An Insight to cybersecurity buzzwords and terminology
In order to survive in today’s fast-moving world, we must stay updated in the sectors we are engaged in. Cybersecurity is no different and with the rapidly evolving technology and the threats it is exposed to, it will be to our advantage as to how much we know about it.
Malware
A software designed for creating havoc in a system is called a malware. We are familiar with this “trouble-maker” as a virus, which technically speaking actually refers to a type of malware attack, where the software self-replicates. Malware enters our systems and networks, disrupting functions and corrupting files unless proper precautions are taken.
Anti-virus
A common misconception regarding anti-virus is that they protect our systems from malware, though actually, these can only scan the drives they are installed in to detect traces of malware.
Ransomware
This type of malware steals files or personal data and holds it encrypted, out of reach of its owner until a “ransom” is paid to release them.
Social Engineering
In this case, it is not the computer or any associated system that betrays itself but the user or the human factor involved. Here the user may be tricked into revealing sensitive information, for example, username and password, and this information used for malicious activities. This system referred to as “Social Engineering” does not need complex malware to extract information, it just needs cunning thinking.
Phishing
This is a more technically backed form of Social Engineering where a criminal may impersonate an authorized agent for a reputed company, will attempt to make contact with the would-be victim, hoping to extract personal information. If on any occasion such prompting is done, do not release any sensitive information without verifying the legitimacy of the agent first.
Zero-day attacks
A malware released and yet to be discovered by cybersecurity companies pose a great threat to systems as there will be no defense against them. Cybersecurity companies release updates as a response to newer threats which come up, and if a newly released malware exploits such a security gap, its termed a Zero-day attack.
Patch
Patch is a file update to a software, released by programmers in case they detect a security gap in the software. This gap is “patched” using this update and will keep the software safe from malware.
Intrusion Protection System (IPS)
These IPSs offer a great level of protection against malware, where it monitors the activity of this destructive software from within the system firewall itself and puts a dead-stop to any malicious software trying to sneak in.
Redundant data
Back up your data in an offline, offsite facility, where it will be safe from malware should anti-virus, Intrusion Protection or patches fail.
Hope this helped you gain some knowledge regarding cybersecurity. For more information regarding cybersecurity and its developments, feel free to contact us.
