What is Cybersecurity and Why It is Important?

Cyber security is the protection of internet-connected systems from cyber threats such as hardware, software, and data. Individuals and businesses utilize the method to prevent illegal access to data centers and other digital systems.

Definition of Cyber Security

This is the process of protecting electronic data from unlawful or unauthorized usage, or the methods taken to achieve this. The phrase “cyber security” has been bandied around so much over the years that it is now almost interchangeable with terms like “IT security” or “information security.” It’s similar to claiming that not all rectangles are squares or that all squares are rectangles.

Since a square is a quadrilateral with four right angles, every square IS a rectangle. Similarly, cybersecurity, like physical security and information security, falls under the IT security umbrella.

However, not every rectangle is a square because the definition of a square requires all sides to be the same length. The issue is that not all IT security procedures qualify as cybersecurity because cybersecurity has its own set of assets to safeguard.

Of course, hackers who wish to steal confidential information through data breaches pose the greatest threat to these electronic assets. Therefore, it would appear that the perfected definition should contain a developing range of cybersecurity measures made to prevent unwanted access to sensitive data. To do this, it is crucial to take into account how people, procedures, and technology all play equally significant roles in maintaining the security of information.

Why is Cybersecurity Important?

The importance of cybersecurity is only going to increase as there are more people, devices, and applications in the modern company, along with an influx of more data, most of it sensitive or confidential. The issue is made even worse by the increase in the quantity and level of sophistication of cyber attackers and attack methodologies.

Convenience is one of the many benefits of living in a society where every device is connected. It is quite simple to conduct business, manage your social schedule, shop, and make appointments using your smartphone or device. That’s why many of us have adopted it as second nature.

Source: forbes.com

However, the convenience of connected data also means that threats from malicious actors can do significant damage. Cybersecurity activities are critical to safeguarding our data and, by extension, our way of life.

Types of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity can be categorized into five distinct types:

  • Critical infrastructure security
  • Application security
  • Network security
  • Cloud security
  • Internet of Things (IoT) security

An organization should create a comprehensive plan that incorporates not just these five forms of cybersecurity but also the three elements that actively contribute to a cybersecurity posture:

People, Processes, and Technology, in order to completely cover all of its bases.

People

Let’s face it: if people don’t go by the rules, you’re still at risk, regardless of the safety measures you take. One is reminded of the adage “you are only as strong as your weakest link.” Human error is typically simply that—a mistake.

Most people don’t deliberately violate security procedures because they are either untrained to do so or unaware of the consequences of their actions. Your company’s security posture can be significantly improved by doing security awareness training and reiterating the most fundamental cybersecurity principles with personnel outside of the IT department.

Here are five examples of how the human component can raise your cybersecurity risk:

  1. Untrustworthy URLs and Emails: Explain to employees that if anything appears unusual, it most likely is! Encourage employees to pay attention to URLs, delete emails that lack content or appear to be from a faked address, and emphasize the necessity of protecting personal information. It is your obligation as an IT professional to promote awareness of potential cybersecurity hazards.
  2. Password Idleness: We all know that using the same password for years is a bad idea. But Bob in finance might not get it. Educate staff on the need of changing passwords frequently and using strong password combinations. We all carry a slew of passwords, and while it’s best practice not to reuse them, it’s understandable that some of us need to write them down somewhere. Make recommendations on where to keep passwords.
  3. Personally Identifiable Information: Most employees should appreciate the importance of restricting personal browsing, such as shopping and banking, to their own devices. But, after all, everyone looks for job, right? It is critical to keep a watch on which websites may lead to others. This includes social media. Karen in customer service may be unaware that sharing too much on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms (such as personally identifiable information) is simply one way hackers obtain information.
  4. Backups and Updates: It’s fairly easy for an inexperienced tech consumer to go about their daily business without frequently backing up their data and updating their anti-virus software. This is the responsibility of the IT department. The most difficult problem here is convincing employees that they require your assistance with these items.
  5. Physical Device Security: Consider how many individuals in your organization leave their desks for meetings, gatherings, and lunch breaks. Are their gadgets locked? Emphasize the importance of protecting information whenever a device is left unattended. You can use the airport as an example. Airport personnel continuously remind us to maintain track of our belongings and to never leave them unattended. Why? Because you never know who might be passing by. Encourage staff to treat their devices with the same care as they do their luggage.

Processes

IT professionals may focus on process when workers outside of the IT department are trained. The methods used by cybersecurity specialists to protect sensitive data are multifaceted. In brief, these IT professionals are responsible for detecting and identifying threats, preserving information, responding to incidents, and recovering from them.

Putting processes in place not only guarantees that each of these buckets is constantly checked, but referencing a well-documented process may save your organization time, money, and the trust of your most precious asset – your customers.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the United States Commerce Department created the Cybersecurity Framework to serve as a guide for private-sector organizations in developing their own best practices. NIST developed the rules after former US President Barack Obama signed an executive order in 2014. It’s an excellent resource to have on hand while you attempt to reduce your cybersecurity risk.

Technology

Once you’ve established frameworks and processes, it’s time to consider the tools at your disposal to begin execution.

When something comes to your toolbox, technology has two meanings:

  • The technologies you’ll employ to defend against and prevent cybersecurity threats, such as DNS filtering, malware protection, antivirus software, firewalls, and email security solutions.
  • Computers, smart gadgets, routers, networks, and the cloud are examples of technology that requires your protection.

In the past, cybersecurity activities were primarily concerned with defenses that stayed inside the bounds of conventional technology. However, today’s Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) regulations have muddled those distinctions and given hackers access to a much wider domain. You may avoid becoming a statistic for cybercrime by remembering cybersecurity fundamentals like locking all of your doors, windows, elevators, and skylights.

Types of Cybersecurity Threats

It’s hard to stay ahead of cybersecurity risks. IT professionals are aware of a wide list of risks, but the issue is that the list continues expanding. Cyberattacks now occur often. Some attacks are tiny and can be stopped simply, but others spread swiftly and cause havoc. All cyberattacks need to be addressed right away and fixed.

Here are a few common cybersecurity threats that fall into both categories.

  • Malware A sort of harmful software known as malware allows any file or application to be used against a computer user. Worms, viruses, Trojan horses, and spyware are included.
  • Ransomware –  Ransomware is another sort of malware. It entails an attacker encrypting or locking the victim’s computer system files, then demanding cash to decrypt and unlock them.
  • Phishing is a type of social engineering in which deceptive emails or texts that appear to have come from reliable or well-known sources are delivered. These communications, which are frequently random attacks, aim to steal sensitive information like credit card numbers or login credentials.
  • Spear phishing is a sort of phishing assault that targets a specific user, organisation, or business.
  • Insider risks are defined as security breaches or losses caused by humans, such as workers, contractors, or customers. Insider dangers can be malicious or careless.
  • DDoS – A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) assault is when a number of systems work together to obstruct the operation of a targeted system, such as a server, website, or other network resource. Attackers can slow down or disrupt a target system by flooding it with messages, connection requests, or packets, blocking legitimate traffic from accessing it.
  • Advanced persistent threats (APTs) – Advanced persistent threats (APTs) are lengthy targeted attacks in which an attacker infiltrates a network with the intention of data theft and remains undiscovered for extended periods of time.
  • Man-in-the-middle (MitM) – Man-in-the-middle (MitM) assaults are eavesdropping attempts in which an assailant relays messages between two parties who believe they are speaking to one another.

What are the benefits of cybersecurity?

The following are some of the advantages of developing and sustaining cybersecurity practices:

  • Cybersecurity for businesses against cyberattacks and data breaches.
  • Data and network protection
  • Avoiding unwanted user access.
  • Reduced recovery time following a breach.
  • End-user and endpoint device security.
  • Regulatory adherence.
  • Continuity of operations.
  • Increased developer, partner, consumer, stakeholder, and employee trust in the company’s reputation.

Cybersecurity is a complicated activity, and the best way to avoid attacks and secure your data is to use a multi-layered cybersecurity approach that integrates your people, processes, and technology.

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