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Device security
Device security is the defense of IT assets against harm and unauthorized use. Although the term “device security” is not as widely used as “cybersecurity,” it denotes the full range of practices for securing desktop PCs, laptops, smartphones and tablets.
Why is device security important?
Data breaches have become costlier over time, and modern cybersecurity is the only way to prevent them. More specifically, device security can mitigate the risks stemming from unauthorized access, unclosed vulnerabilities, and malicious traffic and applications.
Device security is also important because remote work and cloud applications have become the norm. Applications are accessed from numerous locations and mobile devices over the internet. Without the right protections for both the apps themselves and their modes of access, organizations will be exposed to significant risks from hackers and cybercriminals.
What are the biggest threats to device security?
- Malware: Malware is any type of malicious software. It may be designed to harvest and exfiltrate data, make an operating system unusable or otherwise disrupt the target device. Subtypes of malware include spyware, trojans, worms, viruses, and ransomware.
- Ransomware: Though it dates back to the 1980s, ransomware has become much more prevalent over time as digital currencies have made it easier for cyberattack perpetrators to receive payments. Ransomware encrypts data and then withholds the decryption key until the victim agrees to pay a ransom, typically in Bitcoin or something similar.
- Phishing: A phishing attack is a social engineering technique for deceiving a victim into visiting a high-risk domain, handing over personal information, or accessing a malicious file. It most commonly happens via email but can also occur through SMS and social media.