Many layers of security are crucial components of a sound cybersecurity strategy for networks, devices, and data. You can protect yourself from the evolving and expanding risks in cyberspace by combining technology with best practices.
Malware, ransomware, and code injections are some of these dangers. An attack's severity can change. When malware is injected into an organization's code base, an attacker may use a victim's credit card details to make fraudulent purchases or even wipe out the entire system.
Cybersecurity can lessen the danger and impact of assaults even while it cannot completely guard against them.
Different Types Of Cybersecurity
Although it can be categorized into distinct subcategories, the phrase "cybersecurity" can also be used as a general descriptor. We'll be looking at five different kinds of cybersecurity.
Application Security
Application security is another name for AppSec. It involves the development, addition, and testing of security measures in online applications to help protect them from attackers. Security flaws, vulnerabilities, and security configuration errors can all be taken advantage of to introduce malicious code, expose confidential data, compromise systems, or have other undesirable impacts.
A free web app firewall (WAF) is available through CISIN's CMS hub, which can aid in defending your website against malicious attacks. Due to the greatest vulnerability being at the application layer, app sec is a crucial type of cybersecurity. The web application layer was compromised in about half of all data breaches during the past few years.
Cloud Security
A new branch of cybersecurity is cloud security. It alludes to safeguarding cloud computing environments and the information and programs kept there. On their servers, cloud service providers host data, apps, and services from third parties.
They have features and protocols for security. Yet, clients are partially in charge of effectively establishing and safely utilizing their cloud service.
Critical Infrastructure Security
Critical infrastructure security is the preservation of a nation's or a region's vital infrastructure. Cyber and physical networks, systems, assets, and assets that provide economic and physical security, public health, safety, or public safety can all be a part of this infrastructure.
Think of a region's water supply, electrical grid, hospitals, and traffic lights as examples. The operation of many of these infrastructures depends on digital technology or the internet. It needs to be safeguarded because it is susceptible to cyberattacks.
Internet of Things (IoT security)
IoT security, often known as the internet of things security, is the process of securing any connected device that may communicate with the internet without the need for human intervention.
Together with security cameras, motion sensors, and printers, this category also contains baby monitors. IoT hardware stores and gathers personal data. This can be used to aid identity theft by criminals. They must be secured from dangers such as unauthorized access.
Network Security
The protection of computer networks and data from both internal and external threats is referred to as network security. Firewalls, virtual private networks, identity and access controls, and two-factor Authentication can all be helpful.
Three categories of network security exist: administrative, technological, and physical. Each form of network security aims to guarantee that only authorized users have access to network infrastructure, data stored or transferred via the network, and network components like routers.
Cybersecurity Terms You Need to Know
Cybersecurity can be intimidating, just like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency. It can be difficult to comprehend, and it can sound ominous and complex.Be assured. This is where we come in. We will break down the topic into manageable pieces that you can use to build your cybersecurity strategy.
Keep this handy glossary close at hand by bookmarking this post.This comprehensive list contains all the terms and phrases you need to be familiar with in cybersecurity.
Authentication
Authentication is the procedure used to confirm your identity. Your passwords serve as evidence that you are authorized to use the username. Your identification documents, such as your driver's license or state-issued identification card, will attest to your identity. This is a way to prove that the ID's name, address, and age belong to you. Later on, we shall talk about two-factor Authentication.
Backup
Backups are the act of moving important data to a safe location such as a cloud storage or external hard drive. Backups allow you to restore your system's health in the event of a cyberattack or system crash.
Behavior Monitoring
The technique of watching network users' and devices' actions is called behavior monitoring, and it is used to find possible security incidents before they happen. malicious Activities need to be monitored, but they also need to be compared to historical data, current trends, organizational policies, and regulations.
You could, for instance, keep track of and record user sign-in and sign-out times. This is especially helpful if they request access to private information. You may also use it to keep tabs on the websites kids visit. Consider a situation where a user tries to log in at an odd hour, like the middle of the night. You can recognize this as suspicious behavior and prevent the attempt to log in if you think there is an assault.
Bot
Bots, which stand for robots, are programs or scripts that automate routine chores. On websites, chatbots can respond to frequently asked inquiries, and some of them have good intentions. Some bots are malevolent and are used to launch DDoS attacks or send spam emails. It becomes more difficult to discern between good and harmful bots or bots made by humans. Bots pose an increasing hazard to both people and businesses.
CIA Triad
An organization's cyber security services policies and systems can be developed or evaluated using the CIA Triad framework.
Confidentiality, integrity, and availability are represented by the CIA trinity. In practice, this technique makes sure that only authorized people are given access to data. Additionally, it makes sure that data is reliable and accurate for the duration of its useful life. No matter what software or human error there may be, authorized users can access the data whenever they need it.
Data Breach
A data breach is when hackers gain unauthorized access to data belonging to an individual or company.
Digital Certificate
An identity or public key certificate is another name for a digital certificate. Data may be exchanged over the internet safely, thanks to this kind of passcode. When a device transmits or receives data to or from another device, it authenticates the transmission or receipt by inserting a digital file into the device or piece of hardware.
Encryption
Encryption refers to the use of codes and ciphers in order to encrypt data. A key is used by computers to decrypt data. Only the recipient of the key can decrypt the data. An attacker can't see the unencrypted version of strongly encrypted data if they have access to it but don't have the key.
HTTP and HTTPS
Web browsers interact via the Hypertext Transfer Protocol. The websites you visit will most likely have https:// or https:// next to them. HTTPS encrypts all data sent between you and the server, whereas HTTPS does not. This is the reason the security symbol is an "S." Today, almost all websites employ HTTPS to protect your data, including the free SSL offered by the CMS hub.
Vulnerability
A vulnerability is a weak spot that hackers could use to start a cyberattack. Software problems that need to be patched or password reset processes that can be started by unauthorized people are two examples of vulnerabilities. Defensive cybersecurity methods like the ones we cover later work to secure data by creating layers between the attackers and the data they are attempting to access or alter.
Cyberattacks: Types
- Password Guessing Attack
- Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS), Attack
- Malware Attack
- Phishing Attack
- Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack
- Cross-Site Scripting Attack
- SQL Injection Attack
Cyber attacks are deliberate, often malicious, intent to steal, modify or erase private data. External security hackers can also commit cyber attacks, as well as employees or users who are compromised. There are many reasons for these cyber attacks. Some cyberattacks are launched to collect ransom money, while others are just for fun.
We'll be briefly covering the most prevalent cyber threats.
Password Guessing (Brute Force Attack)
An attacker uses a password-guessing attack to repeatedly try to guess usernames or passwords (or "credential stuffing"). In order to find known users and passwords, this approach frequently employs password combinations that have been used in previous data breaches.
A successful attack can occur if users reuse the same password across many systems or use weak passwords (e.g., if your Facebook password and Twitter password are identical). By using two-factor Authentication, creating strong passwords, and avoiding using the same password many times, this attack can be stopped (which we will discuss later).
Read More: What are 12 Examples of Cyber Services?
Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS), Attack
A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack in which a hacker floods a network with tons of activity (such as messages, requests, or web traffic) to paralyze it.
This is usually done by botnets which are groups or devices connected to the internet that have been infected with viruses. These allow hackers to use them to launch many types of attacks.
Malware Attack
Malware is any type of malicious software that hackers use to infiltrate networks and computers and steal private information. There are many types of malware:
- Keyloggers: that track what a user types on their keyboard. Keyloggers are used to steal passwords and other private information, such as social security numbers.
- Ransomware: encrypts and holds data hostage and forces users to pay ransom to unlock their data.
- Spyware: monitors and "spies on" user activity for a hacker.
Malware can also be transmitted via:
- Trojan horses: infect computers via a seemingly benign entry point. They are often disguised as legitimate software or applications.
- Viruses: can corrupt, erase or modify data and sometimes even cause physical damage to computers. Viruses can be spread from one computer to another, even if they are not intentionally installed by compromised users.
- Worms: are designed to self-replicate themselves and spread autonomously through all computers connected to them that are vulnerable to the same vulnerabilities.
Phishing Attack
Hackers who use phishing try to deceive individuals into taking action. Phishing scams can be delivered by a message, download, or link that seems to be trustworthy.
This kind of cyberattack proof is typical. In a poll conducted by a third party, 59% of respondents said that a successful phishing attack had been launched against their firm in 2022. It increased from 57% in 2021. Data loss to financial loss may result from successful phishing attempts.
Email or a bogus website can both be used for phishing. Another name for it is spoofing. Another word for hackers who target a single individual or business to steal their identity rather than making spam with a general goal is spear phishing.
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack
Man-in-the-Middle attacks, also known as MitM attacks, occur when an attacker interposes himself in the center of negotiations and communications between two parties. Before the data reaches its intended destination, an attacker can intercept, alter, and steal it. Let's imagine that a guest utilizes unsecured public WiFi on a gadget.
An attacker could take advantage of this weakness to place their machine between the network and the visitors to steal sensitive data such as credit card numbers and login credentials.The reason why this cyberattack is so successful is that the target is unaware that there is a "guy between them." They only appear to be using their bank apps and browsing the internet.
Cross-Site Scripting Attack
When malicious code is inserted into a trustworthy website or program to run it in a different user's browser, it is known as a cross-site scripting attack (XSS).
The code will be executed by the browser since it thinks it comes from a reliable source. Moreover, it will transmit the attacker's data. This might be a cookie, session token, login information, or any other personal information.
SQL Injection Attack
An attacker can access a website's database by inserting malicious code into unprotected forms or search boxes. This is known as a SQL injection attack. SQL (short for Structured Query Language) can be used by an attacker to add new accounts, alter or delete data, introduce unwanted content, and make other modifications.
As SQL is the preferred language for WordPress database management, this is a prevalent security issue.
Cybersecurity Best Practices: How To Secure Your Data
Cybersecurity cannot be reduced to a simple 1-2-3-step process. Secure data requires a combination of best practices and defensive cybersecurity methods. It is important to invest time and resources in both protecting your data and that of your customers.
Defensive Cybersecurity Solutions
Companies should spend money on cyber security solutions that are preventative. These solutions will aid in securing your network from external attacks, combined with proper cybersecurity practices (which are covered next).
Here are five cybersecurity software and systems that can protect you from cyber-attacks and all the headaches that follow. These solutions can be combined to provide a complete digital solution.
Antivirus Software
During flu season, antivirus software serves as a digital substitute for vitamin C. It keeps an eye out for any bugs and takes preventative action. The function of antivirus software is to locate and eliminate infections from your computer. When you have bad things, this operates the same way vitamin C does for your immune system. You are informed of potentially harmful web pages and malware by antivirus software.
Firewall
A firewall is a digital barrier that blocks malicious software and users from accessing your computer. It works by using a filter to assess the legitimacy and safety of all requests for your computer. This is like an invisible judge between you and the internet. Firewalls can be both hardware and software-based.
Invest in Threat Detection and Prevention
It doesn't matter if you use the CMS Hub or any other website hosting service. It is essential to include a tool that scans and detects threats. Many content management systems include malware scanning and threat detection security features. You should consider a security threat scanner if you use platforms such as WordPress.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
A centralized authentication service called single sign-on (SSO) enables users to log in once to access a variety of software and accounts. SSO is a service that allows you to log in or sign up with your Google account. Businesses and organizations use SSO to give staff members access to internal, data-rich proprietary applications.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
A username, pin number, and access to an external device or account, such as an email address or phone number, are all required for two-factor Authentication, also known as 2FA, which is a means of signing in. Because users must confirm their identity using both methods, two-factor Authentication is more secure than one-factor Authentication.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Your data is transported through a virtual private network (VPN) when you enter or exit a web server. This tunnel encrypts your data and protects it from being viewed (or spied upon) by malicious software or hackers. Although secure VPNs can protect you from spyware, they cannot prevent viruses from getting into your computer via legitimate channels like phishing or even fake VPN links. To protect your data, VPNs should not be used alone.
Cybersecurity Tips for Businesses
If you don't, defensive cybersecurity solutions won't work. These cybersecurity best practices will help you protect your customers' and business data.
Require Strong Credentials
If possible, make it a requirement that both employees and users create strong passwords. You can do this by setting a minimum character count and requiring that you use a combination of numbers, uppercase letters, and symbols. Complex passwords can be difficult to crack by bots and individuals. It is also important that passwords are regularly changed.
Monitor And Control Employee Activity
Only allow employees to access sensitive data within your company. You should prohibit data sharing with outside parties, grant permission to download external software and ask employees to lock down their computers and accounts when not in use.
Know Your Network
As a result of the Internet of Things, IoT devices are increasingly being found on corporate networks. These gadgets aren't under the control of the organization and can be dangerous because they frequently lack security and run weak software that hackers can exploit. Also, they offer a simple access point to a private network. Make sure you can see every IoT device on your network. Every device on your corporate network must be properly identified, categorized, and managed. You can reduce the number of attackers by knowing which devices are connected to your network and controlling their connections.
Regularly Download Patches And Updates
Software vendors release regular updates to address and fix vulnerabilities. You can keep your software secure by regularly updating it. You can set up your software to automatically update so that you don't forget.
Employees Should Be Able To Escalate Problems Easily
You want to be notified immediately if your employee finds a phishing email or a compromised website. You can set up a system to receive these messages from your employees.
Cybersecurity Tips for Individuals
Cyber threats can also affect you as an individual user and consumer of the internet. These good habits will help you protect your personal information and prevent cyber attacks.
Mix And Match Your Passwords
The digital equivalent of leaving a spare key under the front doormat is using the same password for all important accounts. Recent research found that more than 80% of data breaches are caused by weak passwords. Even though a software or business account does not require strong passwords, it is important to choose one that includes letters, numbers, and symbols and to change it frequently.
You Should Regularly Monitor Your Credit And Bank Accounts
Regularly review your statements, credit reports, as well as other important data, and report any suspicious activity. Also, don't divulge your social security number unless absolutely necessary.
Online, Be Intentional
Pay attention to suspicious emails and illegitimate downloads. It's possible for a website or links to look suspicious ha! It likely is. Check for spelling errors, URLs that are suspicious, mismatched email addresses, and bad grammar. Finally, make sure to download security and antivirus software to warn you about possible malware sources.
Regularly Back Up Your Data
Both businesses and individuals can benefit from this habit. Data can be compromised for both of them. Backups should be considered for both the cloud and for physical locations such as hard drives or thumb drives.
Cybersecurity: Why You Should Care
Small to medium-sized businesses, or SMBs, are particularly vulnerable. Although Target and Sears may have experienced the most number of data breaches, hackers are more interested in SMBs.
Why? They have greater value than typical consumers and have access to more digital assets. They are, nevertheless, less secure than bigger businesses. They are now in the "cyberattack sweet spot" as a result.
Security breaches can frighten and frustrate both businesses and customers. According to Measure Protocol, 86% of respondents said that previous privacy breaches had negatively impacted their desire to give personal information.
Avoiding PR catastrophes is only one aspect of cybersecurity. If you spend money on cybersecurity, your clients will believe in you.
"Everyone may contribute to the protection of client data. Each employee at CISIN has the authority to respond to client requests in a safe and secure way. We want to harness everybody's energy in order to provide a platform customers can trust to safely and correctly store their data." - Chris McLellan CISIN Chief Security Officer.
Cybersecurity Resources
These resources will teach you more about cyber security evaluation and help you better equip your company and team. We recommend that you also check out some of the most popular cybersecurity blogs and podcasts.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The Computer Security Resource Center (CSRC), also known as NIST Special Publications, offers best practices for security (SPs).
The Center for Internet Security (CIS)
Trusted by specialists, CIS is a non-profit global security resource and IT community.A prioritized set of best practices called the CIS Top 20 Critical Security Controls is created to stop the most serious and prevalent dangers of the present. It was developed by leading security professionals from around the world and is continually improved and validated yearly.
Cybrary
A platform for online cybersecurity education is called Cybrary. The majority of the educational films and certificates offered by Cybrary are free and full-length.
Bookmark The most recent course accessible to information security professionals is Certified Information Systems Security Professional 2021. You will distinguish yourself from other information security specialists with this "gold standard" security certification.
Cyber Readiness Institute
The goal of the Cyber Readiness Institute is to increase the cyber readiness of small and medium-sized businesses by bringing together business executives from various industries and geographical areas.
Bookmark, The Cyber Readiness Program, is an online service that assists small and medium-sized enterprises in guarding against the most dangerous cyber threats currently present.
Want More Information About Our Services? Talk to Our Consultants!
Conclusion
Cybersecurity does not have to be terrifying, even though cyberattacks can be frightening. You must be prepared and armed if you are in charge of protecting the data belonging to other people. Companies must devote time and money to safeguarding their computers, servers, networks, software, and other digital assets. They must also stay current with emerging technology. Careful data handling increases consumer loyalty and makes your company more transparent and reliable.
