Cybersecurity: everything you need to know

What is keeping your digital life safe? Find out how cybersecurity works.

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What is cybersecurity?

So what is the definition of cybersecurity? Cybersecurity keeps systems, networks, and devices safe from malicious tampering. It's a broad term that involves all digital protection — from network security to web security. Its examples could be the defense systems that keep your social media logins protected and your digital medical records private.

Why cybersecurity is important

Most systems that manage services we use day-to-day have moved online. From financial organizations and medical care to electrical grids that power whole cities — these systems rely on digital technology. Cyber protection is what keeps them functioning as they should — it's the defensive wall that keeps cyber attacks at bay.

Without adequate IT security, your banking information, private messages, or online activities would be out in the open for anyone to see (this is where a VPN can help). Cyber attacks could cripple hospitals, banks, transportation, communication, and various utility organizations.

Cybersecurity and cybercrime

What is a cyber attack? It’s an intentional attack against a computer, network, or other digital infrastructure. Cyber attacks can have various motives, ranging from political to financial.

Malware

Malware is any malicious software that takes advantage of the user. It can range from programs that flood your device with ads to keyloggers that record every stroke of your keyboard.

Ransomware

During a cyber attack, ransomware infects a device encrypting all its data. If the attack victim wants to access the data on their device again, they have to pay a ransom.

Social engineering

Social engineering is a set of techniques that manipulate the victim into doing something that the hacker wants. It's an umbrella term that includes phishing, vishing, catfishing, pretexting, and more.

Distributed denial of service

In DDoS attacks, a network of infected computers overwhelms their target with enormous amounts of traffic. It can slow websites to the point where it's impossible to use or take them down for some time.

Man-in-the-middle attacks

In MITM attacks, the criminals intercept user's device communications to observe, manipulate, and steal the victim's data traffic.

SQL injection

Hackers work malicious code lines into database management systems to trick websites into revealing all sensitive information they contain.

Cross-site scripting

Criminals insert a malicious script into a regular website. The software can then record your sensitive information like what you type into login fields when accessing your online bank account.

Dictionary attack

In a dictionary attack, a hacker uses a predefined list of words and phrases to guess your password. Most attacks utilize password-cracking software that can take millions of guesses from a list of most common passwords.

Credential stuffing

Hackers use login information obtained through social engineering or from leaked databases to crack every account you have. For example, if a criminal gets their hands on your email password, they'll try to access your other accounts using the same credentials.

How to improve your cyber protection

Use a VPN
VPNs encrypt your data traffic and change your IP address, ensuring your privacy and security online.
Avoid Wi-Fi hotspots
Criminals on public Wi-Fi can easily snoop on your data. If you ever connect to a hotspot in a cafe or airport, be sure to use a VPN.
Use strong passwords
Your pet's name or mom's birthday doesn't cut it anymore — use long passwords that contain numbers, letters, and special characters.
Don't click on unknown links
Avoid opening attachments from unknown sources, and even if you know the sender, double-check if it's really them.

Use a VPN

VPNs encrypt your data traffic and change your IP address, ensuring your privacy and security online.

Avoid Wi-Fi hotspots

Criminals on public Wi-Fi can easily snoop on your data. If you ever connect to a hotspot in a cafe or airport, be sure to use a VPN.

Use strong passwords

Your pet's name or mom's birthday doesn't cut it anymore — use long passwords that contain numbers, letters, and special characters.

Don't click on unknown links

Avoid opening attachments from unknown sources, and even if you know the sender, double-check if it's really them.

Keep everything up to date
Software updates often have patches for security vulnerabilities that criminals could exploit otherwise.
Back up your data
Make sure all your files aren’t lost — back it up. If you come under a cyber attack that threatens to delete your data, a backup will come in handy.
Antivirus
It scans and helps remove malicious software from your devices.

Keep everything up to date

Software updates often have patches for security vulnerabilities that criminals could exploit otherwise.

Back up your data

Make sure all your files aren’t lost — back it up. If you come under a cyber attack that threatens to delete your data, a backup will come in handy.

Antivirus

It scans and helps remove malicious software from your devices.

How does Nord Security help?

NordVPN

NordVPN ensures your privacy and security on all of your devices. It encrypts your data traffic with next-generation encryption so no one can eavesdrop on your online activities.

NordPass

The NordPass password manager enables you to store and organize your logins securely. Create robust passwords and never worry about forgetting them again.

NordLocker

NordLocker's file encryption tool lets you backup your data on a private cloud so that no one can access your files without your permission.

NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses — from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

Improve your cybersecurity with NordVPN

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Frequently asked questions

What are the 5 types of cybersecurity?

All cybersecurity measures fall under one of five broad categories:

Critical infrastructure cybersecurity deals with protecting key systems required to keep society functioning, such as electricity grids and hospitals;
Network security aims to keep intruders out of internal computer networks, such as your company’s servers;
Internet of Things (IoT) security protects the IT elements in physical objects, such as smart gadgets, security cameras, and Wi-Fi routers;
Cloud security is concerned with protecting the data stored in and services provided through the cloud;
Application security works to make apps safe from outside threats, starting with secure development practices and ending with hardware solutions.

Who needs cybersecurity?

The short and simple answer is “everyone” — cybersecurity is just as important for your iPhone as it is for government servers. Without proper security measures, criminals can break into your accounts, steal your personal data, and wreak havoc in your online life. Cyber attacks can paralyze entire sectors, while data breaches already cost companies millions each year.

How do cybersecurity measures protect end-users and systems?

There are numerous cybersecurity measures to help end-users — in other words, people — avoid compromising their systems. Complex cryptography protects communications and critical data from loss or theft. Security programs like antiviruses can find malicious programs in your system and remove them — some can even detect malware in real-time, before the software runs. Finally, cybersecurity education helps end-users avoid common pitfalls and stay alert against various cyber threats.

What are the benefits of cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity keeps your apps and accounts safe from intruders, stopping them from stealing your data or your money. More importantly, cybersecurity fosters a culture of trust on the internet — without robust security measures, online banking, shopping, or even chatting would simply be impossible.