Cybersecurity is one of the biggest industries in today’s market. The amount of digital information stored in online databases is remarkable in terms of data storage capabilities, yet also concerning given the personal and financial nature of such information. There are many instances of data breaches, server failures, poor security protocols and other hacks that lead us to question the cybersecurity standards of the sites we use. Security ramifications must be accounted for during all phases of website interaction from development to everyday use.
The type of site that you are using plays a role in the level of security being implemented. For example, any site that stores your credit card and personal information will have stronger data encryption methods than sites that do not. This could range from online retail sites, online casinos, financial institution sites and even food distributors.
When sites are being developed, programmers write in distinct software patches and code scripts that aim to prevent any sort of malware or other attacks. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is an industry standard that builds an encrypted link between a client and a server. Proper SSL encryption facilitates secure transmissions of data bits like credit card numbers, ID information (social security numbers, passport numbers, etc.), username/password credentials and more. Without SSL, these bits of information are being openly transmitted, leaving them vulnerable to attacks. This creates a flaw in protecting valuable client information and leaves servers exposed. A credible website will have their SSL Certifications presented clearly in the footers of the most secure online casinos, retail sites, bill payment services and more.
Another common flaw can be found in a site’s login procedures. When creating an account with a site, you will have to designate a password. Some sites incorporate strict password conditions such as x amount of special characters, numbers, capital letters, etc. If the site you are trying to use supports weak passwords, it is a sign of lack of attention to detail. Sites should also have some sort of password protection in the event of incorrect login information being entered too many times. No sort of account lockout protection is another sign of poor security execution.
Other security problems arise with third-party inclusion. This could come in the form of advertisers, third-party developers or even other users. Website managers must remain adamant in keeping their sites clear of any sort of phishing scams or potential malware threats. Hackers are intelligent enough to model their attacks as credible, leaving the unsuspecting user vulnerable. In some cases, all it takes is a user viewing a page for the hack to delve into their Cookies and begin infiltrating.
With a strong security profile backed by data encryption, stringent password protection and vigilance in avoiding sketchy phishing scams, users can feel confident in browsing the web. Any reputable site will employ the above criteria and be sure to avoid any lazy pitfalls that could lead to data breaches. Common sense is one of the leading preventative methods regarding data attacks and should be used first and foremost when divulging information online. There is no denying the digital landscape must adapt frequently, as hackers find innovative ways to penetrate systems, but this constant change also leads to stronger protocols being developed.
