Information security is the process of protecting the availability, privacy, and integrity of data. While the term often describes measures and methods to increase computer security, it also refers to the protection of any kind of important data, such as personal journals or sensitive details of an upcoming book. No security system is foolproof, but taking basic, practical steps to protect data is critical to good information security.
There are many methods, from passwords to firewalls, to protect data on a computer.
password protection
The use of passwords is one of the most basic methods to improve information security. This measure reduces the number of people who have easy access to the information, since only those who have approved codes can access it. Unfortunately, passwords are not foolproof, and hacker programs can execute millions of possible codes in just a few seconds. Passwords can also be cracked by carelessness, such as leaving a public computer connected to an account or using a very simple code like “password” or “1234”.
Although often referred to as computer security, the term information security can be used in reference to any source of information.
To make access as secure as possible, users should create passwords that use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid easy-to-guess combinations such as birthdays or last names. People should not write passwords on paper left near the computer and should use different passwords for each account. For added security, a computer user may want to change to a new password every few months.
Removing potential viruses can help keep your data safe.
Virus and malware protection
One way hackers gain access to secure information is through malware, which includes computer viruses, spyware, worms, and other programs. These code snippets are installed on computers to steal information, limit usability, record user actions, or destroy data. Using strong antivirus software is one of the best ways to improve information security. Antivirus programs scan the system for known malware, and most warn the user if they come across a web page that contains a potential virus. Most programs also perform a full system scan on demand, identifying and destroying any harmful objects.
Hackers often try to break into private computers with the goal of stealing sensitive information.
Most operating systems include a basic antivirus program that will help protect your computer to some degree. The safest programs are usually those that are available for a monthly subscription or one-time fee and can be downloaded online or purchased in a store. Antivirus software can also be downloaded for free online, although these programs may offer fewer features and less protection than paid versions.
Even the best antivirus programs generally need to be updated regularly to keep up with new malware, and most software will alert the user when a new update is available for download. However, users should know the name and contact method of each antivirus program they own, as some viruses masquerade as security programs so that an unsuspecting user downloads and installs more malware. Running a full scan of your computer weekly is a good way to remove potentially malicious programs.
firewalls
A firewall helps keep computer information secure by preventing unauthorized access to a network. There are several ways to do this, including limiting the types of data allowed on and off the network, redirecting network information through a proxy server to hide the real address of the computer, or monitoring data characteristics to determine if it is reliable. In essence, firewalls filter the information that passes through them and only allow authorized content to enter. Specific websites, protocols (such as File Transfer Protocol, or FTP), and even words can be blocked from entering, as can external access to computers within the firewall.
Most computer operating systems come with a firewall program pre-installed, but stand-alone programs can also be purchased for additional security options. Together with an antivirus package, firewalls significantly increase information security by reducing the chance of a hacker gaining access to private data. Without a firewall, secure data is more vulnerable to attack.
Codes and Ciphers
Data encryption is one of the oldest ways to protect written information. Governments and military organizations often use encryption systems to ensure that secret messages are unreadable if intercepted by the wrong person. Encryption methods can include simple substitution codes, such as changing each letter to a corresponding number, or more complex systems that require complicated algorithms for decryption. As long as the code method is kept secret, encryption can be a good basic information security method.
In computer systems, there are several ways to encrypt data to make it more secure. With a symmetric key system, only the sender and receiver have the code that allows the data to be read. Public or asymmetric key encryption involves the use of two keys: one that is publicly available so that anyone can encrypt data with it, and one that is private, so that only the person with that key can read the data that has been encrypted. . Secure socket layers use digital certificates, which confirm that connected computers are who they say they are, and both symmetric and asymmetric keys to encrypt information that is transmitted between computers.
Legal Responsibility
Businesses and industries can also keep information secure by using privacy laws. Workers at a company that handles secure data may be required to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), which prohibit them from disclosing or making any classified items. If an employee attempts to give or sell secrets to a competitor or other unapproved source, the company may use the NDA as a basis for legal proceedings. The use of liability laws can help companies preserve their trademarks, internal processes, and investigations with some degree of reliability.
Training and Common Sense
One of the biggest dangers to computer data security is human error or ignorance. Those responsible for the use or operation of a computer network must be carefully trained to avoid accidentally opening the system to hackers. In the workplace, creating a training program that includes information on existing security measures, as well as permitted and prohibited use of computers, can reduce internal security gaps. Family members on a home network should be taught how to run virus scans, identify potential Internet threats, and protect personal information online.
In business and personal behavior, the importance of maintaining information security through caution and common sense cannot be underestimated. A person who provides personal information, such as a home address or phone number, without considering the consequences, can quickly become a victim of scams, spam, and identity theft. Similarly, a company that does not establish a strong chain of command to maintain data security or provides inadequate security training for workers creates an unstable security system. By taking the time to ensure that data is delivered carefully and to trusted sources, the risk of a security breach can be significantly reduced.
Information security includes financial information when shopping online.
