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- Cyber Security Blogs -

Cyber safety: what is it, and how can it help you!?

Introduction

Though Inter-related, Cyber Safety and Cyber Security are two different concepts. Understanding Cyber Safety in a real sense requires an ability to differentiate it from Cyber Security.

For example:

If the internet were a big city, Cyber Security would be the Police Force of the city and Cyber Safety would be the safety measures (like locking the door when leaving your house) that citizens must practice to stay safe.

Now, what is Cyber Safety and Cyber Security? How do we define them?

Cybersecurity uses tools and technologies to protect digital systems from potential online threats. It involves protecting systems, networks, and data from cyberattacks. The tools and technologies employed in Cybersecurity majorly include Firewalls, Encryption, and antivirus software to defend against security breaches.

Cybersafety, on the other hand, is the practice of using digital devices safely. This may include understanding the use of Cybersecurity tools and using them effectively.

Let’s take on the Cyber Safety concept elaborately in the next section.

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What Is Cyber Safety, Why Is It Important?

Cyber safety is the practice of using digital devices and the internet in a way that protects you from online risks and dangers. Under this practice, the users are aware of potential threats such as hacking, or phishing mail with a scammy link, and take measures to safeguard their devices from the potential attack.

For instance, children, because they lack experience, may click a scammy image ad linked to inappropriate content, while an experienced adult would avoid it or report the ad.

Cyber safety awareness is crucial for everyone, but especially for vulnerable groups like children and elderly people. Inappropriate use of technologies can harm people, leading to irreversible losses, and can even bring mental traumas in some cases, depending on the severity and the type of the cyber attack.

The Scale of the Cyber Threat

Recent trends indicate a spike in cyber attack cases globally. The instances outlined below demonstrate how Cyber attacks have emerged as a major challenge recently. Let’s take a look:

Rise in consumer complaints to FBI’s IC3: A massive 10% surge in consumer complaints to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) in 2023, taking the number to 880,418 compared to the figure in 2022
Rise in number of phishing websites: An increase of 27.8% has been noticed in the number of phishing websites in 2024 compared to the number of websites in 2022, taking the number to 13.4 million phishing and scammy pages, reported by Google’s safe browsing service. Please note that this number was just 69,254 in 2011.
Rising Trends: There was a trending 40% upsurge in cyberattacks during the pandemic period.
Cyber attack projections: Cyberattacks are projected to grow at a rate of 15% year over year, reports embroker.com.

Given the above data, trends and the developments in unique digital attacks have led to Cyber Safety awareness crucial for the netizens. States across the globe are implementing stringent laws to deal with cybercriminals. However, safety first lies in the hands of users. Gaps and loopholes are opportunities for cyber criminals while Cyber safety can block the attempts. Choosing one is entirely the wish of the users.

Scale of Cyber Threat

What Can Cyber Attacks Do?

Cyber attacks can have serious effects on individuals. These attacks can impact personal privacy, cause financial loss, and even lead to emotional distress. Let’s take a brief look at the cyberattack outcomes outlined below:

Personal Privacy

Hackers can steal personal information like your name, address, and even your social security number. This invasion of privacy can lead to identity theft, where someone uses your personal information to commit fraud or other crimes.

Financial Loss

Cyber attacks can also hit your wallet hard. Scammers can trick you into giving away your bank details or credit card information. They might send you fake emails that look like they’re from your bank, asking you to confirm your account details. Once they have this information, they can steal your money or make unauthorized purchases. This can result in significant financial loss and take a lot of time and effort to resolve

Emotional Distress

Beyond the financial and privacy concerns, cyber attacks can also cause a lot of emotional distress. Being a victim of an attack can make you feel violated, anxious, and scared. You might worry about your safety and the safety of your loved ones. This stress can affect your daily life, making it hard to focus on work or enjoy time with family and friends.

Types of Cyber Threats and Attacks

Cyber threats can be of many types. Understanding the various types of cyber threats is crucial for implementing effective security measures and protecting oneself against these malicious activities. Below, we explore some of the most common cyber threats and attacks, shedding light on their mechanisms and potential impacts.

Several Types of Cyber Threats

Identity Theft

Identity theft is the process of stealing someone’s personal information and pretending to be him. This could be with you, too. A cybercriminal can steal your name, social security number, and financial details to make unauthorized purchases or even commit crimes, leaving you to deal with the consequences. Cybercriminals use various methods to attack digital devices and networks, making it essential to be aware of these threats and protect yourself accordingly. While some are common, recent studies reveal cybercriminals developing new methodologies to steal sensitive information. We have outlined some of the most common threats below. Let’s understand them briefly:

Malware

Malware is malicious software. They are designed to harm your computer or steal your information. Malware can come in many forms, such as viruses, worms, or spyware. Cybercriminals use email links to infect your system with Malware. Clicking on the link downloads the Malware into your system, leading to slowing the computer, stealing sensitive information, or even giving control of your system to a hacker.

Cyber Bullying

Cyberbullying involves using digital devices and online platforms to harass, threaten, or humiliate someone. Though common on social platforms, cybercriminals use text messages or emails to trap and blackmail someone. Cyberbullying can lead to serious emotional distress, especially with children and teenagers, leading to stress, anxiety, and even depression.

Phishing

Phishing is a scam in which attackers try to trick you into giving them your personal information, such as your passwords or credit card numbers. The modus operandi is sending fake emails that sound like they come from a trusted agency, such as your bank or a popular website. The links in these fake emails direct you to a fake website asking you to fill out some form with your details.

Phishing and pharming emails can work in a staggered manner to sound genuine. Cybercriminals may target you for personal information first and then follow you through emails and calls to scam you or commit a crime, leaving you to deal with the consequences.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of copying someone else's work or ideas and presenting them as your own. In the digital world, this often involves copying content from websites or social media without giving credit to the original author. Plagiarism not only affects the original creator but can also damage your reputation if you are caught.

Other Threats

While the above threats are the most common, there are other types of cyber attacks to be aware of:

SQL Injection: An SQL Injection attack targets databases by injecting malicious code into them.
Man-in-the-Middle Attack: In this type of attack, hackers intercept communication between two parties and alter the messages for monetary gains.
Dridex Malware: This is a type of malware specifically designed to steal banking information.

Most Organizations have a cyber security attack

Understanding these threats is the first step to protecting yourself or your organization online. In the next sections, we will provide practical tips and techniques to help you stay safe and secure in the digital world.

Cyber Safety Tips and Best Practices

Staying safe online is all about being aware of potential risks and taking steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are some practical tips and best practices to help you navigate the digital world securely.

Creating Strong Passwords

Use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
Avoid using easily guessed information like your name or birthdate.
Change your passwords regularly and don’t reuse the same password across multiple sites.

Using Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enable 2FA wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message or authentication app, in addition to your password.

Recognizing Phishing Attempts

Be cautious of emails or messages from unknown sources, especially if they ask for personal information.
Look for signs of phishing, like spelling mistakes, generic greetings (e.g., "Dear Customer"), and suspicious links. Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking.

Privacy Settings

Regularly review and update the privacy settings on your social media accounts to control who can see your information.
Limit the amount of personal information you share online. The less information available, the harder it is for hackers to target you.

Avoiding Oversharing Personal Information

Think twice before sharing details like your location, vacation plans, or personal milestones publicly. These details can be used by cybercriminals to guess your passwords or plan attacks.

Parental Controls

Use parental control software to monitor and limit your children’s online activities. This helps protect them from inappropriate content and online predators.
Set up safe browsing settings on their devices and ensure they are using age-appropriate apps and websites.

Educating Children About Online Risks

Teach your children about the dangers of sharing personal information online.
Encourage open communication so they feel comfortable reporting any suspicious or uncomfortable online interactions.

Reporting Mechanisms

Users should learn how to report and block spammers online. This could save them from cyberbullying on social media platforms.
Mobile devices come with Apps that keep a record of the spammy numbers and warn you when you receive a call from any of these numbers. One such example is the “TrueCaller” App. Such applications may be helpful, though not correct always.
Users should know how to save evidence, such as a message or a screenshot of cyberbullying. This can be helpful when reporting an incident.

Key Cybersecurity Technologies

Besides being good with the best practices, using the right tools and technologies can significantly boost the cyber safety of the users. These tools and technologies are designed by experts to deal with cyber challenges effectively. Let’s take a look at the key Cybersecurity technologies:

Anti-virus Software

Anti-virus software is like a digital bodyguard for your digital devices. It helps protect your computer or mobile phone from malware, viruses, and other harmful software. By regularly scanning your system, anti-virus software can detect and remove threats before they cause damage. They also let you know of attempts to access your device and inform you if the request is from a secure network. You can allow the request or ask your anti-virus software to block it permanently. Make sure to keep your anti-virus software up to date so it can defend against the latest threats.

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)

VPNs create a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. They can be helpful when performing a critical operation such as a banking transfer. Think of it as a private tunnel that hides your online activities from prying eyes. Using a VPN can help protect your data, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks in places like cafes or airports. It also helps keep your browsing history private and prevents hackers from intercepting your information.

Secure Browsers

Secure browsers are designed to protect your privacy and enhance security while you surf the web. They come with built-in features like ad blockers, anti-tracking tools, and secure browsing modes. Browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Brave offer various security features to keep your online activities safe. Make sure you use the latest version of the browsers and enable security settings to maximize protection.

Password Managers

With the growing number of user accounts, passwords can be hard to remember. Keeping simple or common passwords may lead to account compromise. As such Password managers help you create, store, and manage strong passwords for all your online accounts. Instead of trying to remember dozens of different passwords, you only need to remember one master password. Enterprise password managers can generate complex passwords and automatically fill them in for you, making it easier to maintain good password hygiene without the hassle.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Apps

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an effective way to ensure secure logging every time. It adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. After entering your password, you’ll need to provide a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or generated by an app like Google Authenticator or Authy. This ensures that even if someone gets hold of your password, they still can’t access your account without the second verification step.

Firewalls

Firewalls are barriers between your computer and the internet. They block unauthorized access while allowing legitimate traffic. Many operating systems come with built-in firewalls, but you can also use third-party firewall software for enhanced protection. Firewalls help prevent hackers from gaining access to your system and can stop malicious software from communicating with the internet.

Encryption Tools

Encryption tools protect your data by converting it into a secure format. They ensure the data are read by users with the correct decryption code. For example, Whatsapp messages are end-to-end encrypted. These cannot be intercepted between the origin and delivery points.

Encryption tools are useful for protecting sensitive information like financial data or personal documents. Tools like VeraCrypt and BitLocker can encrypt your files and storage devices, keeping your data safe even if your device is lost or stolen.

The Importance of Cyber Safety Education

Cybercrime is a major challenge in the digital age today. While basic awareness can protect individuals from potential cyber-attacks, an advanced study can reward job aspirants with a lucrative career, and more information can be collected from learning the cybersecurity career path thoroughly. Be they start-ups or established organizations, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand and the job outlook looks promising in the coming years.

As we look ahead to 2024, cybersecurity is offering great opportunities, making it a great time to pursue a certification in cybersecurity. Despite a global workforce of 5.5 million Cybersecurity professionals, there’s still a serious shortfall. To address the gap, the Cyber safety workforce needs to grow at a rate of 12.6 % annually. Unfortunately, it grew only by 8.7% in 2023.

Now, what could be the promising courses– There’s a path to everything!

We recommend starting with understanding the network first. Learn about the Top Cyber Security Certifications to Launch Your Career in 2024. Being a Cybersecurity enthusiast the right information can give you the much-needed headstart and encourage you to pursue a rewarding journey to success in Cybersafety. At JanBask, we understand the priority of getting the first cybersecurity job. Go through our blog on Cyber Security Salary Guide: Explore Jobs & PayScale (2024) to get an idea of the paychecks and job prospects.

Take the first step, call our experts to get a free career consultation. Our consultation team are led by industry experts, and they are eager to help you kick-start a career as a Cybersecurity professional. Book a free consultation session now! Call us at +91 7503384506

Are Certifications Important for Cybersecurity Professionals?

Yes, cyber security certifications are incredibly important for cybersecurity professionals. They validate your knowledge and skills in various aspects of cybersecurity, making you more credible and employable in the field. Best Cyber Security Certifications demonstrate that you have a solid understanding of security principles and practices, which is essential for protecting systems and data from cyber threats.

For individuals, pursuing cybersecurity certifications can also enhance personal education and awareness. Even if you’re not planning to become a cybersecurity professional, these certifications can give you in-depth knowledge about protecting yourself online. They can help you understand the technical details behind common cyber threats and the best practices to prevent them.

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Conclusion

Cyber safety is all about protecting yourself and your loved ones from the many threats that exist online. We've discussed the importance of understanding these threats and adopting safe practices to guard against them. From recognizing phishing attempts and creating strong passwords to using anti-virus software and VPNs, each step you take enhances your security.

Now, it's time for you to take action. Implement the tips and best practices we've discussed. Focus on understanding what is Cyber safety and why it is important. A thorough understanding of Cyber Safety measures will help you take on advance studies in this domain, fetching you your dream role if you are a job aspirant.

Stay vigilant and proactive about your online safety. Share what you've learned with others, especially those who might be more vulnerable, like children and the elderly. Remember, cyber safety is an ongoing journey. By staying informed and cautious, you can enjoy the benefits of the digital world while keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.

FAQs

What is the role of a cybersecurity analyst?

A cybersecurity analyst monitors and defends against digital threats. They identify vulnerabilities, analyze incidents, and report findings to organizations or government agencies.

What are the essential elements of cybersecurity?

Key elements of Cybersecurity include:
Application Security: Adding security features during development to protect against attacks.
Information Security: Safeguarding data from unauthorized access, alteration, or deletion.
Network Security: Preventing unauthorized access to computer networks.

What skills are needed for a career in cyber safety?

The following are some essential skills required to make a career in Cyber Safety:

Scripting and Programming Languages
Threat Intelligence
Incident Response
Risk Management
Security Operations
Critical Thinking

What certifications are important for cybersecurity professionals?

Before Pursuing a course, we recommend getting a thorough introduction to Cyber Security. Learn the basics of networking with the CCNA course and advance with certifications like CISSP, Security+, and CISA which are highly regarded in this field. Specialized certifications in penetration testing and ethical hacking are also beneficial.

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