00:00What exactly is a cyber attack? Think of it as a deliberate, targeted attempt by someone, maybe an individual, maybe a group, to break into your digital world.
00:10The goal? It could be stealing your secrets, messing with your data, shutting down your service, or even demanding cash to give your stuff back.
00:18Let me break down the most common types. Malware is basically bad software.
00:23Viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, ransomware, all designed to sneak in and take control or just mess things up.
00:31Phishing? That's those sketchy emails or texts pretending to be your bank, your boss, or your favorite store, tricking you into surrendering your passwords or credit card info.
00:40Ransomware actually locks up your system and demands you pay up to unlock it.
00:44Then there's DDoS, distributed denial of service, where attackers flood a website or network with so much traffic it just stops working.
00:54Man in the middle is when someone secretly slips in between your communications, eavesdropping or even changing what gets sent.
01:01SQL injection lets hackers sneak malicious code into a database query, super dangerous for websites.
01:07Zero-day exploits hit right after a new vulnerability is found, before anyone's even had time to fix it.
01:13Credential stuffing is when hackers use stolen usernames and passwords from one breach to break into your other accounts.
01:21Cyber attacks can hit hard financial loss, stolen data, damaged reputation, downtime, lawsuits, and lost trust.
01:28So how do you protect yourself?
01:30Start with strong passwords, mix uppercase, lowercase numbers and symbols,
01:34don't use your birthday or your pet's name, and change passwords regularly.
01:38Add two-factor authentication wherever you can.
01:41That extra step, like a code sent to your phone, makes a huge difference.
01:46Keep your software updated.
01:48That means your operating system, apps, browsers, even your antivirus.
01:52Updates patch up holes attackers could use.
01:55Install trusted antivirus software and scan your system regularly.
01:58Be skeptical of unexpected emails and links.
02:01If it feels off, it probably is.
02:03Use secure networks.
02:04Avoid public Wi-Fi unless you're using a VPN and check for HTTPS when browsing.
02:09Back up your important data, either to the cloud or external drives, so ransomware can't hold you hostage.
02:15Keep an eye on account activity and system behavior.
02:18Catching something weird early can save you a lot of trouble.
02:22Educate yourself and your team.
02:24Most breaches happen because someone made a simple mistake.
02:27And finally, use a firewall.
02:29It's like a security guard between you and the internet.
02:31If you run a business, go further.
02:33Regular cybersecurity audits, incident response plans, strong firewalls, access controls, encryption, and stay compliant with laws like GDPR or HIPAA.
02:43Bottom line, cyber attacks are getting smarter and more common.
02:47Whether you're at home or at work, cybersecurity isn't optional anymore.
02:51Stay aware, stay updated, and stay safe online.
02:53And hey, if you want a handy PDF guide or infographic on all this, just let me know in the comments.
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