Different Ways Cyber Security Protect Your Data and Privacy

The news will likely keep you informed about a recent data breach that exposed the sensitive information of millions of people to cyber criminals. Taking these basic precautions can mean the difference between having your private information stolen and being able to keep your account information secure.

What is Cyber Security?

Cybersecurity is the steps taken to protect computer systems, networks, data, and other digital assets from being damaged or hacked by people who shouldn’t be able to. Cybersecurity can also mean protecting computer systems and other IT infrastructure.

Cybersecurity is the steps that keep people from getting into online computer systems, networks, and data without permission; this is a method that many people and businesses use to stop hackers from getting into their networks. Cybersecurity protection can protect an organisation’s or user’s systems from intrusions, changes, destructions, or extortions. When it comes to safeguarding systems and devices from malicious cyberattacks, cybersecurity plays an important role. The best way to fight cybercrime is to stop it. One can prevent most cybercrimes if businesses and individuals learn about the risks of cybercrime and take simple steps to protect themselves online.

Singapore’s Measures to Combat Cyber Crime

female coder working on a computer

Regarding the number of vulnerable databases exposed online last year, Singapore ranks sixth overall. Over the year, as digitalisation grew during the outbreak, so did the number of risky databases discovered in this region. 

It all started in 2018 when Singapore was attacked by one of the worst cyberbullies. A cybercriminal stole the personal details of 1.5 million Singaporean Singtel patients in the country’s worst cyber attack. Also stolen were 160,000 outpatient prescriptions, including those of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and a few other ministers. One recent cyber attack in Singapore was on the online shopping site Carousell, where the personal information of 1.95 million active users, or about 39% of its registered users here, was exposed. By October 12, two days before Carousell confirmed the cyber attack, hackers had already sent the 2 GB database. The hackers have stated that they will only sell five copies of the database, which was gained through a breach that gave them partial access to Carousell’s servers. It was also said that Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency knew about the problem and had reached out to Carousell for help.

What was the country’s strategy for dealing with cybercrime? Governments are taking steps to combat cyber threats and improve cybersecurity.

Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA)

In April 2015, then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong launched the Cyber Security Agency (“CSA”) to develop a national plan to stop cyberattacks. The project aims to get the government and private sector to work together to protect national networks in 10 important areas, like energy, transportation, communications, and finance, from growing cyber threats.

The Licencing of Cybersecurity Vendors Startedicense

In April 2022, Singapore unveiled a new licencing structure for cybersecurity companies. Existing vendors were given multiple deadlines to obtain licences or quit providing cybersecurity services. CSA will provide licences to businesses offering vulnerability scanning and outsourced security operations centre monitoring systems. These vendors have access to their customers’ computer networks and private information.

New Cybersecurity Centre Launched

It is the first and only place in Southeast Asia for evaluating and certifying cyber security, making it easy to test, validate, and assess cyber security solutions. CSA’s mission is to expand the cybersecurity sector by creating key talent and encouraging collaboration between the cybersecurity industry and educational institutions to offer innovative products and services.

Why Is It Important to Protect Your Data and Privacy?

person holding a mobile phone displaying a shield and the word protected

In a world where identity theft, hacking, and other forms of cybercrime are common, sensitive personal and company data must be kept safe. Everyone and every business that wants to run well need to have a data protection plan in place. Identity thieves love this information because they can use it to ruin your finances by opening fake accounts, filing phoney tax returns, cashing in on refunds, and even getting into your medical records. Bad things can occur when confidential information falls into the wrong hands. For example, a corporate hack could provide rivals access to personal information.

Personal Data Protection for Individuals 

It is extremely important to keep personal data confidential. It is for this reason that many people lock up their file cabinets or rent bank safety deposit boxes to secure their documents. As more and more information is put online and shared digitally, it becomes more important to protect our data. 

Data Protection for Companies

A common saying says data is the new oil, and more and more businesses are using it. The quantity and quality of your data determine how well you can personalise consumer experiences, automate marketing communications, and gain insights grounded in research. It’s only natural that businesses would like to collect data. Legislators are concerned with safeguarding people’s personal information and physical security.

Consequences of not protecting your data 

Personal data is often stored on devices by many people. When you’re online, your personal information could be stolen or accidentally erased if you aren’t careful. There are many ways in which your computer could be compromised when connected to the internet. Malware and viruses can delete data and give hackers access to your device, where they can steal your identity. A hacker could gain access to your device. When businesses and individuals fail to protect their data, they often face the following issues:

Malware

The term “malware” or “malicious software” refers to any type of software that is intended to cause harm. Malware poses a daily threat to computer users in various forms. When it comes to cyber security, malware is probably the most well-known danger.

Ransomware

Ransomware is one type of malware that locks up files and asks for a ransom to get the owner to unlock them. Cybercriminals put businesses in a position where paying a ransom fee is the fastest and least expensive way to get their encrypted files back.

Spyware

The term “spyware” refers to any programme that secretly monitors your online activity after it has been installed on your computer. Spyware is another type of malware that secretly watches what a user does on the internet and sends that information to a faraway server.

Phishing

By sending out fraudulent emails, or “phishing,” attackers want to deceive targets into giving up personal information or otherwise falling for a swindle. The goal of such attacks is usually to get private information, such as passwords, bank account details, or social security numbers. Threat actors in a phishing attack posing as legitimate organisations or individuals to trick their targets into handing over sensitive information over the Internet.

Conclusion

Companies in the rapidly digitised economy must strengthen their cyber security measures. In particular, small and medium-sized businesses are at risk because they do not have the resources or experience of larger companies and believe they are not valuable enough to be attacked. Zebedee Singapore offers cyber security protection services like penetration testing, training, response, and recovery to lessen the damage that cyberattacks could do to our clients. At our company, we offer many services, such as virus protection with Fortinet Network Firewall, Kaspersky, and McAfee. 

 In addition to cyber security protection, Zebedee offers IT services like IT equipment disposal, recycling of electronics, IT support or maintenance, and software solutions to help our clients run their businesses better. Explore what Zebedee has to offer by visiting our page.