What Is Cyber Security?

  • Home
  • What Is Cyber Security?
What Is Cyber Security?

A cyber-attack is any attempt by a cybercriminal to disrupt critical systems or extract sensitive information from them. The term “cybersecurity” is sometimes used to refer to a set of technological measures designed to protect networked systems and applications from threats that originate from within or outside an organization. Cybersecurity measures can also be called information technology security (IT security).

Cyber Security Background

With the increasing reliance on computer systems and the Internet, wireless network standards such as WiFi and Bluetooth, and the growing number of smart devices that have become part of the ‘Internet of things,’ cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly important responsibility.

As one of the major challenges in the contemporary world, cybersecurity is also complex from a political and technological standpoint. When and where did it all start? Here we examine cybersecurity’s history, from its inception to the present day.

The 1970s: ARPANET And The Creeper

It was in the 1970s that Bob Thomas created Creeper, a computer program that roamed ARPANET’s network, leaving breadcrumbs behind.

A program called Reaper was written by Ray Tomlinson, the inventor of email, to hunt and delete the Creeper virus. It was the first computer worm and self-replicating program, making it the first antivirus software.

The 1980s: The First Commercial Antivirus

There were competing claims over who invented the first antivirus product in 1987, although there were competing claims for who was the inventor.

Atari ST users also saw the release of Ultimate Virus Killer in 1987, which was Andreas Lüning and Kai Figge’s first antivirus product for the ST. Three Czechoslovaks released NOD antivirus in 1987, and McAfee launched VirusScan in 1987 in the US.

The 1990s: When The World Goes Online

Internet access has led to a rise in the amount of information posted online. Therefore, Data theft on the web has become a major source of revenue for organized crime entities.

Hence, firewalls and antivirus programs were developed on a mass basis to protect the public by the middle of the 1990s as network security threats increased exponentially.

The 2000s: Thus, When Threats Diversify and Multiply

A decade ago, crime organizations began to fund professional cyberattacks, and governments heavily began to crack down on cybercrime, punishing those found guilty with much more serious sentences. As the internet grew, so did data security, but viruses, unfortunately, also evolved.

2022: The Next Generation 

Cybersecurity is growing at light speed. Statistically, Statista projects the global cybersecurity market to grow to $345.4 billion by 2026. Thus, an increasing number of organizations are experiencing ransomware attacks that threaten their data security.

Also Read: What Is A Legacy System?

Cyber Security Awareness

Security breaches continue to occur even when organizations have best-in-class defense systems and measures. Human error is often a major contributor to many data breaches.

More than 80% of data breaches involved human factors, including social engineering attacks, errors, and the misuse of stolen credentials, according to Verizon’s 2022 Data Breach Investigations Report. Organizations’ networks and systems are vulnerable to attack because of this weakness. Cybersecurity awareness plays a crucial role here.

It is important for your employees to be aware of the methods used by cybercriminals, how they are easy targets, how to recognize potential threats, and what they can do to protect themselves from these dangerous insidious threats. Identifying and flagging potential threats before they cause harm empowers your workforce.

You may suffer serious consequences if you ignore or do not conduct cybersecurity awareness training regularly, such as legal penalties, financial loss and remediation costs, the loss of intellectual property, Loss of trust among consumers, and damage to your company’s reputation.

You cannot outperform your weakest link – your employees – when it comes to your cybersecurity strategy.

Also Read: What Is Network Security?

Benefits of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is important for all levels. No need is you need to secure one person’s data or mass-level organizational data; cybersecurity technology is important. Below are a few benefits of cybersecurity on an individual and organizational level that you should consider:

What Are The Benefits of Cybersecurity On The Individual Level?

  • Individually, cybersecurity helps you protect your private information, like your name, address, and financial information.
  • A good cybersecurity strategy will prevent hackers from accessing your social media accounts and posting malicious or embarrassing content.
  • Additionally, it prevents financial losses due to cyberattacks and Keeps your personal and professional data, and devices secure to help protect your privacy. 

How Cybersecurity Benefits On An Organizational Level?

  • Compliant cybersecurity measures can help secure sensitive data.
  • A company can prevent financial losses through cybersecurity.
  • Protecting customer information and taking security seriously will win trust. 
  • Strong cybersecurity measures ensure business continuity.

Also Read: What Is A Security Operations Center (SOC)?

Types of Cybersecurity

A cyber attack is when an attacker tries to access or damage a company’s computer, server, mobile device, electronic system, network, or data. Electronic information security or information technology security are other names for the same thing. Hence, mobile computing, from business to education, is a term used in many contexts.

Types of Cybersecurity

Network Security 

The goal of network security is to prevent intruders from exploiting computer networks, whether it is opportunistic malware or targeted attackers.

Application Security

Security for applications focuses on preventing threats from infecting software and devices. Therefore, if an application is compromised, data that it was designed to protect could be accessed. Designing a program or device with security in mind begins well before it is deployed.

Information Security

A secure information environment protects data integrity and privacy, both during storage and transmission.

Operational Security

Managing and protecting data assets is part of operational security. This includes the permissions users need to access a network and the rules for storing and sharing data.

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity 

Cybersecurity incidents and other events causing data loss or operations interruptions define disaster recovery and business continuity. The organization’s disaster recovery policy dictates how it restores operations and information to a point where it can function the same as before the event. When certain resources are unavailable, an organization focuses on business continuity.

End-User Education 

Cybersecurity is most unpredictable when it comes to people, so end-user education addresses this factor. Using poor security practices can lead to the accidental introduction of a virus to an otherwise secure system.

For all organizations’ security, it’s vital to teach employees to delete suspicious attachments, not connect unidentified USB drives, and various other important lessons.

Also Read: What Is Network Functions Virtualization NFV?

Cyber Security Roadmap

Developing and implementing a sound cybersecurity strategy and roadmap is essential for operating a business and preventing security threats, data breaches, and other threats.

Through unbiased research and interactions with thousands of companies in various industries, we’ve developed Infratech’s Cybersecurity strategy and roadmap. 

The strategy & roadmap of Infratech offers three major benefits to security and risk leaders: 

  • Detailed information about the initiative’s key phases and milestones,
  • Key resources that are useful to save time and ensure the initiative’s success, 
  • A glimpse of the cross-functional team that will support it all.

Benefits of Cybersecurity roadmap

Strategizing and planning is an important components of cybersecurity. What needs to be secured and how early you should protect it can be determined by a roadmap. Here are a few benefits of a cybersecurity roadmap for your organization:

  • Analyze the risk capacity of an organization.
  • Create new business opportunities.
  • Positioning of organizations in cyber security.
  • Maximizing ROI requires prioritizing certain decisions.
  • Make a realistic budget.
  • Plan for cybersecurity in a priority manner.
  • Maintain a risk management system.
  • Make sure cyber threats are kept at bay. 

Also Read: What is IT Infrastructure?

Why Is Cyber Security Important?

Keeping information, data, and devices secure is the primary reason for cyber security. In the meantime, the number of data people stores on computers, servers, and other connected devices has increased dramatically in recent years. Therefore, a significant amount of sensitive information is involved, including passwords and financial information. 

Misuse of this data by a cybercriminal can have devastating consequences. Hence, sharing sensitive information, stealing funds with passwords, or changing data to benefit them is all possible. Therefore, for an organization to remain compliant, it needs security solutions.

By ensuring cyber security, public services and government organizations can continue to provide their services to the community. For example, an attack on a power plant, for instance, could cause a blackout in the entire city if it targeted the energy industry. In a bank attack, it would be possible to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Also Read: What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

Information Security Vs. Cyber Security

Many people confuse Cyber Security with Information Security. Cybersecurity and information security are both responsible for protecting computer systems against threats and information breaches, and they are often used synonymously because they are linked so closely.

As far as data security is concerned, it refers to protecting data from malicious users and threats. In addition to this, what are the differences between Data and Information? Data can be interpreted and given meaning in a context, and context can be a source of information, but not all data is information.

A number like “101876” is data, and we can interpret it as information if we know that it is the date of birth of a person. Therefore, the term information refers to data that has a meaning.

Cybersecurity examples include the following:

  • Network Security
  • Application Security
  • Operational Security
  • Cloud Security
  • Critical Infrastructure Security 

Information security examples and inclusions include:

  • Control over the process
  • Controls for access
  • Controls of a technical nature
  • Controls for compliance

Parameters of Cybersecurity and Information Security

ParametersCybersecurity Information Security 
DefinitionSecurity on the Internet involves protecting data from outside sources.To ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability, information needs to be protected from unauthorized access, modification, or removal.
ProtectUsing cyberspace safety and preventing cyberattacks is the goal.The goal is to protect data from threats of any kind.
ScopeCybersecurity is the process of protecting anything online.Security of information applies to all information, regardless of its domain.
ThreatCyberspace is the subject of cybersecurity.Defending data from threats is what information security is all about.
AttacksCyber security strikes against cybercrime, cyber fraud, and law enforcement.Identify, modify, and disrupt unauthorized access to information through information security.
ExpertAdvanced Persistent Threats (APT) are dealt with by cyber security professionals.It is the responsibility of information security professionals to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and to develop policies, processes, and organizational roles.
AddressesA cyber security plan protects your social media accounts, personal information, etc., from threats that may or may not exist in the cyber world.Integrity, confidentiality, and availability are the three elements of information assets.
Protective MeasuresAssists in the first line of defense.A breach of security brings this into play.

Also Read: What Is GRC?

What Are Cyber Security Threats?

Security professionals strive to close security gaps, but hackers are always finding new ways to evade defense measures, evade IT notices, and exploit emerging vulnerabilities.

With the advent of work-from-home environments, remote access tools, and cloud services, the latest cybersecurity threats are putting a new spin on ‘known’ cyber threats. Threats such as these include:

Malware

“Malware” is a term used to describe malicious software variations, such as worms, viruses, Trojan horses, and spyware that attack computers or cause damage. Viruses are now more often “file less,” making it harder for antivirus software to find them. Malware attacks are designed to circumvent common detection methods, such as scanning for malicious attachments in files.

Ransomware

Cybercriminals who launch ransomware attacks lock down files, data, and systems and threaten to destroy or delete the data unless they are paid, or expose private or sensitive data to the public.

State and local governments have been the targets of recent ransomware attacks since they are easy to hack and are under pressure to pay ransom for the restoration of applications and websites that citizens rely on.

Phishing / Social Engineering

Social engineering attacks such as phishing are aimed at tricking users into providing sensitive or personal information. Phishing scams request sensitive information from victims, such as credit card numbers and login information, through emails or text messages appearing to be from a legitimate company. Pandemic-related phishing is on the rise due in part to remote working.

Insider Threats

Those who have previously abused their access permissions, including current or former employees, business partners, contractors, etc., can be considered insider threats. A firewall or intrusion detection system that is designed to detect external threats can’t detect insider threats.

Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks

In DDoS attacks, traffic is overwhelmed, usually from multiple coordinated systems, to crash a server, website, or network. Network devices, such as modems, printers, switches, routers, and servers, can be compromised by DDoS attacks via the simple network management protocol (SNMP).

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)

APT refers to the act of an intruder infiltrating another system and remaining undetected for long periods. While leaving networks and systems intact, the intruder steals sensitive data without triggering defensive countermeasures and can spy on business activity. 

Man-In-The-Middle Attacks

Cybercriminals intercept and relay messages between two parties using man-in-the-middle attacks for data theft. A guest’s device can be intercepted by an attacker on an unsecure Wi-Fi network, for example.

Also Read: What Is Digital Transformation?

How To Implement Cyber Security Framework?

Organizations can use the Framework to manage and reduce cybersecurity risks by following existing guidelines and practices. The Intentional Framework demonstrates the safety of imperative foundations through a coordinated effort between business and government. 

Hence, using the Framework for cybersecurity-related risk management allows house owners and administrators of critical foundations to oversee cybersecurity risks in an organized, repeatable, and effective manner.

In general, associations can use the Framework to:

  • Analyze and illustrate its current position concerning digital security
  • Identify project, procedure, and workforce gaps
  • Utilize a persistent and repeatable process to identify and organize development opportunities
  • Review progress toward achieving the Act’s objectives
  • Show that the association adheres to the widely accepted procedures of the Framework
  • Outperform the Framework’s prescribed practices and any existing practices that are currently in place
  • Clients, controllers, financial specialists, and approach producers must be able to understand the firm’s digital security act in a common, perceived language.

You Might be the Next Prey!

Well, you know about cybersecurity, but how can you protect yourself from being prey? You can avoid this problem by choosing one of the many organizations offering security services. However, which one should you choose?

How to Avoid Falling Into a Pitfall?

Well, there’s a trick when it comes to finding a security provider. Consider a provider that provides:

  • Customized solution
  • Scalability & Integration
  • Customer support 
  • Budget-friendly solution

You might wonder if anyone offers all of these services under one roof. Well YES!

Also Read: What Is A Blockchain?

Infratech as a Cyber Security Solution

A constant uphill battle is involved in managing cyber security internally. Cybersecurity monitoring is offered by Infratech as part of its holistic cybersecurity solution. Businesses can focus on their business operations when they have a security system in place. 

Infratech offers integrated, scalable, fully customized, budget-friendly security solutions tailored to your business needs and is trusted by governments, semi-government organizations, and private organizations throughout the KSA. Let’s work together and create a security solution that suits your organizational needs! 

FAQs

What Are Viruses In Cyber Security?

Computer programs copy themselves and infect computers without the user’s knowledge. Viruses can corrupt or delete computer data, spread themselves via e-mail programs, or even wipe out a hard disk’s contents. 

What Is Threat Hunting In Cyber Security?

An individual who conducts threat hunting searches for undetected cyber threats on his or her network actively. A cyber threat hunt goes beyond your initial endpoint security measures to uncover malicious actors.

How To Improve Cyber Security?

The best way to close network vulnerabilities is to apply patches and security updates to operating systems and software. Unpatched software is a popular backdoor used by cyber attackers to enter networks. Software and devices with known vulnerabilities need to be patched.

What Is Risk Management In Cyber Security?

Prioritizing cybersecurity threats is done through cybersecurity risk management. Managing cybersecurity risk is crucial to ensuring that the most critical threats are handled as soon as possible.

What Is The Purpose Of Cyber Security?

A cyber security practice ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information by preventing unauthorized access to networks, devices, and data.

Why do We Need Cyber Security?

The importance of cybersecurity lies in the fact that it prevents theft and damage to all categories of data. Individuals, governmental or industrial organizations, and the general public all have access to sensitive data, personally identifiable information (PII), health information, and intellectual property collected by these systems.

What is a SOC In Cyber Security?

Cyber threat monitoring, prevention, detection, investigation, and response are the functions of the security operations center (SOC). Among the assets that SOC teams monitor and protect are our intellectual property, personnel information, business systems, and brand protection.