ANTIVIRUS SOFTWAREs
Why do you need a cyber security team?
By THEO OKOSUN
What is Cyber Security?
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting programs, data, networks, and other critical information from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction. It encompasses a range of measures aimed at minimizing threats and vulnerabilities while enforcing policies for recovery, data assurance, and protection against cyberattacks.
An effective cybersecurity approach involves multiple layers of security across PCs, networks, programs, and data. Within organizations, it requires alignment between people, processes, and technology to create a comprehensive defense against digital threats.
It’s crucial to recognize that the security of a program or application is only as strong as its weakest link—the end user. Design and development processes must prioritize end-user security, considering the potential for malicious activity and ensuring robust defenses are in place.
“An effective cybersecurity approach has numerous layers of security spread over the PCs, systems, projects, or information that one means to be careful. In an association, the individuals, procedures, and innovation should all supplement each other to make a viable protection from digital assaults.”
A bug in the magento CMS was found where a particular class allowed users to input data without proper sanitizing this data, the designers assumed that the back-end security will be enough to deter any possible attacks, CSS classes were used to validate user inputs neglecting the fact that these classes could be easily bypassed in the developer tools.
This bug which has already been fixed allowed malicious attackers gain root access to applications, potentially steal information, add coupon codes through Cross site scripting and this eventually led to the loss of a lot of revenue pending the time the bugs were fixed.
Why is Cyber Security Needed
With the proliferation of the internet and social media, cybersecurity has become more critical than ever. Users must understand the various risks associated with online activities and exercise caution when connecting with others or accessing online content.
Cyber threats, such as data theft and phishing scams, are on the rise, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal and sensitive information. The lack of adequate security measures can have significant consequences across various sectors:
Major areas affected by lack of decent security
- Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities to perpetrate crimes, with earnings from cybercrimes surpassing those from traditional crimes.
- Online markets are particularly vulnerable, with a significant portion of cybercrime revenue generated through illicit activities.
- Small businesses are frequent targets of cyberattacks, with an attack occurring every 39 seconds on average.
The sophistication of cybercriminals makes it challenging to detect and prevent attacks, leading to widespread impacts across sectors such as healthcare, education, and finance
Signs of a cyber attack:
- Passwords failing to work.
- Unexpected icons appearing on the dashboard or desktop.
- Files being manipulated or selected automatically.
- Fake antivirus warnings.
- Sluggish computer performance.
- Redirection to unfamiliar websites.
- Unexplained cursor movement.
- Automatic disabling of antivirus software.
Best Antivirus software in 2024
The best antivirus to use in 2024 is Avast
Tips for Preventing Security Breaches
USE SSL
SSL(Secure Sockets Layer) is used to protect unsecure online transactions for millions of online businesses and to keep sensitive information private and confidential.
INSTALL UPDATES REGULARLY
Keep your applications and operating systems updated with the latest antivirus soft wares.
Good Coding Practices
In order to avoid leaving vulnerabilities in your applications. Ensure there’s constant use of the latest updates and software coding practices. Rarely try to ‘reinvent the wheel’ if possible.
Use strong passwords
Use minimum 10 characters in your password and always use different user id and password combinations for various accounts and avoid using them again
Make use of Firewalls
Firewalls block the data coming from the outside network and pretend to form a thick layer of filter that denies the penetration of harmful or unwanted data coming from the internet.
Download applications from trusted sources only
Most Operating systems have a list of popular trusted sources. There’s usually a warning from your OS when you attempt to install a file/app from a non-trusted vendor.
Reporting Security Incidents
WRITTEN COMPLAINTS
Register a written compliant to the immediate cyber cell in the city.
GLOBAL JURISDISCTION
The Information Technology Act categorically states that cybercrime has global jurisdiction, meaning that the crime may be reported in the cybercrime units of the city, irrespective of the place where the crime was committed.
SECURITY AUTHORITIES
In a situation where no IT support staff is available, one can report in the local police stations, the commissioner or a judicial magistrate of the city.
