BotNet News

Cyber-security focuses on the protection of computer systems, networks and data from attacks. These threats can include unauthorized access to confidential information, disruptions of business operations and theft of intellectual property or personal details.

Cybersecurity professionals use technology to prevent these attacks and mitigate the impact of those that do occur. This includes security tools like firewalls, virus scanners and malware removal programs. It also encompasses more sophisticated software designed to verify the integrity of code and other critical components of secure systems through automated theorem proving or other verification methods.

While technology is crucial to securing the integrity of data and systems, human vulnerabilities remain a significant risk. Cybersecurity professionals must design and implement policies and training to minimize these risks, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) that requires users to verify identity through something they know (username and password), and with something they have (e.g., a mobile device) or through biometrics. This approach, known as the zero trust model, limits user privileges to only those required for their jobs and reduces human vulnerability.

Attackers can be motivated by a variety of factors, from thrill-seeking and vandalism to blackmail, corporate espionage or political activism. They may be individuals, or part of organized crime groups or state-sponsored attack teams.

Everyone benefits from cybersecurity solutions, whether it’s protecting individual computers and smart devices, networks that connect those devices or the cloud storage that holds digital files like family photos. Those solutions can also protect vital infrastructure, from power plants to hospitals and financial services companies. Everyone also benefits from the work of cyberthreat researchers, who uncover new threats and expose them to the public in order to make our online world safer for all.