Computer security refers to the protection of computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, misuse, or damage. With the rapid growth of internet technologies, systems have become more vulnerable to cyber threats such as hacking, malware, and data breaches.
Core Objectives of Computer Security
1. Confidentiality: Preserving authorized restrictions on information access and disclosure, including means for protecting personal privacy and proprietary information. A loss of confidentiality is the unauthorized disclosure of information. This term covers two related concepts:
- Data confidentiality: Assures that private or confidential information is not made available or disclosed to unauthorized individuals.
- Privacy: Assures that individuals control or influence what information related to them may be collected and stored and by whom and to whom that information may be disclosed.
2. Integrity: Guarding against improper information modification or destruction, including ensuring information nonrepudiation and authenticity. A loss of integrity is the unauthorized modification or destruction of information.This term covers two related concepts:
- Data integrity: Assures that information (both stored and in transmitted packets) and programs are changed only in a specified and authorized manner.
- System integrity: Assures that a system performs its intended function in an unimpaired manner, free from deliberate or inadvertent unauthorized manipulation of the system.
3. Availability: Ensuring timely and reliable access to and use of information. A loss of availability is the disruption of access to or use of information or an information system. Assures that systems work promptly and service is not denied to authorized users.
Types of computer security
- Cyber Security: Protects computers, devices, and networks from internet-based attacks.
- Information Security: Protects data from unauthorized access, misuse, or theft.
- Application Security: Keeps software and applications safe from hacking and data breaches.
- Network Security: Protects networks and data being shared between connected devices.
Types of Cyber Attacks
- Denial of Service (DoS) Attack: Floods a system with too many requests so it stops working for real users.
- Backdoor Attack: Secretly installs harmful software that lets attackers enter your system anytime.
- Eavesdropping: Quietly listens to your private communication to steal information.
- Phishing: Tricks you into sharing personal details by pretending to be someone you trust.
- Spoofing: Pretends to be a real person or system to fool you and gain access.
- Malware: Harmful software that can damage your device or steal your data.
- Social Engineering: Manipulates people into giving away sensitive information by gaining their trust.
- Polymorphic Attacks: Uses changing forms of malware to avoid being detected easily.
Steps to Ensure Computer Security
- Keep the Operating System Updated: Regular updates fix security vulnerabilities and protect systems from newly discovered threats.
- Use Secure Network Connections: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks and connect only to trusted and encrypted networks.
- Install and Update Antivirus Software: Antivirus software helps detect, isolate, and remove malicious files from the system.
- Use Strong Passwords: Strong passwords should include: Uppercase and lowercase letters, Numbers, Special characters.
- Be Careful with Email Attachments: Avoid opening attachments from unknown sources as they may contain malware.