What are CyberCrime and CyberSecurity?

Cybercrime

Cybercrime is unlawful activity that involves a computer and a network. The computer may be the tool used to commit crime, or it might be the target. Wherever and however it takes place, cybercrime is on the rise.

The more we rely on computers – with advances in wireless networks, smart devices, and the Internet of Things – the more conscious we should be about cybercrime. Cybercrime can threaten our safety and our finances.

Types of cybercrime include hacking, spyware, data theft, credit card fraud, impersonation, and hijacking of data through denial of service attacks, malware, and viruses.

It’s important to understand that these threats are real. They don’t only happen to other people and other businesses. On a long enough timescale, we all become targets for cybercriminals.

Some attackers are thrill-seekers. Others are activists. Yet others are seeking to make a profit from your misfortune. Whatever their motivations, their activities can lead to lost money, compromised data, downtime, and damaged reputation.

If only there were some way to defend ourselves and our businesses against such incidents…

 

Cybersecurity

Fortunately, we have cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is all about protecting your computer systems from damage or theft of hardware, software, or information.

Locking the door behind you when you leave the office is cybersecurity, but more often people who refer to cybersecurity are talking about:

  • controlling physical access.
  • restricting access through the use of passwords and other methods of authentication.
  • real-time network monitoring.
  • automated network security software, including antivirus, antimalware, and firewalls.
  • keeping software and firmware up to date to avoid breaches.
  • independently seeking and addressing network vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
  • educating staff on best practices for maintaining network security.
  • responding to breaches in a timely manner.

 

Cybercrime can be scary, but it doesn’t need to be. There are many ways in which you can protect your business. The main thing is not to wait until your network is under attack or compromised.

The nature of modern cybercrime is such that your network may already have been compromised without you knowing it. For most businesses, by the time they have realized that there has been a breach, the damage has already been done.

Be proactive. Take a few simple steps to protect your network and your business. Adequate cybersecurity does not need to cost the earth.

Get in touch with us for more information and advice about cybersecurity, data backup, and disaster recovery options that are perfect for your business.

We can also help you get back on your feet if you think that you are already a victim of cybercrime, but we’d like to help you before this situation arises. Call us today. We’re ready for your call.

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