Many aspects of life have gotten much easier and faster thanks to the digital world. It’s beyond a virtual world that we use to escape our real one when things get tougher. Years ago, companies took notice of the significance of digitalizing almost everything. Such transformation has reduced the time consumed to get things done. 

However, criminals still managed to find their way through the virtual world. Such evolution wasn’t enough for companies to protect their information and important data. That’s when cyber security barges in to announce its gravity in the business world. It plays such a vital role that organizations and companies can’t afford denying it.

Here’s all you need to learn about cyber security in terms of definition, types, attacks, and more. 

Cyber-Security-Facts-and-Statistics

What is Cyber Security?

Just as the name suggests, it’s the act of securing the virtual borders of digital information. It’s a protection practice that preserves companies’ most valuable information, data, systems, and networks.

It also guards the companies’ devices, servers, and electronic systems from malicious attacks. Such protection happens through the application of minute technologies and controls. They also need constant maintenance all the time

Corporations spend a massive budget every year solely, for that matter. Unfortunately, the cyber threat scale seems to keep proliferating, leading companies to invest more money in protecting their sensitive information and data.

Types of Cyber Security

There are various categories into which we can divide the roles of cyber security. Each type serves a specific aspect of protection. Since there is much confidential information within corporations, applying different methods for ultimate protection is essential.

Information Security

This type is responsible for shielding the information and data from being leaked or stolen by cybercriminals. Information security implements well-designed methodologies that enclose the integrity, privacy, and confidentiality of any form of sensitive data or information.

Operational Security

Operational security is the act of taking the required measurements to prohibit any potential attacks after going through several processes. It starts by identifying that the information is deemed critical – then analyzing any potential threats or vulnerabilities in the system before applying appropriate measurements.

Computer Networks

Network Security

The usage of software and hardware technologies to deny unauthorized access to computers and other electronic devices networks. This happens by designing a set of configurations that give a wide berth to information disclosure or damage. 

Application Security

Application security works on reducing serious threats imposed on a company. It is the process of adding and developing new software features to thicken the protection wall. Also, constant testing is carried out in order to detect any newly-formed threats. 

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

Cyber security is all about impeding damage and theft of a corporation’s sensitive data assets. But, not all threats are preventable. That’s when BCDR comes to the rescue. These are two different practices, yet they’re highly intertwined and their role is to repair the damages done already.

Business continuity is an alternative plan that corporates resort to – to continue operating after the attack. Disaster recovery is the practice of restoring information to be able to operate as efficiently as before the damage.

End-user Education

Avoiding information disclosure has several dimensions that go beyond the technical part. One factor that can, unknowingly, jeopardize sensitive data is the people who don’t know whether they follow good security practices. Following a good security practice includes deleting any suspicious links or attachments. 

What are the Different Types of Cyber Security Attacks?

Cyber attacks are offensive acts that threaten the security of infrastructures and networks. Its main intention is to cause damage by either modifying, stealing, or illegally accessing sensitive information. Attacks can also be designed to destroy data, networks, computer systems, or devices. Here are some of the most common cyber security attacks:

Malware

It’s a combination of the words’ malicious’ and ‘software’ and happens to be among the most common cyber attacks. Malware is usually a file or code sent over a network in order to conduct some illegal behavior. 

Attackers send links or file attachments that plant perilous software into the system when the user clicks on it. These malicious codes place attacked systems into vulnerable positions, paving the way for unauthorized access to and stealing confidential information. It can also disrupt the whole system, network, or data.

Malware encompasses assorted types of attacks. The most common ones include viruses, trojans, ransomware, worms, and spyware. Using one of the best malware protection programs comes a long way in avoiding such unpleasant incidents.

Phishing

Phishing is a type of cyber security attack that requires technical and social engineering skills. It resembles other forms of attacks but depends on emotional trust. That is why it is also known as cloning or spear phishing.

As the name suggests, this type of attack depends on cloning specific entities to collect data easily. It tricks victims into believing it’s a simple re-send that comes from a trusted source. However, it only works when the user clicks on the link or downloads the attachment.

You’ll also find the word ‘whaling’ usually circulating when phishing is mentioned. Whaling differs from phishing in targeting individuals within high positions in a corporation, whereas spear-phishing targets any individual. They are both two different types of phishing/cloning.

Baiting

Baiting is another form of attack that requires using external storage media like USB flash drives or CDs. It requires that any of these portable pieces be inserted into a computer and used. When the user opens any file or attachment, it releases malware that helps hackers steal private information. 

Cyber security attacks come in different shapes and forms. While baiting can be a little harder to perform, it still stands as an option for hackers and cybercriminals

Man in the Middle (MitM)

This type of security threat requires the hacker to meddle between two systems to unravel their content. The hacker hijacks an ongoing session between two parties. They stop the encrypted messages from being delivered to each party by pretending to be the other one.

Tailgating

Another form of breaching cyber security is tailgating. It works just as tailgating works in real life but a virtual world. This method is where hackers secretly force an unauthorized entrance behind an authorized user. Piggybacking is another name for this type of cyber attack.

Successful Ways to Intercept Cyber Attacks

Cyber security has various types that shield different aspects of confidential data and systems. Yet, attackers still manage to find ways to infect systems and steal important information. Thus, corporations should take extra measures to halt any illegal attempts of theft or damage. Here are some ways that have proven success:

Constantly Update Software and Systems

Outdated software is a weakness point that hackers can take advantage of. The longer you go without updates, the easier it is for attackers. So, always make sure you stay updated. Invest in a patch management system to keep all software and systems updates in check.

Firewall Installation

Installing a firewall is a basic rule when it comes to cyber protection. Firewall systems are efficient in halting any brutal attacks on your business networks. It places your network behind a firewall, defending your business from any illegal invasion.

Secure Your Wi-Fi

Devices that connect to Wi-Fi can form a threat on a business network if it is accessible to everyone. If one infected device connects to your business network, it jeopardizes the whole system as the infection can quickly spread. To avoid that, consider securing and hiding your Wi-Fi network.

Endpoint Protection

Several devices connect to business networks, leading to a significant increase in the risk of cyber threats. That is when endpoint protection comes in handy. Its role is to protect the networks bridged to different devices, such as laptops, mobile phones, or tablets.

Data Backup

Backing up your data is a major step that every business should move forward with. It compensates significantly when an attack already happens and is irreversible. Data backup can dramatically aid in avoiding data and severe financial loss, or at least reduce the loss.

Staff Training

Employees can be easy targets to cybercriminals. Thus, education is vital; you need to educate your employees about cyber security. Inform them of the different ways attacks happen.

Unversed eyes barely notice the fraud in illegitimate links and impersonating emails. Thus, train your employees to double-check before clicking on links, downloading attachments, or sending out sensitive data. When receiving a suspicious email, it is always intelligent to call the sender personally for confirmation.

Cyber Security Jobs

With everything being digitalized, the prominence of cyber security stays on the rise. All of the corporates and businesses set out to have their data and networks protected from cybercriminals. Thus, cyber security jobs have become in high demand. Take a look at the presented jobs in this field and see what suits you best.

Cyber Security Analyst

Information security analysts is another title that cyber security analysts go by. The primary role of an analyst is to take maximum security measurements to halt any violation attempts. Analysts are responsible for protecting both networks and systems of a corporation. 

Monitoring networks for potential breaches is another task that analysts perform as well as carrying out all cyber security measures. Such measures include installing a firewall system, spotting any weakness points, and reporting violations. They are also the ones to educate employees about security to prevent them from being easy targets for cybercriminals.

Cyber Security Engineer

There has always been confusion between the roles of cyber security engineers and cyber security analysts. They both share the same end, which is halting violations and securing networks and systems. However, they also have their own differences.

Cyber security engineers or information security engineers do more than just monitoring networks. They execute designs for a multilayered security system and develop different strategies to paralyze cybercriminals’ efforts. Engineers also keep an eye on constantly upgrading the security measures.

Since criminals have found their way through the virtual world, they have become every company’s worst nightmare. Thus, corporates and large businesses are fully aware of setting cyber security measures. These measures are in continuous development since cybercriminals manage to find new ways for violation and breaching.