Cybersecurity What is it, what is it for and what should I know about its information protection methods?

The vulnerability that currently exists in our data and the information that we handle on different computers is one of the biggest concerns among users. In order to protect this, there are different techniques, to which cybersecurity is dedicated.

This tool specializes in safeguarding the computer data that we use. But for understand in greater depth what this topic is about, we have to expand different concepts.

In this article you will find information about cybersecurity, or computer data security, that will help you protect your equipment more efficiently. In addition, we will see the benefits of implementing this technique and you will also learn about different concepts that will help you understand this important topic more easily.

What is cybersecurity and why should we use it in our computer equipment?

Cybersecurity is a technique that focuses on protecting data and any other element of a computer medium. This tool is interested in analyzing the security that exists in a specific network or device. It also studies the software used in a technological information medium in order to eliminate vulnerabilities, according to established criteria.

It is necessary to have a cybersecurity system to be able to avoid causes that are caused by different sources. We can highlight, within this category, malicious programs or malware.

These are a set of software which includes the virus, spyware, worms or any other system that maliciously harms a computer equipment. Their job is to remove barriers that prevent intruders from accessing sensitive information or reproducing themselves indefinitely to spread.

Other reasons or causes that must be analyzed with cybersecurity is the permission granted to users on a network. It is common to have security problems when there are users with oversized faculties and they do not have enough capacity to be able to take the corresponding care in not opening the door to intruders.

Computer security also studies the programming errors that may exist in software used on a computer or network. This is because the errors generate the possibility of creating crackers that simulate a patch in order to access the operating systems or installed apps. In this way, intruders have a clear path to steal information from the user.

So far, we have mentioned the points that cybersecurity sees from the software. But We should not only think of this tool as a weapon to combat the intrusion of hackers or malware into a network or computer equipment. But also computer security is aimed at avoiding intentional or unintentional accidents in the manipulation of files or computer material. This can arise due to theft, fire or also due to electronic failures that can cause the devices to break.

What are the main dangers that computer security protects us from?

Currently there are different dangers for which computer security works permanently. We will show you below what are the main threats from which cybersecurity protects us.

Information theft

One of the most common risks that exist today is when an attacker enters a network and steals or alters the operation of the network to extract valuable information. This is done for later use or sale to third parties.

Often these threats they can be given internally through users or technically qualified personnel who recognize the network and they know how it works and where the weaknesses are through which they can enter. Another way they have of accessing a network is by circumventing the defense mechanisms of the firewalls, since they can comply with the protocols required by this tool and enter the network directly.

As we told you before, there are different ways to steal data. Another very common way is when it is done by people outside a network, the advantage in these cases is that the attackers do not have clear information on how its structure works. Therefore, in these situations, cybersecurity is much more efficient.

Destruction of electronic data

It is another of the dangers to which a network or computer equipment is exposed. Occurs when an intruder enters the network illegally. This generally occurs through malware that is installed through emails and other mechanisms that are trusted by users. Without their presence being noticed or users realizing they self-propagate to directly damage the development codes in order to destroy electronic information.

identity substitution

It is also a very common cyber crime nowadays. These attacks are generated through certain mechanisms that use media such as social networks. In which the victim has to enter the username and password to a trusted place, but in reality they are accessing a completely false site, with a graphical interface similar to the original, that seeks to steal information. This technique is also known as phishing.

Systems Override

This is another of the cyber attacks that can occur when entering a network or device. The hacker, with different software, causes the override of operating systems or hardware that force users to have to restart the computer or directly not be able to work on them.

money theft scams

Attackers often do not seek to commit a crime that results in the destruction of software or hardware. They simply seek to extract money from users through deception.

For this they use different techniques in which the theft of information can be produced with techniques with banners or any other misleading advertising indicating non-existent prizes or benefits. In these attacks, the user must pay a certain amount for it in order to access a theoretically greater benefit.

Hardware fire or destruction

As we have already discussed before, cybersecurity is not only concerned with soft or software mechanisms but also tries to intervene so that the equipment does not suffer physical destructionsuch as a fire or breakage due to the bad procedure that users do.

cyberterrorism

We can summarize in this type of danger that cybersecurity safeguards are created to prevent war attacks for political reasonssince the attackers collect information according to the user’s thoughts or data that can compromise the future of the people of a country.

Cyberterrorists generate an apocalyptic environment among citizens to lose stability and obtain a benefit that is often not known at first.

Why is it necessary to use cybersecurity as a user and as a company? Benefits

When using the cybersecurity in a frequent way and establishing it as a key success factor for a user or a company, different benefits are obtained. We will show you below, what are the advantages most important that are achieved when establish computer security principles on a network or a computer.

Protection for computers and other devices

One of the main objectives of cybersecurity is to protect computers and devices, whether mobile or desktop. They also protect other classes of hardware from attacks by intruders with which the information stored on the equipment is put at risk through theft, fire or any type of destruction.

Therefore, when computer security principles are used, different techniques are established that help raise the barriers to entry for cyber attackers.

Integrity and privacy of information

Just as cybersecurity protects computers, its initial objective is also to provide security for the information handled by computers and the data of network users.

This can be done based on techniques that can be the most extensive, but to name the most important we can say the installation of antivirusof firewalls, restricted access the different users to the information, implementation of access keys with a certain degree of complexity.

Creating healthy standards for safety

As there is a process in which computer security is safeguarded, all users are committed to acquiring norms and habits that are healthy for the organization of the network or its teams directly. This helps to more quickly find any vulnerabilities that may arise in a short time.

Improvement of a corporate image

Something that many times people and business administrators do not realize is that, when implementing a cybersecurity system, brings about a positive image of the clients with respect to the company. This is so because people feel safe when giving their information to a company that manages technological security standards to take care of their personal data.

Better decisions

One of the most positive results generated when an IT security system is implemented is that businessmen, or users in general, can make better computing decisions when they are or feel protected. Thanks to the implementation of cybersecurity, people easily detect what are the potential threats that could harm the company before making a decision.

Controlled indices

It is another of the points in favor of cybersecurity. Since the people in charge of this type of security carry out analyzes where they measure the incidents with respect to the probability that they have occurred. This allows have more complete information to be able to prevent other similar attacks and know in advance what the risks are that the company, or any individual user, may face in the future.

What are the phases of an effective computer security strategy?

To better protect a particular network or device, it is necessary to establish in advance what are the real threats that said team can face. For this, it is necessary to carry out different phases in order to have a reliable and effective computer security strategy.

Next, we will talk about how you should establish these steps according to your organization:

The first thing you should do is set the main goals you want to have. In other words, why are cybersecurity being implemented in a network? You will have to analyze if you want to be detected when you browse, what will be the types of web pages that more visits are going to be made and what is the risk that these have. In addition, you will have to analyze who will be the people who will have access to sensitive information and that they can be the target of cyberattacks.

Once you have established these risks, you will need to Analyze your network architecture. In other words, you will have to see what the computers that connect to the network will be, what the security system that you can implement through a firewall or any other hardware that can simplify security will be like.

When you have identified these steps, you will have to see all the weak points that you have. You should start to establish possible solutions for the implementation of software that will allow you to help in cybersecurity. That is: install an antiviruscorrectly execute a firewall and also set the hierarchical password levels to users so that they cannot access certain information.

After having established what will be your cybersecurity plan that you will have to implement, you have to put it into practice. will have to start with advice and education to the different users members of these networks so that they can establish for themselves the importance of having a computer security system on the network and also that they themselves are capable of detecting where there may be risks or vulnerabilities.

As the operations arise, you will have to see and compare what really happens with what you have planned. and detect the errors that exist or that perhaps you have not calculated correctly. Being an itinerant process, you will have to pay attention to all the operations carried out by users, advise and correct different methods to have an effective cybersecurity system.

What techniques are used to ensure the security of a computer network?

Among the techniques used to guarantee security we can name the following:

Trusted antivirus installation

Let’s start with the most basic. All computers on a network must have installed an effective antivirus. This will not only serve for real-time detection, but also to perform an analysis of all the files that are installed on the computer.

Like the other software that we will talk about next, it is essential that the antivirus is permanently updated. This is because the companies that carry out this kind of protection are constantly releasing updates due to the detection of vulnerabilities that arise according to new malware launched by hackers.

In addition to having the antivirus installed, it is necessary to make it run periodically to increase security and that there are no doubts about any corner of the computer.

Software update

As you already know the importance of updating the antivirus on the computer or on the mobile, it is also vitally important for cybersecurity to do so with the programs. This is mainly because with updates patches are generated that are correcting vulnerabilities that exist in the development of software codes.

Autoplay

Something that many hackers and other cybercriminals use is to send viruses and worms via email or instant messaging that reproduce automatically when a video is clicked or a file is downloaded. This often happens because users have autoplay turned on. It is highly recommended to disable this option to avoid future headaches.

Distrust received files

Many people believe that only files received from people they don’t know or accounts they’ve never seen before should be mistrusted. This is true, but it is also necessary to carry out an analysis exhaustive of the files or any other information received from people we trust.

This is not because the sender is mistrusted but because it may happen that these people have been vulnerable to a cyber attack and have introduced a virus or worm on your computer and they are inadvertently transmitting it to you.

Safe site browsing

This is a point that few users pay attention to. When you have a protocol with maximum security, it is very difficult to enter the decryption of that page. Therefore, it is necessary to always navigate under the protocol HTTPS.

Use safe browsers

As we explained in the previous point, it is necessary to always navigate through secure sites. In case you need to access sites that do not have security protocols, the tools that must be used for the protection of technological information is use browsers that are trusted.

One of the most prominent is Thor. In which it can be accessed with an end-to-end encryption. If you do not want to have too many complications to use this browser, you can access it with other browsers that have VPNs includedas is the case with Opera. It is also very useful to use Mozilla Firefox or the Google Chrome.

Creation of other computer tools

Not only is it necessary to have an antivirus on a network to be safe, but it is also advisable to access it through a virtual private network or VPN, in which there is a point-to-point encryption. This makes it much more difficult for data to be intercepted by intruders. Also, the installation of a firewall or firewall it is also important to establish rules with which malware will not be able to access the network.

Cyber ​​security advice

This is a key success factor in those organizations that have multiple users what can access information confidential. With this type of advice, participants are taught what the risks are and how they should prevent it naturally.

Encrypt the hard drive and all its files

Encryption can be generated all information via PGP. This tool (which we will develop later) allows messages and any type of information to be encrypted so that the receiver can decrypt it without the risk of interception by third parties.

Secured Hardware

As we talked about before, cybersecurity deals not only with software but also with the physical integrity of devices. Because of this, it is necessary have a correct electrical installation that allows there to be no overload in the power lines, thus avoiding overheating and possible fires. It is also necessary to implement techniques that are useful against fire or robbery of computer equipment.

What are the basic digital security protocols that we should know?

We talked about it a little before and it is to use security protocols in navigation to be able to have a much higher digital security. According to this, we will analyze what are the basic protocols that you must know so as not to put your information at risk and neither that of others.

Take note:

Thor

This tool is ideal for access Internet sites that are hidden in the different search engines and have IPs that are masked and they are only accessible through a special browser. Within these browsers is ThorWhat does it mean The Onion Router. And it is used to protect the communication that exists between a computer and the server on which the site you want to access is hosted.

In this way, the anonymity of the user is guaranteed. This is because it sends the data through an indirect path through nodes that function as intermediaries to obtain keys from them with a directory of these. The computer requesting a service from the server encrypts the message with different layers where instructions are included to reach the destination. When the receiver has the information, it will decrypt it and send it back encrypted if required.

Therefore, in order to increase information security, it is necessary to work with the Tor Browser. For this, you will have to enter this browser and click on “Connect”. After a few seconds you will have access to the Deep Web that will help you navigate anonymously and you can use the search engine DuckDuckGo to access pages “onions” and prevent third parties from detecting your messages.

HTTPS

This security protocol is used in web browsing so that data travels safely, based on the HTTP protocol. The HTTPS tool contributes to cybersecurity as it uses SSL/TLS encryption for texts creating, between the remote server and the browser, a suitable channel for the data to travel correctly. This ensures that they cannot be decrypted by third parties since they cannot intercept this transfer.

It differs from HTTP since they are not susceptible to attacks of the type janus either eavesdropping. Therefore, the attackers cannot listen to the conversations nor can they read or insert data to produce a modification in the same. You will be able to realize that you are browsing in this protocol since in the URL address it will appear “https://”.

SSL

This security protocol also makes communications safe when browsing the Internet. The acronyms correspond to “Secure Sockets Layer”which means it refers to working through secure port layers.

In other words, the information that travels uses asymmetric X.509 type certificates, which are used to identify the counterpart or the server to which you want to access through Internet communication. When counterparty authentication is achieved, this same technique is also used to encrypt the entire data content for return. In addition to being used in Internet browsing, it is also used in instant messaging such as WhatsApp or Telegram and in VoIP services.

What is PGP and what is it used for in cybersecurity?

This is an encryption that arises as a necessity in those cases where access to a website is used through a plain text, which can be vulnerable to attacks by third parties.

The protocol “Pretty Good Privacy” either pgp serves for perform an encryption and then decrypt the texts that are used in emails, files or any other communication, including entire disk partitions. That is, a data compression with two types of keys, one public and one private, is used for a combination of hash type. So the private key is used to decrypt the messages that were encrypted by the public key through a live operating system.

This operating system can be saved to an external drive and used in conjunction with another OS that the computer has, for example, Windows. In this way these 2 software are used for the operation of the equipment. But when you want to use the SO live, It will be created a virtual team which will serve to run the encryption via PGP.

What basic virtual security programs are available on my computer by default?

We can name the following basic virtual security programs that are included in a computer since its manufacture:

Windows Defender Anti-Virus

This is the antivirus it offers Windows 10 which has real-time protection against different threats. Protects email as well as applications installed on the computer and Internet browsing.

firewall

The Windows Firewall is designed so that intruders and malware cannot access the device, nor can they gain access to the information that is handled when the user browses the Internet. Users on MacOS You can also access this tool through the option “Security and Privacy”.

Find my device app

This application installed by default on a Windows 10 operating system allows the user know where the device is in case of theft or loss. It manages to erase the data or directly block the equipment.

Parental control

The Windows feature sets different rules that prevent the whole family when play over networks use Windows or Xbox devices. It is very useful, since different statistics show that hackers use various tricks aimed at the little ones in the house.

Windows Defender SmartScreen

Tool that comes integrated with the browser Microsoft Edgewhich protects the user when downloading and browsing websites that may be dangerous.

windows update

This software will allow the user to discover all the updates that are available and be able to keep the device as safe as possible.

Backups

Windows 10 offers to create a backup that allows you to keep the restore files to another drive and restore them if necessary when they are damaged or deleted by mistake.

file recovery

users who could have suffered a security attack can recover the files through this tool. It is also used after reinstalling the operating system.

macOS FileVault

This tool will allow all users to be able to encrypt files from end to end and send them to recipients in encrypted form so that they cannot be intercepted by intruders.

Safari

As with Windows Apple, also offers the possibility of having different tools in your browser that allow browsing in a safe way, deleting the history and also the cookies.

List of essential cybersecurity software that you can’t help but have on your computer yes or yes

Next, we will indicate the best cybersecurity software that you should not stop installing on your computer:

Hello Free VPN Proxy Unblocker

This is a virtual private network that is used to lose the geolocation of our computer and being able to access sites that we could not do while in Spain. In addition, it has the possibility of being able to browse without being seen by other users, since it connects our computer with the server through a tunnel, without having to go through the ISP.

With this option you can access remote computers quickly and securely. This VPN has the possibility of being used in the best browsers and can also be used as an application or extension. It can be downloaded for both Windows and Mac computers, but if you prefer you can use it on Android and iPhone.

TunnelBear VPN

This virtual private network is an extension used with the Chrome browser. With this tool you will be able to access a VPN server every time you access the Internet and activate this option. The installation step is very simple, you just have to go to Chrome, look for the option “Extensions”. When you are in this section, you will have to click on “Add to Chrome”then it will ask you if you want to install TunnelBear VPN to which you must click on “Add Extension”.

An icon represented by a bear will appear in the upper right corner, which you must press to activate and choose the server of the country with which you want to access.

VPNForce

This VPN server will allow your Android smartphone to connect with more than 20 countries with just one click. You will be able to browse quickly and reliably where you will not have interruptions due to the unlimited bandwidth it offers. Their service is free and you can bypass any firewall. It will contribute to cybersecurity because your browsing will be will keep hidden and the data will not be easily intercepted. It is available for Android.

Download VPNForce Android

AVG AntiVirus FREE

This antivirus is ideal for having a poor cybersecurity system, since it allows real-time updates, thus providing an analysis of malware and any other problem that may exist based on the performance of the computer. It has tools that allow you to analyze potential downloads or things that can significantly harm your computer. It has a free version and a paid version where you can get extra protection against ransomware in the installed files.

It is available for Windows and MacOS, as well as Android and iOS.

Download AVG AntiVirus Windows

Download AVG AntiVirus macOS

Tor Browser

This is a browser that allows you to have a different encryption process than other common browsers. Thanks to its layer system, it can send a message to the receiver through an amount of encryption that will allow it to obtain the best route so as not to be identified. It is widely used in the deep Internet due to the great benefits it provides by not being able to be tracked.

Download Tor Browser Windows

Download Tor Browser macOS

tails

It’s a live operating system, with which you can have a virtual machine on the same computer that has another OS. This will allow you to have greater privacy, since you will be able to surf the Internet anonymously and thus you will also be able to evade the censorship generated by some governments. Among its most outstanding characteristics we can mention the use of modern tools for the email encryptioninstant messaging and files in general.

Download Tails OS

VirtualBox

It’s also a virtual operating system with which you can have a virtual computer in which you can execute different functions to encrypt data and thus improve cybersecurity on your computer. It is aimed at both common users and companies and the Its great advantage is that it is not necessary to partition the disk to obtain the desired results. You can use it for online games.

Download VirtualBox Windows

comfortable firewall

This firewall contributes to cybersecurity for those users who download Torrent files or carry out activities on online gaming platforms. It has the great advantage that it can be installed with very simple steps, since it comes preconfigured for Windows. It has two versions, one free and the other paid in which an antivirus is incorporated. You will be able to locate viruses and malware thanks to the constant updating that this platform has to deny executable files and other types of downloads.

Download Comodo Windows Firewall

Murus Lite

Type of firewall widely used on Mac computers. It has tools that are already integrated into the Apple operating system, where you can create different types of rules to manage images. In addition, it provides the option to customize these tools in order to better adapt them to the user’s needs. It is characterized by the ease and advanced options that it presents in monitoring and that can be used in real time.

Download Murus Lite Windows

Tips that you should put into practice to make our devices more secure and impenetrable against any attack

So far we have analyzed what cybersecurity is, but you will need some tips to put this tool into practice and make your devices more secure and also not able to be hacked by intruders.

Next, we will show you some tips that you must take into account to have a computer with high computer security:

Install an antivirus

As you may have already noticed the role of antivirus in cybersecurity is essential. Therefore, it is necessary that you download an antivirus that is efficient, but in addition to this you have to keep it updated all the time and make it run from time to time. With this tool you will have the possibility of having an online monitoring where you can count on analysis when you download and other areas with risk.

Create rules for your firewall

Like the antivirus, this system will allow you to impose rules that will be executed every time you browse the Internet or have to download a file from an email or by USB. As with all these types of software, you must have it updated so that it can be efficient.since the large number of innovations presented by malware make this activity essential.

Don’t lend your laptop

This is essential to contribute to cybersecurity, since many times you can leave open windows and accounts with sensitive information that can be stolen by someone else. The advice also goes when you are on a public computer. Close all the tabs and windows that you have used. In addition, browse incognito mode to leave no data, deleting cookies and browsing history.

Use a virtual private network

This is a basic tip but many people do not take it into account. When you browse and don’t want to be detected, you can use a VPN provider that will also help you avoid locating your computer. This is also useful to avoid the Internet censorship that exists and to be able to access pages from our country that you would not be able to do without the VPN.

Always browse HTTPS sites

This will make the encryption that these pages have is end-to-end. Therefore, it becomes very difficult for an attacker to try to intercept the flow of information in text format. In addition to this security protocol, you should bear in mind that when you browse try to use browsers that are reliable and recognized. This will help them to detect malicious sites or files.

Use Tor Browser

This browser will allow you to have encrypted end-to-end navigation, therefore, you will be able to browse safely and it will not be seen by other web visitors. In addition, it has a VPN.

Avoid downloading unknown files

Something that seems simple to do, but many times people forget to take this advice into account. You must bear in mind that viruses, spyware and computer worms are transmitted through email or messages from unknown sources.. It is important that every time you have to download one of these files, you carry out an inspection with the antivirus.

Do not use open Wi-Fi networks

One of the favorite places of hackers is to intercept wireless networks that have a public access. Therefore, when you are connected to this type of WiFi, you should keep in mind that there may be many people who are reading what you are browsing. If you need to access your email or bank account, avoid doing it by these means, since these steps may be recorded.

Use different passwords

Something that is highly recommended by cybersecurity experts is that users of different platforms do not use the same access password. Since in this way it would be possible to access all the Internet sites where the user is registered. This is mainly due to the fact that if one of the accounts is hacked, the intruder cannot access the others as they will have to do additional work to gain access to them.

Do not share your data

It seems logical, but many times users trust pages that are apparently safe and dump personal or financial information to this type of website. Therefore, when you have to make an online purchase, try to do it in recognized sites that have a good reputation.

Glossary of basic terms familiar with computer network security

In order to have a more detailed idea of ​​cybersecurity, you should know the basic terms that we have used in this article or that will help you when you see some other information.

Let’s see what words are:

• Anti virus: It is a software that is used to detect malware and other elements that can make the device work incorrectly. In addition, it has different tools that allow you to close applications that use a lot of resources.
• Cybersecurity: Set of tools that serve to protect the technological information that exists in a computer network or in a specific device. Thanks to good practices, information theft and economic scams can be avoided.
• Browser extension: Software used in a certain browser to be used according to specific functions. In the case of cybersecurity, this type of program is used to open or close a virtual VPN network.
• firewall: It is software that can be installed on certain hardware and is used to function as a barrier to certain actions that can damage the network. For this, rules are created that prevent the access of viruses and other harmful elements or software.
• hacker: Person who is dedicated to violating computer systems and constantly threaten private and also economic data to be used for their own benefit.
• HTTPS: Security protocol used on the Internet for browsing networks according to end-to-end data encryption.
• Malware: Program or software used by hackers whose purpose is to destroy or steal information to have an unexpected result for the user. It is a set that has viruses, spyware and computer worms among other software.
• Virtual machine: It is a computer that is housed inside a real device. You can perform all the actions that a common PC does. In cybersecurity it is widely used to be able to install tools that allow data to be encrypted so that it can be sent to third parties safely.
• onions: This type of top-level fake domain is used to indicate an IP address that can be accessed via Thor.
• PGP: It is a protocol that provides access to the Internet through special encryption. It is especially used in emails and instant messaging. Its name comes from Pretty Good Privacy.
• Computer network: Set of computers or computing devices that are connected to each other by cables or wirelessly. They have different types of architectures in which the level of communication and hierarchy between users is established.
• live operating system: Program used to partition a computer and create a virtual machine. It allows to have two operating systems at the same time. In general, this live OS is saved on a USB or optical disk.
• SSL: Security protocol that works so that the connections between the computer and the Internet are secure by means of special encryption.
• TorBrowser: It is a special browser used on the deep web. It can be accessed through a VPN network in a hidden way.
• VPN: It corresponds to a virtual private network that is created to be able to browse the web in a hidden and secure way. It has different advantages, but among the most outstanding we can name that it avoids the geolocation of the equipment and it is possible to remotely access other computers that are connected to the same virtual network.