Analytics

WHAT IS CYBERSECURITY?

Can you imagine your life without the Internet? In today's reality, you are constantly communicating on social networks, able to make payments using your phone, conduct business negotiations, and even have your driver's license on your device. But is it safe? The rapid digital development has its advantages and disadvantages. One of these disadvantages is cyberattacks by malicious actors, whose goal is to steal your personal data, misappropriate funds from your bank accounts, or harm your business. We are increasingly hearing about cybersecurity and its importance for each of us. But what is cybersecurity and how can you protect yourself?

According to Article 1 of the Law of Ukraine "On the Basic Principles of Ensuring Cybersecurity of Ukraine" cybersecurity is the protection of vital interests of a person and citizen, society, and the state during the use of cyberspace, ensuring the sustainable development of the information society and the digital communication environment, timely detection, prevention, and neutralization of real and potential threats to the national security of Ukraine in cyberspace.

Thus, the simplified definition of the term cybersecurity is the protection of computers, computer networks, and software from potential threats that may arise during the course of activities.

Cybersecurity pursues a number of key objectives, such as: protecting data confidentiality, ensuring information integrity, and guaranteeing the availability of resources and services. Cybersecurity is not only about protecting personal life spheres but also about protecting societal and economic structures. As even critically important infrastructure increasingly relies on digital platforms, the potential impact of cyber threats is becoming greater.

CYBER HYGIENE AND HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THREATS?

Cyber hygiene is the field that focuses on ensuring the physical and mental health of users in the context of constant interaction with information technologies. Cyber hygiene emphasizes the importance of balanced technology use and the implementation of healthy habits to support overall well-being in the digital age.

One of the important components of cybersecurity is cyber hygiene, which involves adhering to basic rules for protection online. Cyber hygiene means using unique and complex passwords, enabling two-factor authentication for accounts, avoiding suspicious links and attachments, as well as regularly changing key authorization data.

It is important to note that an integral part of protection is the constant updating of operating systems and software. Such actions help eliminate vulnerabilities that cybercriminals may exploit against you. Using data backup ensures that you have the ability to restore information in case of its loss or blocking by malicious software.

Thus, we can highlight a number of practical tips to enhance your level of cyber hygiene:

• Regularly changing passwords, using different passwords for each account.
• Thoroughly analyzing all received messages and emails for any suspicious signs. Pay attention to the sender, inappropriate wording, or grammatical errors.
• Installing a reliable antivirus and setting up weekly scans.
• Regularly updating software.
• Backing up important data not only on your device but also in the cloud, so you will always have access to it.
• Back up important data not only on your computer but also in the cloud to always have access to it.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE RISKS OF CYBER ATTACKS?

Despite all security measures, risks still remain, and unfortunately, they can have serious consequences not only for individual users but also for large companies or government institutions. One of the most common types of attacks is phishing, where attackers send messages or emails, disguising them as official requests from social networks, banks, or other services, with the aim of obtaining confidential information.

Even malicious software can steal your data, damage your operating system, or encrypt files with a ransom demand. Common types of cyberattacks include DDoS attacks, aimed at overwhelming servers, making online services or websites unavailable. Access restrictions are particularly dangerous for companies that provide critical services.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CYBERSECURITY IN THE ACTIVITIES OF A LAWYER

In today's digital world, legal activities are closely related to the use of information technology. Lawyers, notaries, legal professionals, and government agencies work daily with confidential information, exchange electronic documents, and use online platforms to communicate with government institutions and clients. Cybersecurity is critically important for representatives of the legal profession, as the number of threats in cyberspace increases every day.

The importance of cybersecurity lies in the fact that it encompasses a set of measures aimed at preventing the leakage of confidential information, protecting electronic data, and ensuring the uninterrupted operation of legal services. Personal data of clients, contracts, court cases, trade secrets, materials from criminal proceedings – all of this is part of the work of lawyers with sensitive data. Unauthorized interference, destruction, or leakage of such data can have serious consequences: loss of client trust, financial loss, legal liability.

No working day for a lawyer goes by without the use of email, messengers, and legal databases, which opens up potential vulnerabilities for cyberattacks. The leading risk is phishing attacks, where fraudsters attempt to steal access to corporate emails or electronic resources by forging letters or messages. A common cybercrime is also ransom demands for decrypting important files, access to which has been blocked through the use of malicious software, most often ransomware. DDoS attacks on legal services can lead to temporary unavailability of electronic document flow, which is critical for lawyers and judicial authorities.

Another significant problem is the leakage of information due to internal threats. The compromise of client data can be caused by insufficient employee awareness, the use of weak passwords, and neglecting cybersecurity hygiene rules. Cybercriminals can employ various social engineering methods by manipulating the trust of employees to gain access to confidential information.

It is important to remember that lawyers play a crucial role in the regulation of cyberspace. They develop legislation that governs digital security, provide advice on information protection, and participate in cases related to cybercrimes. Law firms are increasingly offering cyber consulting services, helping businesses assess risks and develop legal protection mechanisms in the event of cyberattacks.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR CYBERCRIMES

The criminal codes of most countries around the world provide for penalties for online fraud, the distribution of malicious software, illegal interference with information systems, and unauthorized access to data. Therefore, responsibility for cybercrimes is another important area of activity for lawyers.

In Ukraine, there are a number of norms that provide for responsibility for cybercrimes. Section XVI of the Criminal Code of Ukraine Criminal offenses in the field of using electronic computing machines (computers), systems, and computer networks and telecommunications networks defines criminal liability for cybercrimes. It is important to remember that each attack has its own variability and mechanisms of implementation; therefore, each qualification of such a crime is unique.

CONCLUSIONS

Cybersecurity is extremely important for every user, company, or state. Covering both legal and technical aspects, cybersecurity actively combats cyberattacks and prevents their consequences.

Key factors in ensuring a safe digital environment include adherence to cybersecurity hygiene, the use of modern protection technologies, and legal awareness. Lawyers play an important role, as they participate in the development of legislation and law enforcement in the field of cybersecurity, which helps effectively protect the rights of citizens and organizations in cyberspace.

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