What is cyber security?

In the modern world, there is a rapid increase in cyber threats. News feeds of the world's media daily report new incidents. Businesses and government agencies are trying to withstand a flurry of attacks, hackers are emptying the bank accounts of ordinary citizens, and therefore, reliable protection against the threats of the digital world is becoming a basic need. So let's understand cybersecurity and why it is essential for each of us.

Cybersecurity protects Internet-connected systems (hardware, software, and data) from cyber threats. You have to be careful both in live casino online for real money and on Facebook – there are no safe places on the Internet.

What is the difference between cybersecurity and information security?

"cybersecurity" and "information security" are often used interchangeably. However, in reality, these terms are very different and are not interchangeable. Cybersecurity refers to protection against attacks in cyberspace, while information security refers to the protection of data from any form of threat, whether analogue or digital.

What is in the scope of cybersecurity interests

• Cybersecurity practices can be applied in a variety of areas – from industrial enterprises to mobile devices of ordinary users:
• Critical infrastructure security – measures to protect computer systems and networks of critical information infrastructure (CII). CII objects include electrical networks, transport networks, automated control systems, information and communication systems and many other systems, the protection of which is vital for the country's security and citizens' well-being.
• Network Security – Protects the underlying network infrastructure from unauthorized access, misuse, and information theft. The technology includes building a secure infrastructure for devices, applications, and users.
• Application Security – security measures applied at the application level to prevent theft or compromise of application data or code. The methods cover security issues arising in applications' development, design, deployment, and operation.
• Cloud security is an interconnected set of policies, controls, and tools to protect cloud computing systems from cyber threats. Cloud security measures aim to ensure the security of data, online infrastructure, applications, and platforms. Cloud security shares several concepts with traditional cybersecurity, but the field also has its best practices and unique technologies.
• User training. A security awareness program is essential in building a solid company defence. Employee digital hygiene practices help improve endpoint security. For example, users informed about current threats will not open attachments from suspicious emails, stop using untrusted USB devices, and stop attaching login and password stickers to their monitors.
• Business continuity disaster recovery (planning) is a set of strategies, policies and procedures that determine how an organization should respond to potential threats or unforeseen natural disasters to adapt to them and minimize negative consequences appropriately.

Operational security is a security and risk management process that prevents sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. The military initially used the principles of operational security to prevent sensitive information from reaching the enemy. Operational security practices are now widely used to protect businesses from potential data breaches.

Types of Cyber Security Threats

Cybersecurity technologies and best practices protect critical systems and sensitive information from a rapidly growing volume of sophisticated cyberattacks.

The following are the main types of threats that modern cybersecurity is struggling with:

Malicious software (VPO)

Any program or file that can cause damage to a computer, network, or server. Malware includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware. Malware steals, encrypts, and deletes sensitive data, alters or hijacks essential computing functions, and monitors computer or application activity.

Social engineering

An attack method based on human interaction. Malefactors ingratiate themselves with users, force them to violate security procedures, and give out confidential information.

Fishing

A form of social engineering. Fraudsters send emails or text messages to users that look like messages from trusted sources. For example, in mass phishing attacks, attackers lure users' bank card information or credentials.

Target attack

A sustained and targeted cyberattack in which an attacker gains access to a network and remains undetected for an extended period. Targeted attacks usually steal data from large enterprises or government organizations.

Internal Threats

Security breaches or losses caused by insiders—employees, contractors, or customers—with malicious intent or negligence.

DoS attack, or denial of service attack

An attack in which attackers try to make it impossible to provide a service. In a DoS attack, one system sends malicious requests; A DDoS attack comes from multiple systems. As a result of the attack, it is possible to block access to almost everything: servers, devices, services, networks, applications, and even certain transactions within applications.

Stalker software

Software designed for covert surveillance of users. Stalker applications are often distributed under the guise of legitimate software. Such programs allow attackers to view photos and files on the victim's device, peep through the smartphone's camera in real-time, find out location information, read the correspondence in instant messengers and record conversations.

Cryptojacking

A relatively new type of cybercrime in which malware hides in a system and steals a device's computing resources so that attackers can use them to mine cryptocurrency. The process of cryptojacking is completely hidden from the eyes of users. However, most victims become suspicious when they notice an increase in electricity bills.

Supply chain attacks

Supply chain attacks exploit the trust relationship between an organization and its counterparties. Hackers compromise one organization and then move up the supply chain to gain access to the systems of another. For example, suppose one company has a robust cybersecurity system, but there is an unreliable trusted provider. In that case, attackers will try to hack this provider to penetrate the target organization's network.

Attacks using machine learning and artificial intelligence

In such attacks, the attacker tries to trick the machine algorithm into giving wrong answers. Typically, cybercriminals use the "data poisoning" method, offering neural networks for training a deliberately incorrect sample.

Cyber Security Goals

Cybersecurity's primary goal is to prevent information theft or compromise. The triad of a secure IT infrastructure plays a vital role in achieving this goal – confidentiality, integrity and availability. Secrecy, in this context, refers to a set of rules that restrict access to information. Integrity ensures that information is accurate and reliable. Availability, in turn, is responsible for the reliability of the entrance to information by authorized persons. Considering the triad principles together helps companies develop security policies that provide strong protection.

Results

Businessmen will say: cybersecurity is profitable. As a result, excessive demand for security solutions has triggered a record increase in sales.

Economists and investors will clarify: this is an attractive industry, a rapidly developing segment of the IT industry that produces innovative high-margin products.

That's why it's no surprise there are plenty of recommended small business cyber security training programs online nowadays.

Customers will notice that security solutions have become their lifeline in the current situation, keeping their business from drowning during the cyberstorm.

But first and foremost, cybersecurity is about people. Developers who create products that protect against the most pressing cyber threats. Enthusiasts who find vulnerabilities before hackers find them, leaving cybercriminals no chance—finally, teams of highly qualified information security specialists who do their best to prevent cyber attacks. Don't skimp on your safety.