What is Computer Security

Last updated on April 1st, 2024 at 04:45 pm

In this computer age, where everyone seems to have access to some type of computing device, mastering computer security is paramount to securing your data both on and offline. We implement computer security to safeguard computer networks, programs, devices, and data from viruses and malware, unauthorized access, insider threats, and more. Today, we will be looking at the following:

1. The definition of computer security;
2. Types of computer security issues;
3. How each issue presents itself;
4. What is cybersecurity; and,
5. Computer misuse.

Define computer security

Computer security, also called cybersecurity, protects or safeguards your computer system and information from harm, theft, and unauthorized access.

Types of Computer Security Issues

While using computers, users encounter many different types of issues. Here are some computer security issues that may affect the health of your computer or your ability to perform certain tasks:

• Viruses and malware;
• Phishing attacks;
• Social engineering;
• Network attacks;
• Insider threats; and
• Software supply chain attacks.

Computer security issues explained

• Viruses and malware are malicious software designed to infect, steal, or disrupt the operations of your computer system.
• Phishing attacks refer to acts that involve emailing, calling, or messaging someone with a fake account while pretending to be someone else entirely. Phishing attacks are designed to force users to give out sensitive information that they would not typically reveal to the person who carries out the attack.
• Social engineering refers to the act of using deceit to convince individuals to hand over their personal information or perform actions that may compromise their security. One example of social engineering is phishing attacks.
• Network attacks: When an individual accesses someone else’s network without authorization, it is called a network attack. Another type of network attack takes place when malware is used to target and disrupt a network.
• Insider threats refer to situations where authorized user misuse their security clearance to cause harm to the resources of a company. These include deliberately deleting company information or selling company information, etc.
• Software and supply chain attack is where a person attacks and compromises software during the period it is being developed or distributed.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity refers to the act of protecting or defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malware/malicious attacks. It involves the skills and abilities of IT professionals, programs, and processes to help defend the systems, networks, or other programs from cyber threats. The main goal of cybersecurity is to safeguard your data from unauthorized access, and damage to information integrity.

Some key aspects of cybersecurity

• Defending Against Attacks: The main aim of cybersecurity is to detect, defend, protect, and respond to various cyber-attacks.
• Protection of Systems and Networks: This method implements different methods to secure computer systems, networks, programs, devices, and data from external vulnerabilities.
• Ensuring Data Security: The ultimate goal of cybersecurity is to safeguard sensitive data by preventing unauthorized access and maintaining data integrity.

Due to the fact that technology has seen a tremendous increase and growth in the past few years, the need for cybersecurity has increased immensely as it will play a crucial role in safeguarding individuals, governments, and organizations against cyber threats.

Computer misuse

The misuse of computers refers to using computers for illegal or malicious purposes. Misuse can directly or indirectly harm individuals, organizations, and governments alike. Some examples of computer misuse include cyberbullying, phishing attacks, and more.