What is cyber security?

Cybersecurity is a study learned to protect computer systems, their networks, and programs from digital attacks. Cyber terrorists aim to access, change or destroy sensitive information, change computer systems, extort money from users or interrupt business processes.

There is continuous threat to electronic assets from hackers who have malicious intent to steal data and vital information by data breach. Thus its full definition should include the set of cybersecurity tools designed to protect confidential data from unauthorized access. To do so, it is important to see how people, processes and technology play important roles in keeping information safe.

Importance of Cybersecurity

In present times people have a lot of advantage in living world where every device is connected to the internet. It has become easy now to do your work, manage your social calendar, shop and make appointments from your smartphone or device. This connection also means threats from bad actors who can cause damage to connected devices.

Types of Cybersecurity

Critical infrastructure security

Application security

Network security

Cloud Security

Internet of Things (IoT) security

An organization must have a comprehensive plan to protect these above cybersecurity areas. There are three components that play an active role in cybersecurity namely people processes and technology.

People: if people don’t follow rules all practices of cybersecurity are futile. All cybersecurity errors are made by human mistakes. Most people are not intentionally bypassing security protocols since they are not trained to do so or they are not educated about the importance of their actions. The company’s security infrastructure can be boosted by providing knowledge about cybersecurity principles to the people. Here is how people can work to improve cybersecurity.

Suspicious URLs and emails must be explained to employees if something strange is seen. Thus staff must be trained to pay attention to such URLs delete Emails that do not have content or look like they are coming from a spoofed address, and stress the importance of guarding personal information. It is the duty of IT professionals to raise awareness about cybersecurity threats.

Secure Passwords- Keeping the same password for ages is not a great idea. Tell and educate people to change their passwords by using strong combinations. People carry different passwords and it is the best practice not to duplicate your passwords. It is important to write down your passwords somewhere.

Backups and Updates It is necessary to back up the stored data at a secured platform and update the computer systems with suitable anti-virus. This backup and update is job of IT department of an enterprisesThe biggest challenge is getting employees to understand the need for such backups and updates.

Physical Security for Devices—thinks about how people leave their desks after work. Teach people to protect their information whenever their device is left unattended. Therefore educate people to protect their devices with great care as they protect their own baggage.

Processes

When employees outside the IT department are trained, IT professionals can focus on processes. The process through which professionals protect confidential data is a multi-faceted approach. In short, these IT pros are tasked with detecting and Identifying threats, protecting information and responding to incidents, and recovering from them. Putting the right processes in place ensures their continuous monitoring referring to a well-documented process can save your company's time money and the trust of customers.

Technology

The technology you will use to combat cybersecurity attacks, like DNS filtering, Malware protection, antivirus software, firewalls, and email security solutions enables safeguarding your computer systems and networks. The technology on which your data lives needs your protection like computers, smart devices routers, networks, and the cloud.

Types of Cybersecurity Threats

Nowadays threats happen each day. Some attacks are small and can be controlled easily but others are so quick that they get out of control and wreak havoc. Therefore all cyberattacks require immediate attention and resolution.

Cybersecurity Threats

Malware

It is a software program created to intentionally cause damage. Commonly known as virus malware can cause harm by opening the wrong attachments or clicking on the wrong links.

Ransomware

It is also a type of malware that infects a network and steals confidential data and then demands a ransom( typically currency of some sort in exchange for access to your computer systems.

Phishing Attacks

Hackers phish by throwing a line hoping that you would bite it and when you do so they steal sensitive information like passwords, credit cards, and more. Phishing attacks generally come in the form of emails that look legitimate and encourage you to reply.

Social Engineering

Social engineering makes people lie and manipulate others to divulge personal information. Hackers and cyber attackers obtain information from social media profiles and posts.

Cybersecurity Jobs

The demand for cybersecurity grows by the minute, it makes sense that the demand for cybersecurity professionals is on the rise. There are around 300,000 cybersecurity jobs vacant in the United States. The job titles for cybersecurity are-

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity Analyst

Network Engineer/Architect

Cybersecurity Consultant

Cybersecurity Manager/Administrator

Systems Engineer

Vulnerability Analyst/Penetration Tester

Software Developer/Engineer

Cybersecurity Specialist/Technician

Cybersecurity Certifications

Cybersecurity certifications assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities the IT professionals have acquired and what they have learned. There are various certification authorities that train and certify to learn cybersecurity. CompTIA is one such cybersecurity certifying authority that offers certificates as

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA PenTest+

CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)

Other popular cybersecurity certifications include the following:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Cyber security degrees.

As Cybersecurity is an important and growing field in present times. Enterprises are investing in their security a lot these days and they are going for digital transformation.Artificial intelligence and machine learning run on innovative business operations. Cloud computing is now a growing trend. Computer systems and networks are more valuable than before. Businesses and consumers are relying more on computing systems than before history. There are many opportunities which are involved in this field. Below are some of the best degrees in Cybersecurity

Computer Science

Computer Programming

Database Management

Computer Hardware Engineering

Network Administration

Cloud Computing

Information Technology Management

Information Security & Assurance

Computer Forensics

Machine Learning

Conclusion- The growing field of cybersecurity needs trained professionals who can safeguard the computer systems of enterprises. There is a great demand for professionals who can protect the network systems of these enterprises. There is an increase in cyberattacks that steals information from the businesses

Cybersecurity Best Practices 2023 | How to Protect Your Business