Defending yourself online: we explain what cyber security is

In an increasingly connected world, where each of us has at least one smartphone and a personal computer, and perhaps even some company devices, it is increasingly important to be aware of external threats: the issue of information security, or cyber security, therefore becomes pressing.

At the dawn of 2022, the hacking of the ULSS6 Euganea (Padua) website is causing a great stir, concern and inconvenience to citizens, but last 2021 was also dotted with cyber attackslike the one on the Lazio Region portal during the summer or on the health sites, also in Lazio, towards the end of autumn.

Both individuals and companies try to find a way to defend your sensitive data at the mercy of hackers.

What is cyber security, computer security

Cyber ​​security has various applications: from the world of computers to that of apps, up to the smartphones we have in our pockets.

ssa is not simply a technology. It’s about a synergy of factors among which we include technology, but which also include rules and processes and, above all, the people involved in this chain.

Cyber ​​security consists of defend the network, fixed and mobile devices, servers and data from the possibility of external attacks.

As mentioned, there are several applications of cyber security:

• cyber security aimed at protection of personal information;
• IT security aimed at network protection from attacks or malware (which we will talk about in the next paragraph);
• security aimed at software, applications and devices;
• the strategies adopted following cyber attacks;
• and finally, the training of specialists.

The International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts that in 2024 spending on cyber security will reach almost 175 billion dollars. Probably the sector that will see the greatest growth will be the security of smartphones and mobile devices, reaching i 13 billion dollars.

In short, it is a rather vast subject with infinite application possibilities, not to mention that it will be increasingly requested in the coming years.

Phishing and malware among cyber security threats

There are different types of cybersecurity threats.

• cybercrime;
• cyber attacks;
• cyber terrorism.

Cyber ​​criminals normally target a economic return or ad one damage to company activities: they can advertise products on PCs, steal bank codes, carry out extortion.

Cyber ​​attacks, on the other hand, are often used politically. According to a survey published at the end of 2021, Italy is among the first countries in terms of number of attacks, with a dramatic increase in 40% per week!

Finally, cyber terrorism: as the definition itself says, it aims to spread panic and destabilize the order public.

There are many means available for this type of threat.

I malwarefor example, or «malicious software», are software that are often spread via email with attachments or downloads that are apparently security.

When it comes to phishingliterally «to fish», we mean a particular type of fraud which aims to extort personal data, in particular credit card details.

Cyber ​​security and GDPR

A chapter dedicated to cyber security could not be missing from this smattering dedicated to cyber security GDPRthe General Data Protection Regulation.

Although we have been protected by this regulation for more than 2 years, in reality, there are more and more leaks of personal data. And, to get to the topic of the article, we are witnessing a growth of the phenomenon in the IT sector.

Effectively, our greatest wealth has become our personal data which constitute hard cash for cyber criminals.

There is a debate of considerable proportions around the topic.

In fact, if on the one hand we would like to protect the citizen in the best possible way, on the other hand this noble aim cannot go beyond the citizen’s privacy rights and therefore we cannot exceed in wanting to keep personal data.

In jargon, they say data protection by default: that is, by default personal data is processed with respect for personal lives.