We’ll review the two biggest issues in cyber data security. One is the ultimate threat from within. The other is the end of a favorite Mac-user myth.
The Greatest Threat to Your Cyber Data Security Is You
The sad fact is that the greatest threat to any computer security is the user. Many of the biggest data breaches in recent history, including the leak in Sweden, came as a result of human mismanagement and error. On a small-scale, an accident could lead to the revelation of a single document that is stored on an unsecured server. These minor incidents should be viewed as serious cyber security facts that threaten your data. They come from poor data management habits. If those habits are not immediately addressed and corrected, they will lead to additional, potentially larger, incidents. If you discover a leak caused by negligence or oversight, look for others immediately. You should also look for potential data from cyber crimes that could have been stolen from unsecured documents.
Once the immediate crisis has passed, sit down to work with employees to create a better, more secure data handling plan. Make sure to cover often overlooked devices like smart phones and tablets, as these are rarely secured. Develop concrete steps to guide employees through handling sensitive data. Make sure there are enforceable penalties attached to future mismanagement of data as well. Cyber data security measures are only as reliable as the people who follow them.
Mac Users Are More Vulnerable
Data from cyber crimes show that there are far more malware and other cyber data security threats targeting Macs than there were two or three years ago. Last year, the amount of Mac-targeted malware increased several hundred times over. This year is on track to match or surpass those numbers. Macs’ cyber data security needs more attention now than it did. The myth of the malware-resistant computers has come to an end.
To protect your Mac, ensure you have both inbound and outbound firewalls at work. Then review your antivirus situation. Chances are, you don’t have any antivirus software already installed. There are some great programs for Macs, and they aren’t very hard to find. These small investments can save a lot of headaches down the road. Since hackers often use malware in order to access secure data, it’s important for every Mac user to adapt early to changing security measures.
Cyber data security is a constant battle with cyber criminals, but it can also be a battle with our own habits. Taking a second look at secure files to ensure they actually are secure would do a lot to stop data leaks. Installing basic antivirus software on Macs could stop tomorrow’s biggest data leak. Not all cyber crimes can be prevented, but these two measures will go a long way toward improving security.
