Let’s learn about cyber security!
What is cyber security?
Cyber security is referred to the body of technologies, practices and procedures designed for protecting networks, programs, devices and data from damage. In other words, cyber security denotes to each aspect of safeguarding an organization and its workers along with assets against cyber threats. Firms and individuals use cyber security to safeguard against unauthorized access to data centres and other systems.
Importance of cyber security
The significance of cyber security is consistently growing with the rise in number of programs, devices and users in modern firms. The rising issue of cyber attackers and cyber attack techniques led to the increase of cyber security importance for companies.
Moreover, cyber security is vital since military, government, financial firms, medial firms and corporate gather, store and process extraordinary amount of information on computers and other devices. A pivotal portion of data can be sensitive which needs authorized access to prevent negative outcomes.
Enterprises used to transmit sensitive information across networks for doing business. So, cyber security explains the discipline aimed to safeguard sensitive data. Due to the rise of cyber attack in current years, organizations are required to take necessary steps for protecting sensitive data related to financial records, personnel data and many more.
Types of cyber security
Cyber security is of different types which are as follows:
Network security – This cyber security involves the activities and controls designed for safeguarding the integrity of networking infrastructure. Most of the cyber security attacks occur over the network. So, network security solutions are mainly designed for identifying and blocking those attacks. Some of the network security solutions are firewalls, intrusion detection system, intrusion protection systems, and virtual private networks and many more. This form of cyber security confirms that entire network infrastructure of business is working safely and securely.
IoT Security – This form of cyber security mainly protects IoT devices with discovery and categorization of the connected devices and auto-segmentation for controlling network activities for deterring exploits against susceptible IoT devices. IoT security is also viewed as securing the data in transit over the internet.
Application security – It is another form of cyber security that goes beyond the process of design and development. Various web application security flaws are tracked which give rise to security threats. So, security threats can be stopped using the application security. Additionally, application security deters bot attacks as well as discontinues malicious communication with applications.
Endpoint security – It is a subset of network security. Endpoints required to be secured involves a range of devices such as laptops, mobile devices, modems, and IoT devices. Threats affecting network could also affect endpoints. With the use of endpoint security, enterprises could easily secure end-user devices like laptops with data and network security controls.
Cloud security – It is referred to the policies, procedures and technologies used for mitigating security risks of cloud computing. A major priority of modern companies is to secure the cloud and thus, it led to the rise in adoption of cloud computing. Moreover, a cloud security strategy involves cyber security solutions, policies, services and controls that aid in safeguarding whole cloud deployment of the firm against attack. Cloud security poses unique challenges like compliance, multi-cloud and visibility. So, third-party solutions required for protection against data breaches in cloud settings.
Benefits of cyber security
Cyber security offers various benefits to businesses and individuals. Here are few:
Guard business reputation – Business reputation is vital for retaining customers and strengthening brand loyalty. Data breach can weaken trust of customers over the business. So, network security and cloud security are the forms of cyber security that could strengthen authentication to systems to prevent data breach.
Better management of data – Breach of data can cost excessive time and money to the firm. It is vital to manage data effectively and properly by using cyber security as it aid in operational effectiveness. Consistent monitoring of data can help in ensuring that data security regulations are implemented accurately.
Protection of data and networks – Cyber security could safeguard data from internal threats. It confirms that staff can access the internet as needed without breaching data. So, it is pivotal to consistently monitor data and systems.
Regulatory compliance – Regulatory bodies perform a significant role in defending individual users and organizations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX. Regulatory compliance made it compulsory for enterprises to invest in cyber security. Cyber security solutions such as firewall, wireless security and anti-virus help in enhancing resilience which further protects business continuity.
Maintain trust and credibility – A key benefit of cyber security is that it aid in maintaining trust and credibility among audiences. Business holding history of safeguarding data related to clients and others can raise customer base easily. Cyber security allows enterprises to use robust data privacy practices to maintain long-term customer relationships.
Different forms of cyber security threats
Keep up with innovative technologies and security trends are considered a challenging task. Diverse types of cyber threats involve the following:
Phishing – It refers to the form of social engineering where fraudulent email or messages that resemble data from reputable sources are sent. The intention behind sending fraudulent messages is to steal sensitive information like credit card data.
Malware – It is a type of malicious software in which any program could be utilized for harming computer user. Spyware, worms, viruses and Trojans are the diverse kinds of malware.
Social engineering – It is a type of attack that depends on human interaction. This threat usually tricks users into breaking security processes in order to obtain sensitive protected data.
Insider threats – This security threat involves security breaches caused by humans such as clients or employees. It is negligent in nature.
Ransomware – It is another form of cyber security threat that includes an attacker locking the computer system files of victim through encryption. It demands payment to decrypt and unlock.
Spear phishing – It is a form of phishing that contain an intended target firm or user. The objective of spear phishing is to steal sensitive data like login credentials.
Advanced persistent threats (APTs) – This threat involves long-lasting targeted attacks in which an attacker infiltrates a network and remains invisible for long periods of time with the intention to steal information.
Challenges of cyber security
Despite having several benefits, cyber security contains significant challenges which need to be considered. Evolving nature of security risk is the most difficult challenge in cyber security. Traditional approach of protecting systems is considered inadequate due to the advanced nature of threats. Cyber security is challenged by hackers, data loss, privacy and risk management. Workforce shortage and skills gap is also a challenge to cyber security due to rise in the demand for cyber security staff.
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Skills needed for cyber security
A variety of skills are vital for achieving success in the field of cyber security. Take a look at the necessary skills!
- Networking skills are vital for supporting in the development of understanding on how information flows through atmosphere and approaches used by attackers to notify security susceptibilities.
- Programming skills are crucial to understand the process of executing cyber attacks so that cyber security tasks can be automated where suitable.
- Analytical skills are important to find and address security threats.
- Computer forensic skills are pivotal for investigating data breaches and building strong defences for deterring their recurrence.
- Ethical hacking skill is critical for identifying weaknesses in the cyber security posture of enterprises.
- Penetration testing experience is crucial for simulating cyber attacks and building robust defences.
