What is Cyber Security: Definition, Types and Best Practices

• Cybersecurity involves protecting internet-connected systems from unauthorized access and cyberattacks.
• It is critical in the digital era due to increased connectivity and sensitive data.
• Cybersecurity encompasses technologies, processes, and practices designed to protect digital assets and infrastructure.
• It aims to prevent events like data breaches, service outages, and system infiltrations.

• Protecting computer networks from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other threats through the use of firewalls, threat detection systems, and access controls.
• Technologies like firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), virtual private networks (VPNs), and network segmentation play key roles in monitoring traffic and blocking threats.

• Securing the codebase of applications and incorporating security across the software development lifecycle.
• Practices like adherence to secure coding guidelines, proper code testing, regular software updates/patching, application firewalls, and threat modeling enable application security.

• Protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, and destruction via access controls, encryption, backups, and data loss prevention techniques.
• Key concepts include data classification, perimeter-based controls, data encryption and tokenization, data access monitoring, and data backup and recovery.

• Securing organizational data, applications, and infrastructure hosted on public, private, or hybrid cloud environments.
• It ensures appropriate identity management, access controls, data security, privacy, and compliance for cloud-based assets.

• Securing mobile devices used to access organizational networks and data, whether company-owned or personal (BYOD).
• Addressing threats like unauthorized access, malware, phishing, and device loss or theft through tools like authentication, app testing, encryption, and remote wiping.

• Securing endpoints like workstations, servers, mobiles, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices on organizational networks.
• Endpoints are secured using tools such as antivirus, anti-spyware, intrusion prevention, firewalls, encryption, and centralized management.

• Protecting essential physical and virtual infrastructure systems and networks that society depends on from threats.
• Securing industrial equipment, SCADA, and control systems by addressing their unique performance, reliability, and safety requirements.

• Addressing vulnerabilities in networked appliances, sensors, wearables, vehicles, medical devices, and industrial systems.
• Securing APIs, firmware updates, and communications channels, preventing attacks like man-in-the-middle and DoS/DDoS, and gaining control over IoT systems.

• Protecting Sensitive Data: Cybersecurity helps safeguard sensitive consumer data, intellectual property, and classified information from compromise, unintended exposure, or manipulation.
• Preventing Cyber Attacks: It enables early detection and prevention of cyberattacks that can lead to data breaches, service outages, financial fraud, or operational disruptions.
• Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure: Vital infrastructure systems like power, emergency services, manufacturing, and transportation require cybersecurity measures tailored to their unique operational needs.
• Maintaining Business Continuity: Cyber risks have the potential to disrupt business operations severely. Cybersecurity helps build resilience and minimize business interruptions.
• Compliance with Regulations: It helps address regulatory requirements regarding consumer privacy, data protection, and IT controls in sectors such as finance and healthcare.
• Preserving National Security and Privacy: Cyberattacks targeting government IT systems and critical national infrastructure can jeopardize national security. Cybersecurity helps mitigate these risks.

Evolving Cyber Threats

• Phishing: Deceptive emails tricking users into sharing login credentials or confidential data.
• Ransomware: Malware that encrypts data on compromised systems until a ransom is paid.
• Malware: Destructive software like viruses, worms, spyware, botnets, and crypto-jacking scripts.
• Advanced Persistent Theats (APTs): Stealthy, extended network breaches by skilled adversaries like nation-states.
• IoT Vulnerabilities: Weak security controls in Internet of Things devices being exploited.
• Cloud Security Challenges: Misconfigurations, compromised credentials, and insider risks in cloud environments.

Attack Vectors

• Email: Malicious links or attachments in phishing emails.
• Web apps: Exploitation of vulnerabilities in web apps and services.
• Endpoint Devices: Malware infection via external media, compromised websites, or insecure network connections.
• Wireless Networks: Snooping on unsecured WiFi traffic or penetrating connected systems.
• Third Parties: Attacking an organization via insecure vendors, suppliers, or partners.
• Insiders: Data theft, fraud, or sabotage by employees or contractors with internal access.

• Strong Password Management: Enforce strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and credential management to prevent unauthorized access.
• Software Patching and Updating: Promptly implement patches and security updates on all devices, software, and applications.
• Access Management: Implement the least privilege and just-in-time access, plus frequent access reviews to reduce the attack surface.
• Network Protection: Use firewalls, network segmentation, threat monitoring, and timely response to secure networks.
• Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorized access if stolen or exposed.
• Incident Response Plans: Define policies and procedures for detecting, investigating, and responding to security incidents.
• Ongoing Training: Educate employees on cyber risks and security policies and identify threats like phishing.
• Vendor Risk Management: Assess risks posed by third-party vendors and partners and apply appropriate controls.
• Backup and Recovery: Maintain regular backups tested for reliability and implement disaster recovery plans.

• Evolving Threat Landscape: New attack methods and threats emerge constantly. To enhance detection and response capabilities, prioritize agility, training, and threat intelligence.
• Lack of Skilled Cybersecurity Staff: High demand for cybersecurity skills leads to staffing gaps. Cultivate internal talent and supplement with outside specialists.
• Limited Budgets: Cybersecurity costs can become prohibitive. Take a risk-based approach to identify critical assets and sufficient safeguards.
• Insider Threats: Staff with internal access cause a substantial share of incidents. Limit access, monitor activity, and watch for warning signs.
• Complexity of Technology Environments: Diverse legacy systems, cloud services, and IoT devices complicate security. Where possible, seek automation, orchestration, and consolidation.
• Third Party Risk Management: Suppliers and partners increase the attack surface. Set security terms in contracts, audit partners, and monitor connections.
• Lack of Expertise in Emerging Tech: New technologies like IoT and AI present unfamiliar risks. Engage experts early in design and learn from peers.
• Regulation and Compliance: Keep current with evolving compliance rules and maintain cyber practices aligned to key mandates.

• Rapid Proliferation of Connected Devices: With billions of smartphones, computers, IoT devices, and cloud services now commonplace, the avenues for cyber threats have grown exponentially. Cybersecurity is essential to counter this.
• Rise in Data Breaches and Cybercrime: As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, data breaches exposed over 22 billion records in 2021. Solid cybersecurity provides safeguards against this threat.
• Workforce Working Remotely: Remote work since 2020 has significantly expanded the corporate attack surface. Consistent security controls and staff training are key to addressing the risks.
• Critical Infrastructure Reliance: Failure or disruption of infrastructure from power grids to transportation systems poses huge risks. Tailored cybersecurity measures help safeguard their operations.
• National Security Vulnerabilities: Government systems face adversaries from espionage to hacktivism. Cybersecurity is crucial for preserving national security in the face of elevated threats.
• Expanding Regulatory Oversight: Regulations like HIPAA, PCI DSS, NYDFS, and GDPR establish cybersecurity requirements in key industries. Staying compliant necessitates comprehensive controls.
• Reputational Damage of Breaches: Cyber incidents carry high costs, including loss of consumer trust and shareholder lawsuits. Robust security measures reduce this exposure.