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Whether you are a massive corporation or just an individual person, your data is one of the most valuable assets you have. Cybercrimes have increased at an alarming rate precisely because of how valuable data is and cybercriminals are constantly coming up with new ways to forcibly access private information.
There are many ways to go about protecting your data, but some are more effective than others. We are going to go over some of the most common data protection methods in the world of cybersecurity and how you can make a career out of data protection through TechnoEdge cybersecurity courses, including CompTIA Security+ training, and earning certifications, such as the CompTIA Security+ certification.
Encryption is one of the most widely-used methods for data protection both by professionals and private individuals. Through encryption, regular “plaintext” data is converted into unreadable “ciphertext.” By encrypting your data, you ensure that even if a hacker gains access to your data, they will be unable to interpret it unless they also have access to the security key to decrypt the data.
Not all encryptions are the same. There are three different encryption algorithms that are commonly used: AES, RSA, and DES, but there are many more than just those three. Different encryption algorithms can handle different amounts of data and need different keys for decryption. Organizations choose what type of encryption they use either based on personal preference or industry standards and regulations.
Understanding encryptions, how they work, and even how to break them, is an important skill for a cybersecurity specialist. Having your CompTIA CySA+ certification is an excellent way to learn more about encryption and validate your skills to employers. CompTIA CySA+ training can help you get there.
Updating Software to the Most Recent Version
This may seem exceedingly obvious, but it is worth mentioning that updating your software and firmware to the latest version is a reliable way to keep your data secure. Tech companies are constantly working to ensure their products are secure and new updates often come with security updates.
Leaving your devices running on older software can leave them more open to attacks as cybercriminals have had more time to familiarize themselves with the vulnerabilities present in older software. It is also worth mentioning that false updates are a common scam people encounter online. Taking the time to ensure that your updates are coming from a legitimate source can save you a great deal of trouble.
Use Secure Networks
Ask any IT professional with a CompTIA Network+ certification and they will tell you that a secure network is the best defence against cybercrime. Establishing a secure network in your home or business is key to ensuring your data remains secure. Similarly, if you are going to use public WIFI, make sure that you are not transferring any personal or confidential information over that network. Unprotected networks are a playground for cybercriminals, and you don’t want to provide them with the opportunity to steal your data.
You can learn more about network security and becoming a network specialist by undergoing CompTIA Network+ training.
Becoming a Cybersecurity Specialist
TechnoEdge Learning offers an effective and efficient path for becoming a certified cybersecurity professional. TechnoEdge is an accredited CompTIA partner with courses designed to prepare students to pass CompTIA certification exams. The instructor-led, 5-day boot-camp-style courses are a great option for individuals looking to get ahead in their IT career and for businesses looking to upskill their staff without interrupting their operations.
Register now for one of TechnoEdge’s upcoming courses, work towards a CompTIA certification, and take your IT career to the next level.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this post is considered to be true and accurate as of the date of publication. However, the accuracy of this information may be impacted by changes in circumstances that occur after the time of publication. Ashton College assumes no liability for any error or omissions in the information contained in this post or any other post in our blog.
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