What is Computer Security? Types, Importance, Threats

The internet has become an inseparable part of our lives, transforming the way we live positively. However, rapid technological advancement also brings various computer security threats. To understand computer security and its impact, keep reading this article. While you cannot avoid security threats, but you can stay aware and alert. Various cybersecurity standards protect information and data, providing measures for redressal when attacked by cyber threats.

If you wish to become a cyber security professional, start by enrolling yourself in IT Security classes and gain insights about how cyber security works. If you wish to become a cyber security professional, start by enrolling yourself in IT Security classes and gain insights about how cyber security works.

What is Computer Security?

It is an operational system that is set up for computers so that it can protect the data and information that is stored in the particular system. It means the protection system that is installed in the computer systems so that it can protect the important data and information that is stored in the computer from unauthorized access, misuse of information and data, and information and data theft. Computer security in cyber security protects various applications and systems from other malicious activities. 

The definition of computer security somewhat goes like this: Computer security or cyber security is a system that protects critical information and data that are stored in a computer system from unauthorized use, harm, theft, misuse, etc.

These are generally used for preventing computer software because the computer hardware is already protected in some sort of locker or safe place. So the computer software is vulnerable and needs protection, which these computer security systems offer. These complex security tactics and practices are hard to break and prevent hackers from getting their hands on critical information. These systems are developed to prevent the vulnerable and critical information and data that, if exposed, will cause huge losses to a single entity or a company as a whole.

Types of Computer Security

You may often think, What is computer security and its types? Here are some of the major types of computer security practices and tactics that are followed by users and organizations to protect their sensitive data, Software, and hardware. The different types of computer security are very important to protect the data stored in electronic systems and networks.

1. Application Security

When security features are introduced in the primary stage of the development process, that is one it's known as application security. It is very capable of protecting your computer system from cyber security threats such as unauthorized access and data breaches. Furthermore, it can also help your computer system fight against SQL breaches and denial of service attacks. 

Some of the major application tools techniques are used for installing the application security feature, such as software encryption, antivirus, firewall, etc. and these help your system to build a wall against cyber attacks. 

2. Information Security

Information security is a type of cyber security that specifically focuses on the methodology and techniques that are built to ensure computer security. Information security, as a Process, was developed to protect the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of computer systems from Data thefts, unauthorized access, harm, and destruction. 

Information security is commonly known as the CIA triad, and this model is used to protect the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of organizational data so that productivity is maintained.

3. Endpoint Security

Any error that is committed by a human can be easily exploited by hackers or cyber criminals. End users are facing a huge security risk in any organization. End users become the victims of Cybercrimes because of their lack of knowledge about IT protection and policies. Because they lack awareness, they can unknowingly give access to their computer systems to Cyber criminals. 

So it is important to understand the comprehensive security policies and procedures so that you do not fall into the trap of cyber criminals and always stay alert. Awareness training programs should be arranged to enhance their knowledge about computer security and its threats. 

4. Internet Security

Internet security is the most recent type of computer security that has reached a boom period in recent times. It is a method for creating a perfect set of rules and actions to prevent any unauthorized use or harm to computer systems that are directly connected to the internet. 

It is the newest branch of computer security that specifically deals with the risks and threats that come with the internet, which is enumerated as follows: 

• Hacking 
• Computer viruses 
• Malware 
• Denial of service attacks 

5. Network Security

Network security, as the name suggests, is another type of computer security that protects your computer system from authorized intrusions and access to your computer networks. It is similar to information security in a way that it also protects the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of your computer networks. Network security is designed in a way with a lot of configurations that it performs to its best abilities. it includes the safety of both Software and hardware. 

There are various network security methods and components that help computer networks to be safe and secure. These are stated as follows: 

• Application security 
• Anti-virus software 
• Behavioral analysis 
• Firewall 
• Email security 
• Web security 
• Wireless security 
• Network access control 
• Network segmentation 
• Virtual private network 

As you can see computer security protects the hardware and software of a computer system. If you want to know more about computer security in detail and become a cyber security professional, then take the best Ethical Hacking course online and know all about cyber security threats and protection measures. 

Importance of Computer Security

You may have come across questions like 'what is computer security, explain' or 'what is the importance of computer security?' Computer security is important because it makes sure that your information and data are safe. It may be related to your business, health, or personal information. Computer security provides the features of availability, integrity, and confidentiality for the computer system. The following are the reasons why computer security is considered important: 

1. To Protect Personal Information

To prevent yourself from cyber threats, make sure that you protect your personal information and data. The issue with Information Technology is a big one that is still prevailing which is responsible for protecting your personal information and critical data.  

You must keep your information and data safe, and you can do that by implementing the below-mentioned steps: 

• Implement an anti-virus software. 
• Update the operating system of your computer regularly. 
• Apply smart password and other locks. 
• Always take a backup of your critical data information. 
• Use computer locks for safety. 
• Do not fall for the traps of phishing emails. 

2. To Protect Company Properties

A company involves a lot of sensitive information and assets. It is very important to protect the organization's important information and sensitive data so that it can prevent itself from any unauthorized access or misuse. So, a company does not compromise the security of its computer system because if the information gets out, then the company has to incur huge losses. Installing a security system in the computers ensures IT protection, which indeed helps the companies to protect their sensitive data and information. 

3. To Prevent Data Theft

Data help means stealing any critical and sensitive information such as account passwords, bank account details, health-related information, personal information, important documents that are stored in the computer systems and its servers, and so on.  

Data theft can happen for multiple reasons that can be stated as follows: 

• Stolen and weak credentials. 
• Errors caused by humans. 
• Presence of any malicious insiders. 
• Some application vulnerabilities. 

To protect your system from Data theft, you have to make sure that your system is equipped with endpoint security, use relevant authentication, identify sensitive data and log down your computer system. 

4. To Prevent Malware and Viruses

Computer viruses and malware can be very annoying at times, and computer security can help you protect your system from these unwanted visitors. A computer virus or malware can delete your important data and corrupt the sensitive information that is stored in your computer system. It can also harm your hard disk as it can spread from one computer to another with the help of email programming.  

So, you must protect your computer system from computer viruses and malware. You can do so why following these simple steps: 

• Keep your software updated. 
• Use paid and good professional software for antivirus. 
• Apply a strong password to your computer system. 
• Do not click irrelevant links on your system. 
• Always back up your sensitive computer data. 
• Only go through trusted and authorized security websites. 

5. To Protect From Unauthorized Access

By installing computer security in your system, you will be able to understand who is trying to get unauthorized access to your system. You can prevent your computer system from being authorized to access it by implementing computer security. It prevents hackers from getting access to your computer system and controls your critical information. To stop hackers from humming your sensitive data, you need to install a security system. 

Now you know how to explain computer security and what its importance is.  

Steps to Ensure Computer Security

Whether you use your computer for your personal work or your professional job, make sure it is free from security threats. A broad range of threats is considered when it comes to computer security. As an active user, it is your responsibility you take essential measures to ensure the security of your computer system.  

Here are some of the easy steps by which you can ensure the security of your computer system: 

• Always keep your computer system and software updated to its latest version. 
• If you are suspicious about having any malfunction in your system, then do check it thoroughly. 
• Install a protective firewall in your computer system. 
• Adjust your browser settings and remove the risks of malware. 
• Install good antivirus software in your system. 
• Set a password and protection lock to secure your device. 
• Make sure that you encrypt your data so that any man cannot get the hang of the information. 
• Use a VPN for additional production of your device. 
• Do not click emails or links sent to you by unknown members. 
• Ignore the pop-ups and do not click on them. 
• Perform regular system backups and scans. 

Following these steps will help you to deal with computer security threats. Download Computer Security PDF and save it on your device. 

Looking to boost your ITIL knowledge? Join our unique ITIL Foundation Training program. Gain valuable insights and enhance your skills in a catchy, engaging way. Don't miss out on this opportunity!

Computer Security Threats, Issues, Vulnerabilities

Threats to computer security are the potential rests that can cause dysfunction of your computer system and can harm the sensitive information and data that are stored in your computer. As technology is ever-increasing, Cyber crimes are also increasing with the number of hackers pacing in the market.

The major types of computer security threats, issues, and vulnerabilities are stated as follows: 

Viruses	A computer virus is a program that can cause a malfunction in your computer system, and it is installed without the permission or knowledge of the user. A computer virus can replicate itself and multiply so that it can affect all the files and documents in the computer system. It can very well corrupt your sensitive information as well. These viruses can cause severe harm to the computer system of the user and can also make it unusable.
Computer Worm	A computer worm also has a similar process of replicating itself, just like a computer virus. It does not need human interaction to replicate from one computer system to another. A computer worm can corrupt the files in your computer system and can use all the storage space in your hard disc by continuously replicating itself. It also slows down the speed of the computer system and can cause malfunctioning for the computer resources.   A computer worm also possesses the extra feature of modifying or deleting the existing files and documents in your computer system. it can give access to other malicious activities in your system. It is capable of stealing information so that it can provide access to hackers to get into your system without your knowledge.
Phishing	Phishing is a cyber crime that mainly exists in the form of a text message, e-mail, telecommunication, or any other form of communication to the user, for that matter. It is an attempt by hackers to gain personal information about the users by showing their false legitimacy. They try to see personal information such as account passwords, OTP, bank details, etc., through which they can trick the user and make them a victim of a phishing attack.
Botnet	The presence and functioning of a Botnet are also similar to that of a computer virus in a way that the hackers install it in the computer system of the user without their knowledge. It can replicate itself and transfer from one computer system to another and the affected computers are called 'zombie computers. The zombie computers are not safe for storing any sensitive information on data because they can be corrupted or completely deleted. The infected computer, which has turned out to be a Botnet now, performs malicious activities with unauthorized access at a large scale like DDoS.
Rootkit	A Rootkit is software that is designed to gain unauthorized access to someone else's computer system without their permission. It can gain access to restricted areas and can also mask its presence, and the user will not know about its existence. Generally, hackers use rootkits to change the system configurations so that they can easily execute and go through the files on the remote computer.
Keylogger	A keylogger is also a software that is designed especially for monitoring, tracking, and recording all keyboard strokes that he does without being aware of the fact that the system has been corrupted. A keylogger is also called a keystroke logger, and it is generally used by hackers to steal the login credentials of the user.

Jobs in Computer Security

1.Security Analyst:

• Monitors networks for security breaches.
• Investigates and mitigates incidents.
• Implements security measures and improvements.

2. Penetration Tester:

• Conducts simulated attacks to identify vulnerabilities.
• Provides recommendations for security enhancements.
• Creates detailed reports on findings and fixes.

3. Security Engineer:

• Designs and implements security systems and protocols.
• Develops tools and scripts to automate security tasks.
• Collaborates with IT teams to integrate security solutions.

4. Security Consultant:

• Advises organizations on best security practices.
• Conducts security assessments and audits.
• Develops strategies to protect against potential threats.

5. Incident Responder:

• Handles and responds to security breaches and incidents.
• Performs forensic analysis and root cause investigations.
• Coordinates with law enforcement and legal teams when necessary.

6. Malware Analyst:

• Studies and analyzes malware to understand behavior and origin.
• Develops tools to detect and counteract malware.
• Provides insights to improve threat detection and prevention.

Conclusion

New defenses to security threats are always in demand as cyber crimes and computer security threats are ever-increasing. New methods to combat these security threats are always welcome. It is important to understand how to check whether your computer is maliciously affected and how to deal with it. KnowledgeHut Cyber Security classes online will teach you everything you should know about computer security and the new age threats. Make your own computer system security and guard the security threats on your machine.