Cyber Security Awareness - Part 1?

Answer 1

The computer was originally created as a harmless aid to do complex processes. Over the years, however, the harmless machine, which is charged with almost limitless potential, has become the ground work for cyber crimes. These crimes, which affect individuals, organizations, and even governments, call for tight cyber security to cut short the possibilities of inflicting further harm. But what is cyber security exactly? And how does this protect the whole cyber community?

First, let’s take a look at what Cyberspace is; it is a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange. It is considered to be the electronic medium of computer networks, in which online communication takes place. Simply put, it is therealmofelectroniccommunication – that millions explore each day.

Cyber Security and Identity Theft

Identity Theft is considered to be one of today's biggest cyber security issues it is a major concern for all that travel the World Wide Web of cyberspace with their personal/business information exposed for all to see.

• Cyber crimes: crime committed using a computer and the internet to steal a person's identity or sell contraband or stalk victims or disrupt operations with malevolent programs.
• Cyber criminals are thieves that use all kinds of methods to steal personal or financial information from their victims through the illegal use of computers and the Internet.

Avoid the Risks

To avoid such threats, computer users are advised to take cyber security measures. Cyber security is a set of techniques or guides that are aimed at protecting systems from any form of cyber attacks, which may creep into the system in the form of malware (virus and spyware), intruders, and hackers. Cyber security also lessens the risk of falling prey to Internet frauds, scams, and bogus transactions.

Computer users are advised to maintain a security mindset – always do business with reputable companies and be skeptical of unfamiliar sites and links, suspicious e-mails and IM messages. Don’t visit any site that is using third party links. Open a new browser and type the address yourself if you want to visit a site.

Additional Precautions to Consider:

• Anti-virus software and firewall - As standard practice, use and maintenance of anti-virus software and firewall will protect your computer from attacks that may steal or modify data in your computer.
• Fighting identity robbery - As precautionary steps, regularly check your credit reports for strange transactions or transactions you don’t recall, unusual charges on your bills, bills for products and services you don’t have, or worse, unexpected denial of your credit card.

Be certain to read part 2 of this article....