What is Cyber Security: Types, Definition & Best Practice

What is Cybersecurity? 

Cybersecurity is a term that refers to the collection of technologies, procedures, and practices used to safeguard networks, devices, servers, programs, electronic systems, and data against hostile attacks, illegal access, and other damages. It is also frequently referred to as E – Information Security or Information Technology Security. Cybersecurity is also used in various contexts, from business to mobile computing, and can be classified into a few general categories. 

Why is Cybersecurity critical? 

The need for a cyber-secured environment will only increase due to rapid growth in devices, software applications, and the number of users using these commodities in today’s businesses. Not to mention the abundance of sensitive and secret data, particularly personal, company, and customer data, without which the entire ecosystem of work collapses. 

Organizations frequently move sensitive data over networks and to other devices while conducting business; cyber security refers to the area of study devoted to protecting such data and the technology used to manage or store it. 

The increasing volume and skill of cyber attackers and attack strategies exacerbate the problem even further. Especially for those responsible for preserving information relevant to national security, health, or financial records, in particular, must take precautions to protect their sensitive business and personnel information. 

What are the different elements of Cybersecurity? 

The domain of Cybersecurity can be divided into several distinct sections, and an organization’s coordination within that field needs to have a successful cybersecurity strategy. The following is a list of these categories: 

1. Application security 
2. Information or data security 
3. Network security 
4. Disaster recovery/business continuity planning 
5. Operational security 
6. Cloud Security 
7. Critical infrastructure security 
8. Physical security 
9. End-user education 

Who needs Cybersecurity? 

It is erroneous to think that cyber attackers are of no interest to you. Internet connectivity necessitates the need for cyber security for everyone. This is because most cyberattacks are automated and focused on common vulnerabilities instead of targeting particular websites or businesses. However, if you fall into one of these groups and your cybersecurity environment is unsafe, you must take precautions immediately.  

1. Individuals 
2. Governments 
3. For-profit companies 
4. Not-for-profit organizations 
5. Educational institutions 

What are the benefits of Cybersecurity? 

Businesses and individuals (such as MSSPs) can safeguard themselves and others from the complete spectrum of cyber security dangers listed below by installing security solutions. 

Companies can have peace of mind knowing that illegal access to their network or data is prevented with cyber security. End users, organizations, and employees all benefit. Not only does Cybersecurity improve detection, but it also improves mitigation and reaction. The following are some of the advantages of developing and sustaining cyber security testing services practices: 

1. Business protection against cyberattacks and data breaches 
2. Protection for data and networks 
3. Prevention of unauthorized user access 
4. Improved recovery time after a breach 
5. Protection for end users and endpoint devices 
6. Regulatory compliance 
7. Business continuity 
8. Increased trust from stakeholders, customers, partners, developers, and workers in the company’s reputation 

Challenges of Cybersecurity 

Mitigating the cyber security risks facing your organization can be challenging. This is especially true if you have moved to remote working and have less control over employees’ behavior and device security. Also, as Cybersecurity is continually challenged by hackers, data loss, privacy, risk management and changing cybersecurity strategies. The number of cyberattacks is not expected to decrease in the near future. Moreover, increased entry points for attacks, such as with the arrival of the internet of things (IoT), increase the need to secure networks and devices. 

Types of Cyber Threats 

Keeping up with emerging technology, cyber security testing trends, and threat information is a difficult task. It is required to safeguard data and other assets from many types of cyber threats. Some examples of cyber threats are: 

1. Malware: A sort of harmful software known as malware allows any file or program to be used against a computer user. Worms, viruses, Trojan horses, and spyware are included. 
2. Ransomware: Another form of malware is ransomware. It entails an attacker encrypting and locking the victim’s computer system files, then demanding cash to decrypt and unlock them. 
3. Social Engineering: An assault known as “social engineering” uses human contact to persuade users to circumvent security measures to obtain sensitive information that is ordinarily protected. 
4. Phishing is a type of social engineering in which phony emails or texts are delivered that appear to be from reliable or well-known sources. These communications, which are frequently random attacks, aim to steal sensitive information like credit card numbers or login credentials.  
5. Insider Threats: Security lapses or losses brought on by people, such as staff members, subcontractors, or clients, are referred to as insider threats. Insider dangers can be malicious or careless. 
6. Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS): These attacks include several devices interfering with the operation of a targeted system, such as a server, website, or other network resources. Attackers can slow down or disrupt a target system by flooding it with messages, connection requests, or packets, blocking legitimate traffic from accessing it. 
7. Advanced persistent threats (APTs): They are lengthy targeted attacks in which an attacker infiltrates a network with the intention of data theft and stays undiscovered for extended periods. 
8. Man-in-the-middle (MitM): These attacks are eavesdropping attempts in which an assailant relays messages between two parties who erroneously assume they are speaking to one another. 
9. Backdoors: A type of malware known as a backdoor circumvents standard authentication mechanisms to gain access to a system. As a result, resources within an application, such as databases and file servers, are accessible remotely, allowing offenders to execute commands remotely on the system and update malware. 
10. Formjacking: A hazardous e-skimming assault method is formjacking. Hackers, threat actors with financial motives, and other cybercriminals carry out formjacking attacks by injecting malicious code, most frequently JavaScript, into the web pages of their targets. The criminal’s intention is to commandeer the form pages’ functionality and collect sensitive user data or valuable information. 
11. Cryptojacking: This sort of cybercrime entails cybercriminals using unauthorized people’s computers, cellphones, tablets, or even servers to mine for cryptocurrencies. 
12. Malicious DNS (domain name system) attacks: Hackers divert web traffic to phishing websites and bogus web servers in this highly misleading cyberattack. Hackers can easily deceive users into disclosing critical information by using these bogus websites, which frequently resemble the user’s intended destination. 
13. SQL Injection: A SQL injection attack entails inserting, or “injecting,” a SQL query into the application’s input data from the client. An effective SQL injection attack can read sensitive data from the database, alter database data, do database administration operations, recover the contents of a specific file, and issue commands to the operating system in some situations. 

Latest Cyber Threats in the market 

1. Dridex Malware: It is a financial trojan with several features. Through current malware or phishing emails, it infects PCs. It has resulted in enormous financial losses totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. It is capable of obtaining passwords, banking information, and personal data that can be used in fraudulent transactions. 
2. Romance Scams: Cybercriminals use dating websites, chat rooms, and applications to commit romance fraud. Criminals take advantage of singles looking for love by tricking them into disclosing personal information. 
3. Emotet Malware: Emotet is a clever trojan that may load additional malware and steal data. Emotet thrives on simple passwords, serving as a cautionary tale on the value of choosing strong passwords to protect against online threats. 

Cybersecurity Safety Tips – To protect yourself against Cyberattacks 

Here is our top advice for staying safe online: 

1. Update your Operating System and Software: By doing this, you can take advantage of the newest security updates. 
2. Use Antivirus Software: To detect and eliminate threats, use top security programs like Sophos, Kaspersky, Norton, and other applications. For the best security level, ensure that you keep your software updated. 
3. Use secure passwords: Ensure that your passwords are difficult to decipher, and make a habit of changing them every month. 
4. Avoid opening email attachments from unfamiliar senders: These could be infected by malware and potentially contain viruses. 
5. Avoid clicking on links in emails from unknown senders or unfamiliar websites: Malware is frequently disseminated and distributed in this way globally. 
6. Steer clear of utilizing public Wi-Fi networks that aren’t secure: These networks leave you open to man-in-the-middle cyber-attacks. 

Start your journey to being 100% Cyber Secure today with AFour Technologies! 

The security expertise at AFour Technologies is extensive. With our rich industry knowledge and practical approach, we have assisted hundreds of organizations for more than 15 years. 

We can customize our services for enterprises of all sizes, and each of our consultants is a certified and skilled professional. 

Browse our wide range of cyber security solutions by getting in touch with us at [email protected]