What is Computer security? Definition, types and threats.

Computer security implies protecting or safe guarding. How can this be achieved in computers, learn more.

What is computer security?

Computer security is the process of guarding against theft, unauthorized access, abuse, loss of data, and other security-related problems with computers and the networks, software, hardware, and data they are connected to. While the Internet has greatly improved our lives and offered many benefits, it has also increased the risk to our system’s security from viruses, hacking, data theft, system damage, and other threats.

The world is becoming more and more dominated by technology. We find it impossible to conceive living even a day without electronics. Invaders, hackers, and criminals are attempting to compromise the security of our computers with the help of this rapidly advancing technology in order to obtain financial advantage, achieve notoriety, demand ransom payments, intimidate others, break into other companies, organizations, etc. Computer security is essential to shielding our system from all of these threats.

The following topics will be covered in this computer security article:

1. Types of computer security
2. Types of attacks
3. Jobs in Computer Security
4. What to secure?
5. How do you secure your computer?
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Types of computer security

A common question is, “What is computer security and its types?” The main categories of computer security procedures and strategies that individuals and institutions utilize to safeguard their hardware, software, and private information are listed below.

1. Application Security: Application security is the term used to describe the introduction of security elements during the first stage of the development process. It is highly effective at defending your computer system from online security risks like illegal access and data leaks. It can also strengthen your computer system’s defenses against denial-of-service attacks and SQL intrusions. Installing application security features involves using some of the most popular application tool strategies, like software encryption, firewalls, antivirus programs, and others. These tools assist in fortifying your system against online threats.
2. Information Security: A subset of cyber security known as information security focuses only on the procedures and methods used to protect computer systems. The process of information security was created to guard against data theft, illegal access, damage, and destruction while maintaining the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of computer systems. The CIA triad, a paradigm for information security, is used to safeguard the availability, confidentiality, and integrity of organizational data in order to preserve productivity.
3. Endpoint Security: Hackers and other cybercriminals can readily take advantage of any human error that is made. In any organization, end users pose a significant security risk. Because end users are ignorant of IT policies and safeguards, they fall prey to cybercrimes. They may unintentionally allow cybercriminals access to their computer systems due to a lack of understanding. Therefore, it’s critical to comprehend the extensive security rules and processes in order to avoid falling victim to cybercriminals and to always be on the lookout. Programs for awareness training ought to be set up to improve their understanding of computer security and the risks associated with it.
4. Internet Security: The newest form of computer security to experience a spike in popularity is internet security. It is a technique for formulating the ideal set of guidelines and protocols to guard against any misuse or damage to computers that are directly linked to the internet. It is the newest area of computer security and focuses on the following risks and dangers that are associated with the internet:
   • Hacking
   • Computer viruses
   • Malware
   • Denial of service attacks
5. Network Security: As the name implies, network security is an additional form of computer security that guards against unauthorized access to your computer networks and breaches into your computer system. It is comparable to information security in that it safeguards your computer networks’ availability, integrity, and secrecy. Network security is configured in a way that maximizes its performance across a wide range of settings. It covers both hardware and software security. Computer networks can be made safe and secure with the use of a variety of network security components and techniques. They are expressed as follows:
   • Application security
   • Anti-virus software
   • Behavioral analysis
   • Firewall
   • Email security
   • Web security
   • Wireless security
   • Network access control
   • Network segmentation
   • Virtual private network

Types of computer security attacks

The committed hacker has access to a wide variety of attacks. These are some of the most well-known and common kinds of attacks.

1. Denial of service (DDoS): This attack aims to limit the user’s ability to access system resources by causing an excessive amount of unnecessary traffic to be sent to the server. In order to completely clog a resource, the botmaster directs all of the bots to access it simultaneously. Subsequently, an authorized user will be unable to access the same resource.

2. Malware attack: This computer virus causes disruptions or damages the system. Malware can be divided into four categories:

• Keylogger: Most hackers employ keyloggers to obtain passwords and account information because they capture every keystroke made on the targeted keyboard.
• Virus: A computer virus is a piece of malicious code that modifies computer operations and spreads by copying itself to another program or document. A person must intentionally or unintentionally transfer a virus, such the Melissa virus, without the user’s or system administrator’s knowledge or consent.
• Worms: This is a stand-alone application that infects the system and operates on its own. Among the more well-known instances is W32.Alcra.F. Network share devices are how the worm spreads.
• Trojan horse: This computer is controlled by malicious code. This code has the ability to corrupt or steal data from your computer.

4. Phishing: Phishing is pronounced like “fishing,” and the way that it works is also comparable. We lure fish with bait when fishing in order to capture them. Similar to this, phishing involves tricking a victim into believing that the attacker is trustworthy or posing as a real person before ditching to take information. In addition to attackers, there are some websites that pretend to be authentic but are actually fraud sites. These websites deceive users into providing personal information such as credit card numbers, bank account information, login credentials, and so forth. Phishing comes in various forms: Phishing via SMS, voice, etc.

5. Eavesdropping: The attacker watches the task you are doing and the traffic on your machine. Your attacker has three ways to keep an eye on you:

• Email monitoring
• Which websites you visit
• What items you download

6. SQL injection: One example of a website that is vulnerable to this kind of attack is www.facebook.com, where a database is stored and hackers can access it by using someone else’s username and password. As the name implies, a SQL injection vulnerability allows an attacker to inject malicious input into a SQL statement.

7. Social engineering: Attackers set up social settings where sharing your password is encouraged. For illustration, suppose you receive a call while you are not in your office. The individual claims to be from the IT division and to have discovered that your system has been infiltrated. He requests your password information. He might be right, and you would divulge your password. But the caller turned out to be a hacker, and he knows your password. He can now compromise the data of your firm because he has access to it. The best defense against social engineering is to become familiar with your company’s password sharing policy.

Jobs in Computer Security

1.Security Analyst:

• Monitors networks for security breaches.
• Investigates and mitigates incidents.
• Implements security measures and improvements.

2. Penetration Tester:

• Conducts simulated attacks to identify vulnerabilities.
• Provides recommendations for security enhancements.
• Creates detailed reports on findings and fixes.

3. Security Engineer:

• Designs and implements security systems and protocols.
• Develops tools and scripts to automate security tasks.
• Collaborates with IT teams to integrate security solutions.

4. Security Consultant:

• Advises organizations on best security practices.
• Conducts security assessments and audits.
• Develops strategies to protect against potential threats.

5. Incident Responder:

• Handles and responds to security breaches and incidents.
• Performs forensic analysis and root cause investigations.
• Coordinates with law enforcement and legal teams when necessary.

6. Malware Analyst:

• Studies and analyzes malware to understand behavior and origin.
• Develops tools to detect and counteract malware.
• Provides insights to improve threat detection and prevention.

What to Secure?

Three elements are the foundation of any organization’s security: availability, integrity, and secrecy. This is known as the CIA (not to be confused with the American intelligence agency!). Ever since the first mainframes were introduced, the CIA has been the accepted industry standard for computer security.

• Confidentiality: Only parties with permission can access information and functions, according to confidentiality norms. Military secrets, for instance.
• Integrity: According to integrity principles, only authorized individuals and methods are able to add, change, or remove information or functionalities. An example would be someone entering inaccurate data into the database.
• Availability: Systems, functions, and data must be made available on-demand in accordance with predetermined criteria based on service levels, according to availability principles.

How Do You Secure Your Computer?

1.Two-way authentication

An additional layer of protection is added to the authentication process by two-factor authentication, which makes it more difficult for hackers to access a user’s devices or online accounts. For instance, when you pay online, you must first validate the CVV number on your card and then submit your mobile number for a second confirmation.

2. Secure passwords

To ensure that no one can steal or guess your password, create strong passwords. The top passwords consist of:

• At least 15 characters.
• Capital letters.
• Special characters. Example: @#$%.
• Numbers.

3. Antivirus

A computer program called antivirus is used to stop, find, and get rid of malware. A few antivirus software examples are McAfee, Norton, and Quickheal.

5. Firewalls

Unauthorized users cannot access private networks connected to the Internet, such as intranets, thanks to firewalls.

Frequently Asked Questions about computer security (FAQs)

1.What is the best computer security software?

When thinking about the best computer security software, three well-known brands immediately spring to mind: McAfee, Bitdefender, and Norton. They are also easy to use and effectively protect your PC from infections. These are some of the greatest options for safeguarding your computer.

2.What does a computer virus do?

Malicious software that can damage your computer is called a computer virus. It can spread to other computers, alter or remove files, and steal your data.

3.What steps can be taken to ensure computer security?

Three easy steps may be taken to secure computers: create strong passwords, update software frequently, and install antivirus software. Use firewalls and exercise caution while opening attachments and links in emails.

4.What are the 4 major threats to computer security?

Insider threats, ransomware, phishing, and malware are the four primary dangers to computer security. Malware damages your computer, phishing entices you to divulge information, ransomware encrypts your data in exchange for money, and insider threats originate from someone within your organization.