Cybersecurity has never been simple and attacks are evolving as attackers become more inventive. So, why is it so important and what does it protect?
Cyber security protects the data and integrity of computing assets belonging to or connecting to an organisation’s network. Its purpose is to defend those assets against all threat actors throughout the entire life cycle of a cyber-attack.
Major areas covered in cybersecurity
There are core areas covered in cybersecurity. These core areas are:
- Application Security
- Information Security
- Disaster Recovery
- Network Security
Let’s take a closer look at each of the core areas of cyber security in more detail.
Application security
Application security encompasses measures or countermeasures that are taken to protect applications from threats that can come through flaws in the application design, development, deployment, upgrade or maintenance. Techniques used for application security are:
- Input parameter validation,
- User/Role Authentication & Authorization,
- Session management, parameter manipulation & exception management, and
- Auditing and logging.
Information security
Information security protects information from unauthorized access to avoid identity theft and to protect privacy. Major techniques used to cover this are:
- Identification, authentication & authorization of the user,
- Cryptography.
Disaster Recovery
Disaster recovery planning is a process that includes performing risk assessment, establishing priorities, developing recovery strategies in case of a disaster. Every business should invest the time to set up a concrete plan for disaster recovery. The aim is to resume normal business operations as quickly as possible after a disaster.
Network security
Network security includes activities to protect the usability, reliability, integrity and safety of the network. Effective network security targets a variety of threats and stops them from entering or spreading on the network. Network security components include:
- Anti-virus and anti-spyware,
- Firewall, to block unauthorized access to your network,
- Intrusion prevention systems (IPS), to identify fast-spreading threats, such as zero-day or zero-hour attacks, and
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), to provide secure remote access.
Conclusion
Cyber security is here to stay. Without a robust and evolving cyber defence, a business stands to lose millions in revenue and profits. The money you spend to implement a cybersecurity system may prove to be the difference between success and the failure of business due to a cyberattack.
For more information contact Ryan Danvers of ABACON IT at 0726012858.
Windows 11 Upgrade - Will it work on your lapop?
So, you’re wondering about Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. It looks snazzy and has some neat features. But can your current laptop actually run it? Don’t worry, you don’t need a degree in IT to figure this out! We at abacon IT in Cape Town are here to help you understand the basics.
Upgrading your laptop to Windows 11 can give it a new lease on life. However, Windows 11 has certain system requirements. These are the minimum specifications your laptop needs to have to run the software smoothly. Think of it like needing the right ingredients for a recipe – without them, it just won’t work properly.
One of the most important parts is your laptop’s processor, often called the CPU (Central Processing Unit). This is the “brain” of your computer. Windows 11 needs a fairly recent and capable CPU to function well.
Which Processors Work with Windows 11?
Here’s a simplified look at the processors that are generally compatible:
Intel Processors:
- Generally, Windows 11 requires an 8th-generation Intel Core processor or newer. You might see names like “Intel Core i5-8xxx” or “Intel Core i7-11xxx.” The first number after the “i” (or “i3”) usually indicates the generation. So, an “i5-8250u” is an 8th-generation processor.
- Intel also has its Pentium and Celeron processors. For Windows 11, only certain newer models are compatible.
AMD Processors:
- For AMD, Windows 11 requires Ryzen 2000 Series and newer. You’ll see names like “AMD Ryzen 5 2xxx” or “AMD Ryzen 7 5xxx”. Again, the first number after “Ryzen” indicates the series.
- AMD also has Athlon processors. Similar to Intel’s Pentium and Celeron, only specific newer Athlon models will work with Windows 11.
Important Note: This is a general guideline. There can be exceptions, so it’s always best to double-check your specific processor.
How to Find Out Which Processor Your Laptop Has
Don’t fret, Windows makes it pretty easy to see what CPU is inside your laptop:
- Right-click the Start Button: This is the Windows logo (usually in the bottom-left corner of your screen).
- Select “System”: A new window will pop up with information about your computer.
- Look for “Processor”: You’ll find this listed under the “Device specifications” section. It will tell you the name of your processor, including the manufacturer (Intel or AMD) and the model number, which usually indicates the generation or series.
Once you have this information, you can compare it to the general lists above.
Other Important Bits for Windows 11
Besides the processor, there are a few other things Windows 11 needs:
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Consider this your laptop’s short-term memory. Windows 11 requires at least 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. More is always better for smoother performance. Instead, consider 16 gigabytes (GB).
- Storage: To install Windows 11, you’ll need at least 64 GB of free space on your hard drive or SSD (Solid-State Drive). An SSD generally makes your computer much faster.
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): This is a security feature. Most modern laptops have this, but it’s worth checking. You can usually find information on how to check for TPM 2.0 in your laptop’s BIOS settings (you might need to consult your laptop manufacturer’s website for instructions on accessing this).
- Graphics Card: Your graphics card needs to be compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver. Most reasonably recent graphics cards will meet this requirement.
- Display: You’ll need a screen with a resolution of at least 720p (HD).
Still Not Sure? We Can Help!
Figuring out all these technical details can be daunting. If you’re still unsure whether your laptop is ready for Windows 11, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at abacon IT in Cape Town.
Our friendly team can quickly assess your system and give you straightforward advice. We’re here to help your SME thrive with reliable IT solutions! Contact us at 072-601-2858 or email info@abacon.co.za, and we will call you back.
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