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Why is cyber security important?

Samar Singh
Samar Singh
Read this article to understand what cyber security is, and why we need it.
A laptop with a malicious file warning displayed on the screen
A laptop with a malicious file warning displayed on the screen

These days everyone and everything is online including phones, laptops and even some things like fridges and kettles have internet access! However, the more systems with internet access means that there’s going to be more possible vulnerabilities and ways to compromise a network, which can sound a bit scary.

So what is cyber security?

In simple terms, cyber security is a way in which we can keep anything with access to the internet safe from unauthorized access or use, modification or destruction.

As technology has developed, people and bots who want to be able to access data, unauthorized, from anywhere in the world have become more sophisticated and widely seen. This is why it is important more than ever to ensure you are doing what you can to be cyber secure.

An example of a wide scale data breach (a security incident where sensitive or confidential information is accessed or disclosed without authorisation) in the UK was when the NHS was hacked and exposed personal data of almost 80,000 people, this included how to access home addresses of those receiving home care. See more about the story on this BBC News article.

The above is an example of a large scale breach, however millions of scams/ data breaches happen every single day. Read this Curriculum for Life article to learn more about how you can keep yourself safe from online scams.

A young person sat at a computer with code visible on the screen

What can you do to combat data breaches and stay safe?

There are lots of things you can put in place and be aware of to ensure you are securely using the internet. However, unfortunately there is no sure-fire way of making yourself 100% safe from online hackers. See some tips below on things you can do to ensure you are using the internet as safely as possible:

  • Have a secure password: “Password123” is easy for you to remember, but also easy for a hacker to try as well! Try thinking of a phrase with more than one word and include symbols and numbers to ensure you are picking a strong password. Also make sure you are not repeating passwords for different things!
  • Keep your software updated: that means browsers, operating systems and antivirus software is as up to date as possible.
  • Use secure connections: If you can, always use a trusted and private WiFi source, but if you are accessing the internet remotely on WiFi (such as in a café or a library) do not access anything with sensitive data, for example bank accounts.

 

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