Cyber Security and Data Protection

The internet has become more influential in daily life than anyone could have ever imagined. What was once a means of allowing US military computers to stay connected has transformed into an integral method of global communication.
But we don’t just use the internet to stay in touch with friends and family across the world. It’s also become key to how we operate businesses, store personal information and even manage our bank accounts. With so much important data being transferred across public networks every day, it’s no surprise that a small section of the technologically gifted chooses to exploit the more vulnerable among us. There are ways to protect yourself. Let’s assess how you might be at risk, whilst also explaining the steps you need to take to both prevent and recover from an attack. By its definition, cybercrime is the name given to any criminal activity that involves a computer or a networked device. Most often, a cybercriminal is someone who has a detailed knowledge of technology. They’ll often target networks which are unknowingly left unguarded but can also take active steps to try and infiltrate pre-existing firewalls. There are three primary types of cyberattacks: (i) Crimes where a computing device has been stolen. In these instances, data is illegally obtained from the device in question. (ii) Crimes where a computer is being used as a weapon. A hacker might be able to take control of a computer and use it to carry out further crimes. (iii) Crimes where a computer is used as an accessory. A criminal might even use someone else’s computer to store data they’ve obtained illegally as a way of keeping it separate from their own personal device. Ironically, it’s the accessibility and convenience that the internet provides which makes committing a cybercrime considerably easier. A criminal no longer needs to place themselves in the vicinity of the act. They can even use proxy servers and other cloaking devices to hide their identity, stealing your data from hundreds, maybe even thousands, of miles away.