Are you still curious as to why cybersecurity matters? Read this article to learn more.
Let’s face it. We are in a digital era. And everything seems to gravitate towards the Internet and technology.
Even our work, personal, and financial lives rely on it. But, it makes us more vulnerable than ever.
Now, we are in the COVID-19 pandemic. But, we are also facing the global issue of cyberattacks.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 is credited for a 238% rise in cyberattacks on banks in 2020.
So, cybersecurity is important for a well-ordered digital world. It also keeps us safe from hackers and cybercriminals.
But, how good is your cybersecurity knowledge? We’ll help raise your cybersecurity awareness with this article.
What Is Cybersecurity?
Before we delve deeper, let’s have a clear definition of the term. What exactly is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the whole process of protecting digital data. And this process involves a lot of methods, efforts, and tools.
So, it can be free from unauthorized access, criminal attacks, or even damage.
Cybersecurity Matters Across Different Industries
Cybersecurity attacks result in many damages. For companies, it means that their customers will lose their trust in them. Thus, it jeopardizes their reputation.
So, they can lose money, too. Because of the risk, it can even halt their operations. And of course, they will face lawsuits and fines.
Still, worldwide cybercrime costs will hit $6 trillion annually by 2021. Especially in the largest industries.
Here are some examples of its importance in them.
- Healthcare organizations like hospitals need cybersecurity. And that’s because they are one of the main targets of attackers. All thanks to the sensitive patient information. So, they should always check for patient record vulnerabilities. Hospitals should also update their software. So, they can fight against data hacks and ransomware attacks.
- Retail companies also face data risks. In fact, big retailers like Macy’s are not exempted from this. In 2019, they experienced a skimming attack. And it leaked shoppers’ personal and financial information.
- Small businesses are also major targets. All thanks to their complacency. Many of them can’t afford or aren’t aware of the need for cybersecurity. But, they have the highest targeted malicious email rate at 1 in 323. The average total cost of a breach was also $2.35 million in 2020. So, they should be more careful. Few steps to do so are backing up data, installing tools, and training their employees.
How Can Cybersecurity Succeed?
Cybersecurity must make leaps and bounds. So, we can keep up with the increase of risks.
To help you get started, here are few key strategies:
- Be resilient. We should all know about risks. So, we can prepare for future attacks.
- Prioritize cybersecurity. This is something that we can’t afford to neglect.
- Lead the way. Executives are actually responsible for this. So, having this goal should come from them.
- Train employees. It goes without saying that cybersecurity is something that not just the IT department should practices. In fact, everyone has a share. So, training employees about the basic habits can help them become your first line of defense.
