What is Computer security and its types? Introduction to computer security

Our lives have been transformed in many positive ways by the Internet. Due to the vastness of this network and its associated technologies, security threats have also increased. Being aware of standard cybersecurity practices is the best way to protect yourself against these threats and attacks. An organization’s valuable information is protected by various types of computer security. The article “What is Computer Security?“ provides an overview.

How does Computer Security work, and what types are there?

The similarity and differences between Computer Security can be determined by asking what is being secured. Among other things, information security involves preventing unauthorized access, modification, and deletion of data. 

Cyber threats such as SQL injection, DoS attacks, data breaches, and other cyber threats can be prevented by building security features into an application.

• Keeping a standalone machine up-to-date and patched is the definition of computer security.
• To secure a network, both software and hardware must be secured.
• Computer systems that communicate over networks are protected by cybersecurity.

Understanding the difference between these words is essential, even if there is yet to be a clear consensus on their meaning or degree of overlap. Essentially, computer security means that all components of computer systems are protected by controls that ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Let’s explore the definition in more detail.

A computer system is composed of several components

Computer systems need to protect the following components:

• The physical components of a computer, such as the memory and disk drives, are called hardware
• The nonvolatile memory of a hardware device contains permanent software that is mainly invisible to the user.
• Operating systems, word processors, and internet browsers are examples of software.

Triad of the CIA

Three main areas are concerned with computer security:

• A confidentiality policy ensures that only those who need access to information can access it
• The integrity of information refers to preventing unauthorized modifications to it
• Information availability refers to preventing unauthorized parties from modifying it

Information and computer components are protected from access or modification by people or software that shouldn’t have access or modify them.

Malware attacks on computers

Several possible dangers could impede the regular operation of your computer, including computer security threats. Due to the digital revolution, cyber threats are constantly increasing in the present day. In terms of computer security, the following are the most harmful:

• Viruses

Computer viruses are malicious programs loaded without the user’s knowledge into a computer. As it replicates, it infects the files and programs on the user’s computer. A virus’s ultimate goal is to ensure that a victim’s computer cannot function properly or at all. 

• Computer Worm

Computer worms are software programs that copy themselves from one computer to another without interfering with human activity. A worm can replicate rapidly and in greater volume, which could consume a lot of space on your computer.

• Phishing

Phishing scammers disguise themselves as trustworthy individuals or businesses through fraudulent emails or instant messages Unfortunately, phishing is an easy crime to commit. If you enter personal information, you are deluded into believing you are receiving legitimate mail.

• Botnet

Hackers who use computer viruses to compromise computers connected to the internet are known as botnets. Zombie computers are computers that have been turned into zombies. An attack like DDoS will result from this threat, as the bot will be used on the victim’s computer for malicious purposes.

What are the benefits of computer security?

Computer security is essential to keep our personal information safe and secure in the digital age. Additionally, we need to prevent viruses and malware that could negatively affect the performance of our computer systems.

Conclusion

Protecting your computers and their files through factors such as encryption and computer cleaners is possible. As cyber threats increase and become more sophisticated, the number of attacks rises. You can prevent ever-evolving cyber threats by having a solid foundation in cybersecurity concepts.