Cybersecurity for dummies: defend yourself from modern cyber threats

The fundamental question that every company must answer concerns protection from cyber threats. Cybersecurity is a complex and ever-evolving field, with ever-new types of attacks and technical terminologies that can be difficult for non-experts to understand. However, having a basic understanding of the main threats and ways to defend them is essential. Malware, phishing, mismanagement of access credentials are just some examples of cyberthreats, i.e. potential harmful events. Cyber risk, on the other hand, represents a precise assessment of an organization's vulnerability to such threats.

Distinction between exploits and cyber-exploitation

The term "exploit" refers to a procedure or code exploited by hackers to take advantage of specific vulnerabilities in computer systems. For example, the use of default passwords or application flaws can fall into this category. In contrast, cyber-exploitation refers to the non-consensual use of sensitive material such as personal photos or videos, often for the purposes of humiliation or blackmail. A widespread example of cyber-exploitation is "revenge porn", recently the subject of new legislative regulations to combat its spread. Therefore, while exploitation aims to exploit technological weaknesses, cyber-exploitation tends to attack the private sphere of individuals.

Cybersecurity vs Network security: what are the differences?

Cybersecurity includes all measures taken to protect computer systems from unauthorized access or attacks, such as antivirus and password management. Network security, on the other hand, focuses on protecting corporate network infrastructure, data and access. While both fields share many goals, it remains important to recognize that cybersecurity is primarily concerned with data and application security, while network security is more focused on defending networks. In small companies, a single team often covers both areas, but it is crucial to have specific skills to ensure effective protection.

The main challenges for corporate security

Businesses today face three main cybersecurity issues. First, data access control : with the exponential increase in managed data, it is vital to define who can access it and how it is protected. Second, threat detection : traditional antivirus and firewalls are no longer sufficient. Advanced technologies are needed to detect suspicious behavior and improve timely responses to threats. Finally, GDPR compliance : Organizations must quickly respond to consumer requests regarding their personal data and ensure that it is adequately protected. Integrated solutions that facilitate secure data management and protection from modern threats are crucial to maintaining compliance.