What is Cyber Security - with TRICK

Definition of Cyber Security

Cyber security is the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks. It's also known as information technology security or electronic information security. The term applies in a variety of contexts, from business to mobile computing, and can be divided into a few common categories. Cyber security refers to the body of technologies, processes, and practices designed to protect networks, devices, programs, and data from attack, damage, or unauthorized access. Cyber security may also be referred to as information technology security.

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Importance of Cyber Security :

Cyber security is important because government, military, corporate, financial, and medical organizations collect, process, and store unprecedented amounts of data on computers and other devices. A significant portion of that data can be sensitive information, whether that be intellectual property, financial data, personal information, or other types of data for which unauthorized access or exposure could have negative consequences. Organizations transmit sensitive data across networks and to other devices in the course of doing businesses, and cyber security describes the discipline dedicated to protecting that information and the systems used to process or store it. As the volume and sophistication of cyber attacks grow, companies and organizations, especially those that are tasked with safeguarding information relating to national security, health, or financial records, need to take steps to protect their sensitive business and personnel information.

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Challenges of Cyber Security :

1. Network security : Network security is the practice of securing a computer network from intruders, whether targeted attackers or opportunistic malware. The process of protecting the network from unwanted users, attacks and intrusions.
2. Application security : Apps require constant updates and testing to ensure these programs are secure from attacks. Application security focuses on keeping software and devices free of threats. 
3. Endpoint security : Remote access is a necessary part of business, but can also be a weak point for data. Endpoint security is the process of protecting remote access to a company’s network.
4. Data security : Inside of networks and applications is data. Protecting company and customer information is a separate layer of security.
5. Identity management : Essentially, this is a process of understanding the access every individual has in an organization.
6. Database and infrastructure security : Everything in a network involves databases and physical equipment. Protecting these devices is equally important.
7. Cloud security : Many files are in digital environments or “the cloud”. Protecting data in a 100% online environment presents a large amount of challenges.
8. Mobile security : Cell phones and tablets involve virtually every type of security challenge in and of themselves.
9. Disaster recovery/business continuity planning : In the event of a breach, natural disaster or other event data must be protected and business must go on. For this, you’ll need a plan.End-user education: Users may be employees accessing the network or customers logging on to a company app. Educating good habits (password changes, 2-factor authentication) is an important part of cybersecurity.

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The Scale of The Cyber Threat :

The global cyber threat continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with a rising number of data breaches each year. A report by RiskBased Security revealed that a shocking 7.9 billion records have been exposed by data breaches in the first nine months of 2019 alone. This figure is more than double (112%) the number of records exposed in the same period in 2018. In the U.S., the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has created a cyber-security framework. To combat the proliferation of malicious code and aid in early detection, the framework recommends continuous, real-time monitoring of all electronic resources.

The importance of system monitoring is echoed in the “10 steps to cyber security”, guidance provided by the U.K. government’s National Cyber Security Centre. In Australia, The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) regularly publishes guidance on how organizations can counter the latest cyber-security threats. 

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Types of Cyber Threats :

1. Cybercrime - Cybercrime includes single actors or groups targeting systems for financial gain or to cause disruption.

2. Cyber-attack - Cyber attack often involves politically motivated information gathering.

3. Cyberterrorism - Cyberterrorism is intended to undermine electronic systems to cause panic or fear.

So, how do malicious actors gain control of computer systems ? Here are some common methods used to threaten cyber security.

Malware :

Malicious software (malware) installed on a computer can leak personal information, can give control of the system to the attacker and can delete data permanently. Malware means malicious software. One of the most common cyber threats, malware is software that a cybercriminal or hacker has created to disrupt or damage a legitimate user’s computer. Often spread via an unsolicited email attachment or legitimate-looking download, malware may be used by cybercriminals to make money or in politically motivated cyber-attacks.

There are a number of different types of malware, including:

1. Virus : A self-replicating program that attaches itself to clean file and spreads throughout a computer system, infecting files with malicious code.
2. Trojans : A type of malware that is disguised as legitimate software. Cybercriminals trick users into uploading Trojans onto their computer where they cause damage or collect data.
3. Spyware : A program that secretly records what a user does, so that cybercriminals can make use of this information. For example, spyware could capture credit card details.
4. Ransomware : Malware which locks down a user’s files and data, with the threat of erasing it unless a ransom is paid.
5. Adware : Advertising software which can be used to spread malware.
6. Botnets : Networks of malware infected computers which cybercriminals use to perform tasks online without the user’s permission.

SQL Injection :

An SQL (structured language query) injection is a type of cyber-attack used to take control of and steal data from a database. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in data-driven applications to insert malicious code into a databased via a malicious SQL statement. This gives them access to the sensitive information contained in the database.

Phishing :

Phishing is when cybercriminals target victims with emails that appear to be from a legitimate company asking for sensitive information. Phishing attacks are often used to dupe people into handing over credit card data and other personal information.

Man In The Middle Attack :

A man-in-the-middle attack is a type of cyber threat where a cybercriminal intercepts communication between two individuals in order to steal data. For example, on an unsecure WiFi network, an attacker could intercept data being passed from the victim’s device and the network.

Denial Of Service Attack :

A denial-of-service attack is where cybercriminals prevent a computer system from fulfilling legitimate requests by overwhelming the networks and servers with traffic. This renders the system unusable, preventing an organization from carrying out vital functions.

Careers :

Cybersecurity is a fast-growing field of IT concerned with reducing organizations' risk of hack or data breach. According to research from the Enterprise Strategy Group, 46% of organizations say that they have a "problematic shortage" of cybersecurity skills in 2016, up from 28% in 2015. Commercial, government and non-governmental organizations all employ cybersecurity professionals. The fastest increases in demand for cybersecurity workers are in industries managing increasing volumes of consumer data such as finance, health care, and retail. However, the use of the term "cybersecurity" is more prevalent in government job descriptions.

Typical Cyber Security Job Titles Include :

1. Security analyst
2. Security engineer
3. Security administrator
4. Security architect
5. Chief Information Security Officer 
6. Data Protection Officer
7. Chief Security Officer
8. Security Specialist/Intelligence

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Types of Security and Privacy :

1. Access control
2. Anti-keyloggers
3. Anti-malware
4. Anti-spyware
5. Anti-subversion software
6. Anti-tamper software
7. Anti-theft
8. Antivirus software
9. Cryptographic software
10. Computer-aided dispatch
11. FirewallIntrusion detection system
12. Intrusion prevention system 
13. Log management software
14. Parental controlRecords management
15. Sandbox
16. Security information management
17. Software and operating system updating

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Protect Yourself Against Cyber Attacks :

1. Update your software and operating system
2. Use anti-virus software
3. Do not open email attachments from unknown senders
4. Use strong passwords
5. Avoid using unsecure WiFi networks in public places
6. Do not click on links in emails from unknown senders or unfamiliar websites