can be nearly impossible to detect or remove unless a knowledgeable computer user is aware of how to remove the threat.
Computer fraud is perhaps the most common form of Internet security threat, and it has the potential to result in financial losses as well as expose companies to legal action. In this type of instance, there is a risk of a person using one’s computer to create a fraudulent account in an attempt to obtain access to critical data. This data could include anything from passwords to social security numbers to confidential business information and could ultimately pose a risk to a company’s confidential information and overall business operations.
Unfortunately, computer security threats aren’t limited to illegal activity. In fact, the most serious of these issues centers around a so-called security breech, which occurs when a business breaks industry security to gain access to a network. Industry professionals call this a “soft” breech, because any security breach makes a system vulnerable to theft or other damage. A soft breech can occur when a computer system administrators breaches security in order to make an illegal connection to a non-trusted site and then sells that information to an unauthorized party. It can also happen when a business hacks into a network for the express purpose of accessing data for personal gain.
While there are a number of different types of Internet threats, the most common examples involve malware and hackers. Common malware includes worms, viruses, Trojan horses, spyware, and targeted attacks. On the Internet, some malware can be downloaded without the permission of the user, or even when the user opens a file. Common examples of online malware include phishing emails that trick users into revealing their financial or personal information. Other types of malware include keyloggers (which record any keystrokes made), back door programs (which allow hackers to gain access to computers remotely), and modem viruses.
As technology continues to advance and develop at a rapid pace, it is becoming increasingly difficult for businesses to stay ahead of cyber threats. This is why companies are strongly encouraged to implement proactive cyber security measures to protect their most valuable assets – information. While malware and hackers are rapidly developing and spread, companies that take the time to implement software that detects and stops malicious programs can minimize their exposure to potential losses. Companies that provide cloud computing services can help reduce the threat of common threats like malware and hackers by providing a comprehensive range of computer security services and malware protection to their customers.