Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks. It’s also known as information technology security or electronic information security.

The term “cybersecurity” applies in a variety of contexts, from business to mobile computing, and can be divided into a few common categories.

 1.Network security is the practice of securing a computer network from intruders, whether targeted attackers or opportunistic malware.

2.Application security focuses on keeping software and devices free of threats. A compromised application could provide access to the data its designed to protect. Successful security begins in the design stage, well before a program or device is deployed.  3.Information security protects the integrity and privacy of data, both in storage and in transit.

4.Operational security includes the processes and decisions for handling and protecting data assets. The permissions users have when accessing a network and the procedures that determine how and where data may be stored or shared all fall under this umbrella.  5.Disaster recovery and business continuity define how an organization responds to a cyber-security incident or any other event that causes the loss of operations or data. Disaster recovery policies dictate how the organization restores its operations and information to return to the same operating capacity as before the event. Business continuity is the plan the organization falls back on while trying to operate without certain resources.

 6.End-user education addresses the most unpredictable cyber-security factor: people. Anyone can accidentally introduce a virus to an otherwise secure system by failing to follow good security practices. Teaching users to delete suspicious email attachments, not plug in unidentified USB drives, and various other important lessons is vital for the security of any organization.

Why is cybersecurity important?

Everyone also benefits from the work of cyberthreat researchers, like the team of 250 threat researchers at Talos, who investigate new and emerging threats and cyberattack strategies. They reveal new vulnerabilities, educate the public on the importance of cybersecurity, and strengthen open-source tools. Their work makes the internet safer for everyone.

The scale of the cyber threat

The global cyber threat continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with a rising number of data breaches each year. A report by RiskBased Security revealed that a shocking 7.9 billion records have been exposed by data breaches in the first nine months of 2019 alone. This figure is more than double (112%) the number of records exposed in the same period in 2018.

Medical services, retailers and public entities experienced the most breaches, with malicious criminals responsible for most incidents. Some of these sectors are more appealing to cybercriminals because they collect financial and medical data, but all businesses that use networks can be targeted for customer data, corporate espionage, or customer attacks.

With the scale of the cyber threat set to continue to rise, global spending on cybersecurity solutions is naturally increasing. Gartner predicts cybersecurity spending will reach $188.3 billion in 2023 and surpass $260 billion globally by 2026. Governments across the globe have responded to the rising cyber threat with guidance to help organizations implement effective cyber-security practices.

Types of cyber threats

The threats countered by cyber-security are three-fold:

1. Cybercrime includes single actors or groups targeting systems for financial gain or to cause disruption.

2. Cyber-attack often involves politically motivated information gathering.

3. Cyberterrorism is intended to undermine electronic systems to cause panic or fear.

So, how do malicious actors gain control of computer systems? Here are some common methods used to threaten cyber-security:

Malware

Malware means malicious software. One of the most common cyber threats, malware is software that a cybercriminal or hacker has created to disrupt or damage a legitimate user’s computer. Often spread via an unsolicited email attachment or legitimate-looking download, malware may be used by cybercriminals to make money or in politically motivated cyber-attack.  Virus: A self-replicating program that attaches itself to clean file and spreads throughout a computer system, infecting files with malicious code.      Trojans: A type of malware that is disguised as legitimate software. Cybercriminals trick users into uploading Trojans onto their computer where they cause damage or collect data.

Spyware: A program that secretly records what a user does, so that cybercriminals can make use of this information. For example, spyware could capture credit card details.  Ransomware: Malware which locks down a user’s files and data, with the threat of erasing it unless a ransom is paid.  Adware: Advertising software which can be used to spread malware.

Botnets: Networks of malware infected computers which cybercriminals use to perform tasks online without the user’s permission.

SQL injection

An SQL (structured language query) injection is a type of cyber-attack used to take control of and steal data from a database. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in data-driven applications to insert malicious code into a databased via a malicious SQL statement. This gives them access to the sensitive information contained in the database.

Man-in-the-middle attack

A man-in-the-middle attack is a type of cyber threat where a cybercriminal intercepts communication between two individuals in order to steal data. For example, on an unsecure WiFi network, an attacker could intercept data being passed from the victim’s device and the network.Man-in-the-middle attack

A man-in-the-middle attack is a type of cyber threat where a cybercriminal intercepts communication between two individuals in order to steal data. For example, on an unsecure WiFi network, an attacker could intercept data being passed from the victim’s device and the network.

Denial-of-service attack

A denial-of-service attack is where cybercriminals prevent a computer system from fulfilling legitimate requests by overwhelming the networks and servers with traffic. This renders the system unusable, preventing an organization from carrying out vital functions.

Cyber safety tips – protect yourself against cyberattacks

 How can businesses and individuals guard against cyber threats? Here are our top cyber safety tips:

1. Update your software and operating system: This means you benefit from the latest security patches.

2. Use anti-virus software: Security solutions like Kaspersky Total Security will detect and removes threats. Keep your software updated for the best level of protection.

3.Use strong passwords: Ensure your passwords are not easily guessable.

4. Do not open email attachments from unknown senders: These could be infected with malware.

5. Do not click on links in emails from unknown senders or unfamiliar websites:This is a common way that malware is spread. 6.Avoid using unsecure WiFi networks in public places: Unsecure networks leave you vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks.

Kaspersky Endpoint Security received three AV-TEST awards for the best performance, protection, and usability for a corporate endpoint security product in 2021. In all tests Kaspersky Endpoint Security showed outstanding performance, protection, and usability for businesses.

What are the top cybersecurity challenges?

Cybersecurity is continually challenged by hackers, data loss, privacy, risk management and changing cybersecurity strategies. And the number of cyberattacks isn’t expected to decrease anytime soon. Moreover, increased entry points for attacks, such as the internet of things and the growing attack surface, increase the need to secure networks and devices.

The following major challenges must be continuously addressed.

Evolving threats

One of the most problematic elements of cybersecurity is the evolving nature of security risks. As new technologies emerge — and as technology is used in new or different ways — new attack avenues are developed. Keeping up with these frequent changes and advances in attacks, as well as updating practices to protect against them, can be challenging. Issues include ensuring all elements of cybersecurity are continually updated to protect against potential vulnerabilities. This can be especially difficult for smaller organizations that don’t have adequate staff or in-house resources.

Data deluge

Organizations can gather a lot of potential data on the people who use their services. With more data being collected comes the potential for a cybercriminal to steal personally identifiable information (PII). For example, an organization that stores PII in the cloud could be subject to a ransomware attack.

Cybersecurity awareness training

Cybersecurity programs should also address end-user education. Employees can accidentally bring threats and vulnerabilities into the workplace on their laptops or mobile devices. Likewise, they might act imprudently — for example, clicking links or downloading attachments from phishing emails.

Regular security awareness training can help employees do their part in keeping their company safe from cyberthreats.

Workforce shortage and skills gap

Another cybersecurity challenge is a shortage of qualified cybersecurity personnel. As the amount of data collected and used by businesses grows, the need for cybersecurity staff to analyze, manage and respond to incidents also increases. In 2023, cybersecurity association ISC2 estimated the workplace gap between needed cybersecurity jobs and security professionals at 4 million, a 12.6% increase over 2022.

Supply chain attacks and third-party risks

Organizations can do their best to maintain security, but if the partners, suppliers and third-party vendors that access their networks don’t act securely, all that effort is for naught. Software- and hardware-based supply chain attacks are becoming increasingly difficult security challenges. Organizations must address third-party risk in the supply chain and reduce software supply issues, for example, by using software bills of materials.

Cybersecurity best practices

To minimize the chance of a cyberattack, it’s important to implement and follow a set of best practices that includes the following:

• Keep software up to date. Be sure to keep all software, including antivirus software, up to date. This ensures attackers can’t take advantage of known vulnerabilities that software companies have already patched.
• Change default usernames and passwords. Malicious actors might be able to easily guess default usernames and passwords on factory preset devices to gain access to a network.
• Use strong passwords. Employees should select passwords that use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols that will be difficult to hack using a brute-force attack or guessing. Employees should also change their passwords often.
• Use multifactor authentication (MFA). MFA requires at least two identity components to gain access, which minimizes the chances of a malicious actor gaining access to a device or system.
• Train employees on proper security awareness. This helps employees properly understand how seemingly harmless actions could leave a system vulnerable to attack. This should also include training on how to spot suspicious emails to avoid phishing attacks.
• Implement an identity and access management system (IAM). IAM defines the roles and access privileges for each user in an organization, as well as the conditions under which they can access certain data.
• Implement an attack surface management system. This process encompasses the continuous discovery, inventory, classification and monitoring of an organization’s IT infrastructure. It ensures security covers all potentially exposed IT assets accessible from within an organization.
• Use a firewall. Firewalls restrict unnecessary outbound traffic, which helps prevent access to potentially malicious content.
• Implement a disaster recovery process. In the event of a successful cyberattack, a disaster recovery plan helps an organization maintain operations and restore mission-critical data.

How is automation used in cybersecurity?

Automation has become an integral component to keeping companies protected from the increasing number and sophistication of cyberthreats. Using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in areas with high-volume data streams can help improve cybersecurity in the following three main categories:

• Threat detection. AI platforms can analyze data and recognize known threats, as well as predict novel threats that use newly discovered attack techniques that bypass traditional security.
• Threat response. AI platforms create and automatically enact security protections.
• Human augmentation.Security pros are often overloaded with alerts and repetitive tasks. AI can help eliminate alert fatigue by automatically triaging low-risk alarms and automating big data analysis and other repetitive tasks, freeing humans for more sophisticated tasks.
• Other benefits of automation in cybersecurity include attack classification, malware classification, traffic analysis, compliance analysis and more.
• Cybersecurity vendors and tools
• Vendors in the cybersecurity field offer a variety of security products and services that fall into the following categories:
• IAM.
• Firewalls.
• Endpoint protection.
• Antimalware and antivirus.
• Intrusion prevention systems and detection systems.
• Data loss prevention.
• Endpoint detection and response.
• Security information and event management.
• Encryption.
• Vulnerability scanners.
• Virtual private networks.
• Cloud workload protection platform.
• Cloud access security broker.
• Examples of cybersecurity vendors include the following:
• Check Point Software.
• Cisco.
• Code42 Software Inc.
• CrowdStrike.
• FireEye.
• Fortinet.
• IBM.

What are the career opportunities in cybersecurity?

As the cyberthreat landscape continues to grow and new threats emerge, organizations need individuals with cybersecurity awareness and hardware and software skills.

IT professionals and other computer specialists are needed in the following security roles:

• Chief information security officer (CISO). A CISO is the person who implements the security program across the organization and oversees the IT security department’s operations.
• Chief security officer (CSO). A CSO is the executive responsible for the physical and cybersecurity of a company.
• Computer forensics analysts. They investigate computers and digital devices involved in cybercrimes to prevent a cyberattack from happening again. Computer forensics analysts uncover how a threat actor gained access to a network, identifying security gaps. This position is also in charge of preparing evidence for legal purposes.
• Security engineers. These IT professionalsprotect company assets from threats with a focus on quality control within the IT infrastructure.
• Security architects. These people are responsible for planning, analyzing, designing, testing, maintaining and supporting an enterprise’s critical infrastructure.
• Security analysts. These IT professionals plan security measures and controls, protect digital files, and conduct both internal and external security audits.
• Security software developers. These IT professionals develop software and ensure it’s secured to help prevent potential attacks.
• Network security architects. Their responsibilities include defining network policies and procedures and configuring network security tools like antivirus and firewall configurations. Network security architects improve the security strength while maintaining network availability and performance.
• Penetration testers. Theseare ethical hackers who test the security of systems, networks and applications, seeking vulnerabilities that malicious actors could exploit.
• Threat hunters. These IT professionals are threat analysts who aim to uncover vulnerabilities and attacks and mitigate them before they compromise a business.

Benefits of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is crucial in today’s digital age. It offers a wide range of benefits for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Here are some key advantages:

For Individuals

• Protection of Personal Information: Safeguards sensitive data like financial details, social security numbers, and passwords from theft and misuse.
• Secure Online Transactions: Ensures safe online shopping and banking experiences.
• Prevention of Identity Theft: Reduces the risk of identity theft and fraudulent activities.
• Safeguarding Devices: Protects personal computers, smartphones, and other devices from malware, viruses, and ransomware.

For Businesses

• Protection of Sensitive Data: Safeguards valuable company information, customer data, and intellectual property from unauthorized access.
• Financial Loss Prevention: Minimizes financial losses due to data breaches, ransomware attacks, and cyber extortion.
• Enhanced Reputation: Builds and maintains trust with customers and partners by demonstrating a strong commitment to data security.
• Improved Productivity: Reduces downtime and disruptions caused by cyberattacks, allowing employees to focus on core business activities.
• Compliance with Regulations: Helps organizations meet industry-specific regulations and avoid hefty fines.

The Different Types of Cybersecurity

Cyber security is a wide field covering several disciplines. It can be divided into seven main pillars:

1. Network Security

Most attacks occur over the network, and network security solutions are designed to identify and block these attacks. These solutions include data and access controls such as Data Loss Prevention (DLP), IAM (Identity Access Management), NAC (Network Access Control), and NGFW (Next-Generation Firewall) application controls to enforce safe web use policies.

2. Cloud Security

As organizations increasingly adopt cloud computing, securing the cloud becomes a major priority. A cloud security strategy includes cyber security solutions, controls, policies, and services that help to protect an organization’s entire cloud deployment (applications, data, infrastructure, etc.) against attack.

3. Endpoint Security

The zero-trust security model prescribes creating micro-segments around data wherever it may be. One way to do that with a mobile workforce is using endpoint security. With endpoint security, companies can secure end-user devices such as desktops and laptops with data and network security controls, advanced threat prevention such as anti-phishing and anti-ransomware, and technologies that provide forensics such as endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions.

4. Mobile Security

Often overlooked, mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones have access to corporate data, exposing businesses to threats from malicious apps, zero-day, phishing, and IM (Instant Messaging) attacks. Mobile security prevents these attacks and secures the operating systems and devices from rooting and jailbreaking. When included with an MDM (Mobile Device Management) solution, this enables enterprises to ensure only compliant mobile devices have access to corporate assets.

Cyber Security Trends

The prevailing trends in  cybersecurity often stem from a combination of reactions to prominent cyber threats, emerging technologies, and enduring security objectives. These represent some of the key trends and technologies that shape the landscape of cybersecurity in 2024:

• CNAPP – Gartner has coined the term Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) to characterize security solutions that consolidate the diverse capabilities required for cloud application security into a unified solution. This integration of multiple features into a single solution and dashboard assists in combating security sprawl in the cloud, empowering security teams to efficiently oversee, administer, and safeguard their cloud-based applications.
• Hybrid Data Centers- While certain organizations have fully migrated their data centers to the cloud, others have adopted cloud computing to enhance their on-premises data centers. A hybrid data center employs orchestration, allowing the seamless movement of data and applications between on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure as required over the network.
• Comprehensive Protection- Companies now confront a broader spectrum of threats and potential attack vectors than in previous times. Cyber threat actors possess the capability to exploit vulnerabilities in conventional endpoints, mobile devices, IoT systems, and remote work infrastructure. The increased complexity in monitoring and securing a multitude of systems heightens the likelihood of oversight by security teams, potentially granting attackers access to their systems.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is an indispensable component of the modern world. As technology continues to evolve and become increasingly integrated into our lives, the landscape of cyber threats expands correspondingly. From individuals protecting personal data to multinational corporations safeguarding critical infrastructure, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is paramount.

While significant strides have been made in developing defensive strategies, the battle against cybercriminals is far from over. It is a dynamic and ever-changing challenge that requires constant vigilance, adaptation, and collaboration.

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