• Posted on Nov 10, 2022

Keeping digital data safe and secure is vital in today’s high-tech world. That’s why it’s essential to have a first-class cyber security program on your electronic devices to protect them from cyber-attacks, malicious software, data breaches, and more. However, many people don’t understand cyber security or how it protects their digital information.

Our experts at eNetwork Supply constructed this guide to share insights on cyber security and how it safeguards computer networks and digital data.

eNetwork Supply is one of the nation’s leading telecommunications asset recovery and management companies. We distribute new and used electronic equipment to push the IT and telecommunications industries forward.

What Is Cyber Security?

Cyber security is an all-encompassing term for practices and technologies that protect electronic data and computer networks from digital threats, attacks, and hazardous software. Advanced cyber security programs preserve your digital information and devices by safeguarding your electronic information from unauthorized users and applications. With technology playing more of a role in our everyday lives than ever before, protecting your digital data with cyber security programs is more important than ever.

Information Security

Many people use cyber security and information security interchangeably. Although the terms share many similarities, a few key differences distinguish them from each other.

For example, information security is a type of cyber security that preserves important digital business data from unwarranted disruption, inspection, modification, and destruction. It’s exclusive to tools and processes that protect electronic data from outside sources. Meanwhile, cyber security is broader and encompasses more security measures than information security.

Cyber Attacks

Cyber attacks are unauthorized attempts to expose, steal, destroy, disable, or alter digital information within computer networks and critical infrastructure.

Why Is Cyber Security Important?

Cyber attacks leave sensitive personal, business, and customer data vulnerable to digital criminals. They can expose confidential information to hackers that can adversely affect your business while depleting trust among your clients. With more companies relying on technology and digital storage, protecting vital information from hackers and malicious software is essential.

Criminals utilize cyber-attacks for various reasons. Some use them to conduct cyber warfare, while others view themselves as hacktivists and want to expose secure information to the public. However, nearly all cyber attacks fall into three primary categories:

  • Criminal
  • Personal
  • Political

Criminal

Most hackers use criminal cyber attacks for personal gain. They steal money and data from businesses to advance their financial means. These criminals often sell company data on the black market, furthering their profit.

Personal

Personal cyber attacks share some similarities with criminal breaches but focus on disrupting a business. Many former or current employees perform personal cyber-attacks to hinder a company’s profits, hurt its reputation, or sow chaos within the enterprise. Most personal cyber-attacks focus on harming a person or company they dislike or disagree with rather than for personal gain.

Political

Political cyber attacks promote a cause or ideology to draw attention to a specific movement or harm a political rival. Many hacktivists perform political cyber attacks and expose confidential information they view harmful or important. Spying and espionage are also forms of political cyber attacks and help hackers or organizations gain an advantage over their adversaries.

Studies show that ransomware attacks occur every 11 seconds. Small businesses are the victim of 43% of these cyber attacks, making them a primary target for digital criminals.

Cyber security prevents political, criminal, and personal cyber-attacks, protecting your precious data from hacktivists, malware, and criminals.

Types of Cyber Attacks

Cyber criminals use numerous cyber attack methods to infiltrate sensitive data and information. Below are some of the most prevalent techniques hackers use to perform cyber attacks.

Malware

Also called malicious software, the malware steals sensitive data or damages computer networks and electronic devices. It can steal tons of data exceedingly quickly, jeopardizing your business while instilling distrust within your customers.

Phishing

Phishing consists of sending fake messages disguised as a reputable or authentic source to trick people into providing sensitive data like financial information or login credentials. Some hackers use phishing messages to convince people to download malware masked as secure computer programs.

Although most modern phishing schemes rely on emails to trick unsuspecting victims into handing over their sensitive information, some occur over the phone.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on specific electronic devices. It corrupts these files and makes them (and sometimes the device) unusable. Once ransomware infiltrates the files, cyber criminals demand money or information to restore the data.

Viruses

Viruses are damaging programs that spread from electronic device to electronic device or computer to computer. They grant cyber criminals access to infected electronic devices, allowing them to steal data, damage the systems, disrupt service, and download other viruses or malware.

Like malware, cyber criminals disguise viruses as authentic programs to trick people into downloading them.

How to Protect Your Electronics from Cyber Attacks and Malicious Software

Following the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s cyber security framework is the best way to protect confidential digital data and electronic devices from hackers, malware, and other cyber attacks. It lists numerous cyber security strategies that can safeguard your digital information and electronics using efficient monitoring programs.

Incorporating these cyber security practices can give you and your business an extra layer of protection against cyber criminals, preventing disruptions and other issues that can adversely affect production and your company’s future.

Contact eNetwork Supply for High-Quality Electronic Equipment and Associated Services

If you need professional computer equipment or cyber security electronics to advance your business, contact eNetwork Supply. We offer cutting-edge electronic supplies to help your business thrive in today’s ever-growing digital market. We equip businesses with high-quality electronics, ensuring you receive quality products to improve your company’s profits, efficiency, and more.

Our team knows what it takes to deliver high-end, reliable electronic equipment. Give us a call at 312-283-5983 and equip your company with the latest electronic supplies today!