In the last post we talked a bit about the code that is read by your computer's processor. Code is the building blocks for software. It is the human language that we use to give the computer specific instructions. Just like with spoken language, there are many languages used to code, each with their own specific advantages and drawbacks. Some languages, like HTML and JavaScript are best used for website building. Other languages like C++ are best used when accessing computer functions directly. Security programs are more likely to use these types of languages because they want to access as much of your computer as possible to identify all potential threats.
If you have ever found yourself frustrated by a program and the certain way it has to be used, it is likely due to the code. I know when I get frustrated when I type out the number, two, but the website only accepts the actual number 2.
Code is also a way for cyber criminals to access private information. Manipulating the code of an application or website is a method cyber criminals use to discover and exploit vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, there is not a lot that individual users can do to defend against this. The security largely lies on the company maintaining the application.
Applications, or apps for short, is the basic name for any sort of program you use on your computer. Some examples are: Microsoft Word, Spotify, and Facebook when used on your phone. These apps are designed and maintained by a company. As a user, you can store information in them and use them for whatever purpose you need. However, when you store data this way or input any information into these apps, you lose jurisdiction of them. The company that maintains that application now has access to that data, and any cyber criminal who gets access to that company's network, has your information too.
All this is to say, be careful what information you put into applications or websites you are not familiar with.
Comments
Post a Comment