Many people don’t give web security a second thought — that is, until their personal and/or financial information becomes compromised due to a cybersecurity breach. When that happens, for a short while, we apply caution to any and all online activities that involve inputting personal information but then, eventually, tend to put our guard down.
However, hackers are always hard at work trying to figure out ways to access people’s personal information. The same way people work hard to make a living, they’re diligently looking for ways to steal our information and make our lives more difficult.
In 2021, according to a report from IBM and the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of a data breach among the companies surveyed was around $4.2 million per incident. That’s the highest it’s been in 17 years. This alarming increase is primarily due to the rush by many companies into remote work because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are some tips and trends to keep in mind regarding cybersecurity. But first, let’s define this concept.
What is website security?
Web security, also known as cybersecurity, is simply the proactive measures and protocols used to protect an organization from cybercriminals. It includes the actions by an organization to detect, protect, and prevent cyber threats on their website or web application.
Web threats can be defined as vulnerabilities within websites and web applications or attacks launched by hackers or cybercriminals. Examples include:
- Malware: Software that’s designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system
- Ransomware: Malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid
- Phishing: Criminals impersonating organizations to steal sensitive information
- SQL injection: A cyberattack where a hacker uses structured query language (SQL) to gain access to information.
Trends in web security
Cybercrimes are getting more complex with each passing day. In a bid to safeguard the information of everyday people, many organizations, and even local and federal governments, are increasing measures to protect customer information from theft. Emerging trends in website security include:
Data privacy as a discipline
With the introduction of stricter data laws globally, data privacy is being prioritized. Organizations now run the risk of being fined and face possible litigation — and the U.S. is poised to sue contractors who don’t report cyber breaches.
Multifactor authentication
Cybercriminals are finding new ways to bypass multifactor authentication. Text messages, or SMS, are especially susceptible, as these messages aren’t encrypted and run the risk of being attacked. Instead, organizations are being advised to use app-based authenticators and security keys.
The rise of artificial intelligence
More and more organizations are using artificial intelligence and machine learning to sharpen their IT infrastructure. AI is being used for face and automatic threat detection, amongst other things. An additional benefit is its ability to rapidly evaluate large quantities of data.
Remote work security
Organizations that have moved from traditional workplace structures and are now relying heavily on remote work must invest in virtual private networks (VPNs). It’s not only important to protect the organizations’ data but also as it travels the internet.
Cybersecurity Options
1. Security solutions
With website attacks increasing sharply in the last year, a cybersecurity option is no longer a luxury but a necessity for any organization that is serious about data security. The loss in revenue and the damage that a single incident brings to your reputation far outweigh any arguments against installing a security solution.
Investing in a solution, such as SiteLock, will not only protect your website from malicious cyber threats but also your site code and web applications. Start on your journey to a safer online experience with a trusted website security solution.
2. Password managers
It’s no secret that weak passwords make it easier for your personal information to be compromised or stolen. Then again, remembering all the different passwords used to access various websites can be burdensome. Add in symbol, number, and capitalization requirements and many people decide to simply use the same password repeatedly.
Cybercriminals are well-aware of this, so once they’re able to get just one of your passwords, they’ll try it across multiple platforms. To that end, invest in a password manager that will store, generate, and update passwords for you with the press of a button. In password management, password managers and two-factor authentication are two examples of best practices.
3. Oversharing information
What makes phishing and other types of online fraud so successful is the fact that criminals have access to much of that information online. They can access the names of colleagues, family members, inside jokes, and so on by looking at our social media profiles.
To safeguard your information, make your social media profiles private, or, better yet, limit the information you share online altogether. Review your social profiles and try to spot information or photos that can point to or help reveal sensitive personal information.
Put safeguards in place to protect your personal information
Web security is needed now more than ever. Cybercrimes are advancing at an alarming rate, and it only takes one attack for consumers to lose faith that their information is safe with an organization. Regaining that trust will take a lot of time, effort, and money. Put the precautions in place now to safeguard your information as best you can.