Cyber Security, Application security, Information or data security, Network security, Disaster recovery/business continuity planning, Operational security, Cloud security, Critical infrastructure security, Physical security

Cyber Security

Cyber Security is the protection of internet-connected systems such as hardware, software and data from cyberthreats. The practice is used by individuals and enterprises to protect against unauthorized access to data centers and other computerized systems. A strong cyber Security strategy can provide a good security posture against malicious attacks designed to access, alter, delete, destroy or extort an organization's or user's systems and sensitive data. Cyber Security is also instrumental in preventing attacks that aim to disable or disrupt a system's or device's operations.

Cyber Security Key elements

The cyber Security field can be broken down into several different sections, the coordination of which within the organization is crucial to the success of a cyber Security program

Application security

Information or data security

Network security

Disaster recovery/business continuity planning

Operational security

Cloud security

Critical infrastructure security

Physical security

Critical infrastructure security Information or data security

Cyber Security Common Threats

Cybercrime is defined as any unauthorized activity involving a computer, device, or network. There are three generally recognized classifications of cybercrime: computer-assisted crimes, crimes where the computer itself is a target, and crimes where the computer is incidental to the crime rather than directly related.

Malware : This threat encompasses ransomware, spyware, viruses, and worms. It can install harmful software, block access to your computer resources, disrupt the system, or covertly transmit information from your data storage.

Trojans : Like the legendary Trojan Horse of mythology, this attack tricks users into thinking they're opening a harmless file. Instead, once the trojan is in place, it attacks the system, typically establishing a backdoor that allows access to cybercriminals.

Botnets : This especially hideous attack involves large-scale cyberattacks conducted by remotely controlled malware-infected devices. Think of it as a string of computers under the control of one coordinating cybercriminal. What’s worse, compromised computers become part of the botnet system.

Cyberterrorism : This threat is a politically-based attack on computers and information technology to cause harm and create widespread social disruption.

Phishing : Hackers use false communications, especially e-mail, to fool the recipient into opening it and following instructions that typically ask for personal information. Some phishing attacks also install malware.

Man-in-the-middle attack : MITM attacks involve hackers inserting themselves into a two-person online transaction. Once in, the hackers can filter and steal desired data. MITM attacks often happen on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

Denial of Service : DoS is a cyber attack that floods a network or computer with an overwhelming amount of “handshake” processes, effectively overloading the system and making it incapable of responding to user requests.

SQL injection : A Structured Query Language attack inserts malicious code into a SQL-using server.

Ransomware : Another type of malware that involves an attacker locking the victim's computer system files typically through encryption and demanding a payment to decrypt and unlock them.

Cybercrime is defined as any unauthorized activity involving a computer, device, or network Top security threats

Cyber Security challenges

Major challenges that must be continuously addressed include evolving threats, the data deluge, cybersecurity awareness training, the workforce shortage and skills gap, and supply chain and third-party risks. Cybersecurity is continually challenged by hackers, data loss, privacy, risk management and changing cybersecurity strategies. The number of cyberattacks is not expected to decrease in the near future. Moreover, increased entry points for attacks, such as with the arrival of the internet of things.

Evolving threats

Data deluge

Cyber Security awareness training

Workforce shortage and skills gap

Supply chain attacks and third-party risks

Cyber Security awareness training Supply chain attacks and third-party risks

Cyber Security tools

Vendors in the cyber Security field typically offer a variety of security products and services. Common security tools and systems include:

Identity and access management

Firewalls

Endpoint protection

Antimalware/antivirus

Intrusion prevention/detection systems (IPS/IDS)

Data loss prevention

Endpoint detection and response

Security information and event management (SIEM)

Encryption tools

Vulnerability scanners

Virtual private networks (VPNs)

Cloud workload protection platform

Cloud access security

Intrusion prevention/detection systems (IPS/IDS)

Cyber Security Work

Cyber security encompasses technologies, processes, and methods to defend computer systems, data, and networks from attacks. To best answer the question “what is cyber security” and how cyber security works.

Application Security : Application security covers the implementation of different defenses in an organization’s software and services against a diverse range of threats. This sub-domain requires cyber security experts to write secure code, design secure application architectures, implement robust data input validation, and more, to minimize the chance of unauthorized access or modification of application resources.

Cloud Security : Cloud security relates to creating secure cloud architectures and applications for companies that use cloud service providers like Amazon Web Services, Google, Azure, Rackspace, etc.

Identity Management and Data Security : This subdomain covers activities, frameworks, and processes that enable authorization and authentication of legitimate individuals to an organization’s information systems. These measures involve implementing powerful information storage mechanisms that secure the data, whether in transition or residing on a server or computer. In addition, this sub-domain makes greater use of authentication protocols, whether two-factor or multi-factor.

Mobile Security : Mobile security is a big deal today as more people rely on mobile devices. This subdomain protects organizational and personal information stored on mobile devices like tablets, cell phones, and laptops from different threats like unauthorized access, device loss or theft, malware, viruses, etc. In addition, mobile security employs authentication and education to help amplify security.

Network Security : Network security covers hardware and software mechanisms that protect the network and infrastructure from disruptions, unauthorized access, and other abuses. Effective network security protects organizational assets against a wide range of threats from within or outside the organization.

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning : Not all threats are human-based. The DR BC subdomain covers processes, alerts, monitoring, and plans designed to help organizations prepare for keeping their business-critical systems running during and after any sort of incident (massive power outages, fires, natural disasters), and resuming and recovering lost operations and systems in the incident’s aftermath.

User Education : Knowledge is power, and staff awareness of cyber threats is valuable in the cyber security puzzle. Giving business staff training on the fundamentals of computer security is critical in raising awareness about industry best practices, organizational procedures and policies, monitoring, and reporting suspicious, malicious activities. This subdomain covers cyber security-related classes, programs, and certifications.