What is cyber security?
As our digitalization progresses, we are more likely to be victims of damaging cyberattacks. Although there is no way of stopping the attacks, being vigilant and using a holistic approach to security is the key to surviving them. Today’s evolving threat landscape emphasizes the importance of analyzing and diving deep into cyber security, its evolution and its role in preventing attacks. What is cyber security, and why is it important now? This article will cover everything you need to know about cyber security, including its benefits and importance, as well as the best careers.
Cyber security meaning and Definition
Cyber security, as it is commonly defined, is the use of tools, processes and technology to protect computer systems, networks, electronic devices and data from cyberattacks. Individuals and businesses use it to reduce the risk of theft, attacks, damage and unauthorized access. Since its conception in the 1970s, cyber security has evolved continuously. Cyber security is not limited to protecting only computers; it also protects individuals from malicious cyberattacks. Cyber security’s primary goal is to protect sensitive data and to ensure cyber resilience to respond to cyberattacks and recover with less damage.
Why Is Cyber security Important?
Convenience is one of the many benefits of living in a connected world. You can easily manage your social calendar, make appointments, and shop from your smartphone. It’s no wonder it has become second nature for many of us.
The convenience of data connection also makes it possible for bad actors to do severe damage. Cyber security is essential for protecting our data and, therefore, our way of living.
Different types of cyber security
Cyber security can be categorized into eight distinct types:
- Critical infrastructure security
- Application security
- Network security
- Cloud security
- Internet of Things (IoT) security
- Endpoint Security
- Mobile Security
- Zero Trust
Critical infrastructure security
- Critical infrastructure is the collective term for all the physical and digital resources, systems and networks necessary to ensure the smooth running of a society in terms of its economy, security or any combination thereof. Transportation systems and the food and agricultural industries are critical infrastructure.
- Infrastructure deemed necessary can vary depending on the country’s needs, resources and level of development. However, essential infrastructure is similar across all nations because it is needed for basic living.
- Critical infrastructure often includes industrial control systems (ICS), like supervisory control data acquisition (SCADA), used in industries to automate industrial operations. Attacks on SCADA systems and other industrial controls are of great concern. They can seriously damage critical infrastructure such as transportation, oil and gas supply, electrical grids and water distribution.
- A failure of one or several functions can hurt many sectors due to their interdependence and links.
Application security
Threat actors target web applications as they do anything directly connected to the Internet. Since 2007, OWASP has tracked the top 10 cyber security threats for critical web application security vulnerabilities such as injections, broken authentication, configuration, and cross-site Scripting.
The OWASP Top 10 attacks are easily stopped with application security. application security in cyber security can also stop bot attacks and malicious interactions with APIs and applications. Apps will be protected with continuous learning even when DevOps releases updated content.
Network security
Network security solutions are designed for identifying and blocking these attacks. These solutions include data controls and access controls, such as Data Loss Prevention(DLP), IAM – Identity Access Management (Identity Access Management), NAC – Network Access Control (Network Access Control) and NGFW – Next-Generation Firewall (application controls), to enforce safe internet use policies.
NGAV, Sandboxing and CDR are all multi-layered technologies that provide advanced network threat prevention. Other essential technologies include network analytics, automated SOAR (Security Orchestration and Response), and threat hunting.
Cloud security
Securing the cloud is a priority for organizations as they adopt cloud computing. Cloud security strategies include cyber security controls, policies and services to help protect the entire cloud deployment of an organization (applications, data or infrastructure) against attack.
Many cloud providers provide security solutions. However, they are only sometimes adequate to achieve enterprise-level security in the cloud. Third-party solutions must be used to prevent data breaches and targeted attacks.
Internet of Things (IoT) security
While the Internet of Things devices can undoubtedly improve productivity, they also expose organizations to new cyber threats. The threat actors look for vulnerable devices inadvertently linked to the Internet. They use them for malicious purposes, such as accessing corporate networks or creating bots in a bot network.
IoT security protects these devices by discovering and classifying the connected devices, using auto-segmentation to control network activity, and utilizing IPS as a patch to stop exploits on vulnerable IoT devices. Sometimes, the firmware can be enhanced with small agents to prevent exploits or runtime attacks.
Endpoint Security
It is securing devices, such as laptops, computers, smartphones and IoT. This includes anti-virus software, intrusion protection systems (IPS), encryption of devices, and regular updates.
- Anti-virus and Antimalware software scans and detects malicious programs, such as Viruses. Trojans. These tools can identify, eliminate or quarantine harmful file types to protect the endpoints and networks from harm.
- Firewalls play a vital role in endpoint security. They control and monitor incoming and egressing network traffic and filter out potentially malicious packets.
- Endpoint security depends on keeping software and operating systems updated with the latest patches and updates.
Mobile Security
Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, have access to corporate information. This exposes businesses to malicious apps, zero days, phishing and IM (Instant Messaging) attacks. Mobile security protects against these attacks and prevents rooting or jailbreaking of operating systems and mobile devices. This solution can be used in conjunction with MDM (Mobile Device Management), allowing enterprises to make sure that only mobile devices which are compliant have access to corporate resources.
Zero Trust
Traditional security models are perimeter-focused. They build walls around valuable assets of an organization, like a fortress. This approach has problems, including the possibility of insider threats and the rapid dissolution of the network perimeter.
A new approach to security will be needed as corporate assets are moved off-premises in the cloud and through remote work. Zero trust is a more granular security approach that protects individual resources by combining micro-segmentation with monitoring and role-based access control.
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