Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital 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.
Why is cybersecurity important?
With an increasing number of users, devices, and programs in the modern enterprise, combined with the increase of data, much of which is sensitive or confidential, the importance of cybersecurity continues to grow. The growing volume and sophistication of cyber attackers and attack techniques compound the problem even further.
Organisations that suffer cyber security breaches may face significant fines. There are also non-financial costs to be considered, like reputational damage.
Cyber-attacks continue to grow in sophistication, with attackers using an ever-expanding variety of tactics. These include social engineering, malware and ransomware.
Few common categories of cyber-attacks
Network security is the practice of securing a computer network from intruders, whether targeted attackers or opportunistic malware.
Cloud Security. As organizations increasingly adopt cloud computing, securing the cloud becomes a major priority. A cloud security strategy includes cyber security solutions, controls, policies, and services that help to protect an organization’s entire cloud deployment (applications, data, infrastructure, etc.) against attack.
Information security protects the integrity and privacy of data, both in storage and in transit.
While using Internet of Things (IoT) devices certainly delivers productivity benefits, it also exposes organizations to new cyber threats.
Application security focuses on keeping software and devices free of threats. A compromised application could provide access to the data its designed to protect. Successful security begins in the design stage, well before a program or device is deployed.
Often overlooked, mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones have access to corporate data, exposing businesses to threats from malicious apps, zero-day, phishing, and IM (Instant Messaging) attacks. Mobile security prevents these attacks and secures the operating systems and devices from rooting and jailbreaking.
Operational security includes the processes and decisions for handling and protecting data assets. The permissions users have when accessed a network and the procedures that determine how and where data may be stored or shared all fall under this umbrella.
End-user education addresses the most unpredictable cyber-security factor: people. Anyone can accidentally introduce a virus to an otherwise secure system by failing to follow good security practices. Teaching users to delete suspicious email attachments, not plug in unidentified USB drives, and various other important lessons is vital for the security of any organization.
