What is Cybersecurity and How is it Important

What is Cyber security?

Cyber security also known as cybersecurity, information technology security, or digital security is a way of protecting a network, data, or computer from unauthorized access, management, disruption, disclosure, destruction, and even modification. Cybersecurity is a very essential part of the IT world today, mostly used by web developers for websites and other web applications. Websites in general are one of the most targeted places where cyber crimes are always carried out.

What is the Importance of Cyber security?

There are several reasons why cyber security is very important both for individuals and organizations, some of which are been listed below.

1. Protection of Websites: Over the years, websites have been the major ground for cyber-attacks leading to the breakdown of websites or web applications. For this reasons, a call for cyber security is highly needed and in high demand
2. Protect of Brand: If a website has been attacked, this might disrupt the brand name and potentially create a bad reputation for the brand and thus the brand can also lose its customers to its competitors.
3. Protection of user data: All web applications collect user data like the username, email (sometimes used for email marketing), and bank details, and if the said data is not handled with care, it can be stolen or fall into the wrong hands which can be used for purposes not intended for.

How to Implement Cyber Security as a Web Developer

There are a couple of tips a website developer can implement in other to prevent or limit the rate of cyber attacks, below are some tips that can be helpful

1. Update software: Enable your software to be updated to date as the updated version always fills in some missing factors, this can also help the website against vulnerability to attacks.
2. Use strong and complex passwords: Making your password complex and strong can help prevent authorized access to your data. Also adding a two-factor authentification will be very essential.
3. Use of Web Application Fireware (WAF): Web application fireware is a software tool that helps to prevent attacks on web applications.
4. Clean codes: Always try to sanitize your codes, especially your inputs to prevent malicious injections into websites or web applications

How to Become a Cyber Security Expert

Becoming a cybersecurity expert involves a combination of experiences, frequent learning, and education. below are some steps you can take to become a cybersecurity expert:

1. Education: You can begin by obtaining a degree in cybersecurity,  computer science, or information technology. Several universities offer cybersecurity courses.
2. Certifications: Obtaining relevant certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CompTIA Security+, or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
3. Experience: Do a lot of practicals to gain experience through entry-level positions, volunteer work,  or internships in the field of cybersecurity.
4. Stay Informed**: Keep up with the latest trends and developments in cybersecurity by reading industry publications, attending conferences, and participating in webinars and workshops.
5. Specialize: The scope of Cybersecurity is very broad, so you can specialize in areas such as digital forensics, network security, cloud security, or ethical hacking.
6. Networking: Build a network of professionals in the cybersecurity industry by connecting with experts on social media platforms like LinkedIn, attending industry events, and joining professional organizations.

Why Hire a Cyber Security Expert

Hiring A cyber security expert is very important for countering and protecting an organization’s assets and sensitive information from cyber-attacks. A cyber security expert is well-trained to identify, the vulnerability of a system and also measures taken to secure private data. They can establish a strong network of defense against malicious attacks from hackers, cyber threats, and malware, ensuring all the data, financial resources, and the reputation of the organization are secured.