CWU Cyber Security Discussion

Cybersecurity’s importance is on the rise. Fundamentally, our society is more technologically reliant than ever before and there is no sign that this trend will slow. Personal data that could result in identity theft is now posted to the public on our social media accounts. Sensitive information like social security numbers, credit card information, and bank account details are now stored in cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive. Ensuring cybersecurity is becoming tougher every year as cyber criminals perform new attacks, exploit new vulnerabilities, and execute new attacks constantly. As technology grows more sophisticated, so do hackers as they constantly work on new threats and software. Hackers are using valid credentials and connections to make it substantially more difficult for businesses to detect them. However, at a time when we are increasingly relying on connected devices that store and utilize vast pools of valuable information, organizations must take the time to develop a sound security strategy to prevent their data from falling into the wrong hands.

We must definitely remain proactive in the approach to prevent and deter cyber threats and disruptions that have been commonplace in government and corporate industry. A solid plan against cyber threats should consist of; training employees in cybersecurity principles, installing, using and regularly updating antivirus and antispyware software on every computer used, using a firewall for your Internet connection, download and installing software updates for your operating systems and applications as they become available, making backup copies of important business data and information, controlling physical access to computers and network components, securing Wi-Fi networks, requiring individual user accounts for each employee, limiting employee access to data and information and limit authority to install software and regularly changing passwords. Gone are the days of simple firewalls and antivirus software being your sole security measures

Cybersecurity is important because it encompasses everything that pertains to protecting our sensitive data, personally identifiable information (PII), protected health information (PHI), personal information, intellectual property, data, and governmental and industry information systems from theft and damage attempted by criminals and adversaries.