Network Security

 Very Important in Computer Activities!!!

Network security is an ongoing issue for all business and even the government.  Everyday there are new ways hackers are figuring out how to access sensitive information throughout the internet.  The internet as increased their security settings, well I should say business and government have created security protocols.  At the same time hackers continue to develop programs, viruses, bugs, and ways of getting into computer servers and access sensitive data. 

            Computer viruses are malicious computer programs know as malware, that hackers create and embed instructions on what to do when programmed.  This can affect networks, computers, electronic devices, and almost anything digital.  Theses viruses may have many different uses to hackers like destroying someone’s computer, gathering personal identification information, copy program, slow down operating system, many different varieties of viruses.  “Cybercriminals have increasingly used ransomware as a means of cyberattack, using various methods to penetrate target computers, encrypt system data, and demand payment for user access” (Chakraborty, 2023).  Ransomware has been a critical attack to major business and famous people or wealthy people.  Ransomware is a malicious software that infects electronic devices and lock out important information or the whole system for a price.  They use this to get money from who they infected.  This is very popular scenario; I have seen plenty of movies on this case.  Some of the most common way to avoid this situation is to first not open emails that you are not familiar with, do not allow users that you don’t know use your computer.  Stay away from to good to be true deals on the internet.  Avoid computer scam calls, where they tell you your computer is infected, and we can help.  These calls try to gain control of your computer and they can infect your computer with a virus or steal important information from you. 

            Phishing is the attempt of an outsider trying to steal your identity by trying to get important information from you.  This is one of my favorite topics in information security, just because the many attempts that I have experienced.  One of my favorite ways cybercriminals try is to text you from a random number saying that your bank account information has been compromised. First your bank will never text you, they would call you.  This text will have a link that looks like your official bank, but it is a fake URL.  They will ask you for your account information this is how they will take it.  Another way criminals try is to call you directly, telling you something is wrong, or you won something but they need your bank information so they can deposit the money into your account.  This is another phishing attempt.  “Industry analysts estimate that 70% to 90% of cybersecurity breaches begin with phishing emails” (Wright & Kitchens, 2023).

            Individual training is one of the best ways to protect yourself from all these different attempts on your computer.  Information awareness training.  Most companies like the military have annual training for all users on different cyber security attacks.  This training can help individual users to be aware of the different attempts on malware, phishing and other cyber security awareness programs.