What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the practice of keeping our computer systems and digital information safe from various online threats.
In today’s heavily digitalized world, it plays a crucial role in preventing unauthorized access, data breaches, and different types of cyber attacks like hacking, malware, phishing, ransomware, pharming, man-in-the-middle attacks, zero-day exploits, DDoS attacks, social engineering, APTs, insider threats, and fileless malware.
Think of it as a constantly evolving defense system that adapts to counter the clever tactics of those trying to exploit weaknesses in the digital space.
How Important is Cybersecurity in the Digital Age?
Cybersecurity is a must! This goes for both individuals and businesses. We’ve all heard numerous news stories about businesses falling victim to cybercriminals, resulting in the compromise of digital systems and the leakage of sensitive data. Such breaches not only inflict serious damage on the affected businesses but also impact their customers and employees.
Similarly, consider the senior citizens who fall prey to scams through phishing emails or suspicious links sent to their mobile phones, or instances where government websites are hacked, leading to the exposure of confidential files.
It is imperative to raise awareness about cybersecurity in today’s fast-paced digital age. As the saying goes, there is no rest for the wicked. To avoid finding ourselves in sorry situations, we must remain vigilant and undertake due diligence to safeguard ourselves from the various cyber threats that continue to emerge.
So, with that note, how do we know we are getting attacked?
The Common Types of Cybersecurity Threats
What is a Cyberthreat?
A cyber threat, put simply, encompasses any action that exploits vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks with malicious intent, seeking to cause damage, steal, disrupt, or alter data for unlawful gains. Below are the common types of cyber threats that you should at least be aware of.
Malware
Malware is harmful software, such as viruses and Trojans, that aims to mess with your computer by damaging or stealing your data. It can sneak in through emails, dodgy websites, or weak points in your computer’s defenses.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing is a sneaky technique where scammers use fake websites or emails to trick you into giving away sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. They pretend to be trustworthy individuals or organizations, aiming to steal your money or sensitive information.
Zero-Day Attack
A zero-day attack is when hackers pounce on newly discovered software weaknesses before the developers even have a chance to fix them. It’s like hitting a target on day zero of finding a vulnerability, leaving systems exposed without any immediate defense.
Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks
A Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack seeks to render websites or networks inaccessible by overwhelming them with internet traffic, effectively blocking legitimate users.
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks (MitM)
A Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack occurs when an infiltrator secretly interferes with communication between two parties, eavesdropping or even posing as trusted entities. This cyber threat puts the confidentiality and integrity of the communication at risk, allowing attackers to potentially steal sensitive information.
SQL Injection
SQL Injection is a web attack exploiting vulnerabilities in applications using SQL databases. By inserting malicious SQL queries through client input, they aim to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, modify database data, or even execute administrative operations on the database.
Insider Threats
Insider threats pose cybersecurity risks that originate from within an organization’s own trusted circle, including employees, contractors, and business partners who intentionally or unintentionally misuse or expose access credentials to confidential systems and data.
Supply Chain Attacks
A supply chain attack is when hackers go after a company’s suppliers to break into their systems, making it an efficient way to hit multiple companies at once. By exploiting weaknesses in the supply chain, these attacks use third-party tools to mess with a target’s system or network.
Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking is a surreptitious cyberattack wherein cybercriminals clandestinely utilize a victim’s device to mine cryptocurrency without consent. This covert exploitation of computing power aims to elude the victim’s awareness, potentially resulting in device slowdowns and heightened energy consumption.
The Common Attack Vectors
What is an Attack Vector?
An attack vector serves as the route or method employed by hackers to attain unauthorized access to a computer or network, exploiting vulnerabilities for malicious purposes. In simpler terms, it’s the point of entry that cybercriminals utilize to gain access illicitly.
Weak or Compromised Access Credentials
Weak or compromised access credentials, such as logins, passphrases, PINs, and authenticators, provide attackers with an easy entry point into your systems. Obtained through phishing, brute force attacks, malware attacks, insider attacks, or social engineering, these compromised credentials allow unauthorized users to exploit legitimate access for nefarious purposes.
Social Engineering
Social engineering exploits human error through techniques like phishing, pretexting, and baiting to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information. Falling victim to this sneaky tactic can lead to data exposure, malware infections, or unauthorized access.
Email and Phishing
Phishing is a deceitful cyberattack employing social engineering to trick users into interacting with malicious links or infected attachments. Perpetrators often pose as trusted entities through email, attempting to lead recipients to harmful websites or install malware on their devices. This dangerous and increasingly common cybercrime aims to steal sensitive information, compromise data security, and install malicious software.
Unpatched Software
Unpatched software refers to those applications and systems with existing security vulnerabilities. Software vendors release updates or patches to rectify these weaknesses. Failing to address these security gaps in a timely manner poses a significant threat to your system’s security, creating an open invitation for potential cyberattacks. Regularly updating software is a crucial step in fortifying your digital defenses against evolving threats.
Physical Media
Attackers utilize physical tools like USB flash drives to easily infiltrate and compromise systems. These seemingly harmless devices, when left unattended, become potential entry points for exploitation. USB drives can carry malware, viruses, and spyware, leading to infections and potentially security breaches.
Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks
Unsecured Wi-Fi networks, particularly in public spaces, are prime targets for hackers due to their lack of authentication. Connecting to these networks puts your sensitive information at risk, as hackers can intercept data easily.
Understanding these cyber threats and attack vectors is crucial, providing you with the advantage of knowing what to watch out for. While awareness can help prevent exposure to these threats, it alone is insufficient to protect against cyberattacks. Fortunately, there are security measures and tools available that you can employ to secure your network, system, and data from cybercriminals.
Here are ways you can protect yourself from cyberattacks.
Types of Cybersecurity
Network Security
Network security serves as the comprehensive defense mechanism for computer networks, safeguarding against potential threats like hackers and malware. This protection is achieved through a combination of hardware and software solutions, as well as the implementation of specific policies and practices. The primary goals are to maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the network’s data and resources.
Here are the key elements of network security
Access Control
Access control is an important cybersecurity tool that regulates who can access a network or computer system. It uses things like authentication methods like passwords to only allow authorized users to enter and access information.
Access control sets up rules that determine what permissions each user or group has, such as if they can read files or make changes. By carefully controlling access, organizations can allow workers and partners to utilize computer resources and data while also preventing unauthorized people from entering, which improves security.
Intrusion Prevention System
The Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is a vital cybersecurity tool, tirelessly monitoring network activity for potential threats, including zero-day attacks. It operates 24/7, swiftly detecting and blocking suspicious traffic, alerting security teams for further investigation. With automated response capabilities, the IPS acts as an early warning system, preventing cyberattacks in real time and serving as the first line of defense against infiltrations.
Anti-virus and Anti-malware Software
Anti-virus and anti-malware tools offer crucial protection against threats like viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and ransomware. Operating as vigilant security scanners, they monitor computers and networks to block potential infections.
Anti-virus software uses known threat signatures, while anti-malware tools identify suspicious behaviors. Both quarantine or remove threats, requiring regular updates to stay ahead of emerging dangers. These defenses serve as critical barriers, safeguarding computer systems from malicious software.
Virtual Private Network
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, establishes a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. This tunnel encrypts all data you send and receive while browsing online, ensuring your online activity remains private—neither your internet service provider nor hackers can see what you’re doing.
Additionally, a VPN conceals your IP address, preventing websites from identifying you or your internet location. By using a VPN, you can circumvent government censorship and access websites blocked in your country.
It safeguards your online identity by creating a private, encrypted passage through the public internet, enabling you to browse more anonymously and securely. In essence, a VPN provides a straightforward means to maintain the security and privacy of your online identity.
Firewall
A firewall acts as a protective barrier between internal and external networks, like the internet. It monitors and controls the flow of network traffic by scrutinizing data packets against predefined security rules. If incoming data meets safety criteria, it’s allowed; otherwise, harmful or unauthorized traffic is instantly blocked.
By employing rule-based filtering, firewalls enhance security, identifying and thwarting cyber threats while facilitating legitimate network connections. In essence, a firewall serves as a guardian, safeguarding desired elements within your network from external threats.
Security Information and Event Management
Security Information and Event Management, or SIEM, software serves as a central cybersecurity command center for organizations, collecting and analyzing security data across networks and systems to identify threats. By detecting anomalies and generating alerts, SIEM solutions empower security teams to monitor emerging risks, investigate triggers, and promptly address incidents. Essentially, SIEM enhances visibility and control, enabling businesses to proactively manage cybersecurity and stay ahead of potential threats more effectively.
System Security
Operating system security protects computers from unauthorized access and threats. It puts measures and controls into the operating system to keep data safe, private, and accessible when needed.
Here are key security mechanisms in OS:
Authentication
Authentication checks that only approved users or devices can access a system. It acts like a digital gatekeeper. It uses passwords, biometrics, or other ways to check a user or device’s identity. This important process makes sure someone is who they say they are before letting them into the system’s resources.
Access Control
Access control protects against unauthorized access, data breaches, and misuse of resources in an operating system. It works like a vigilant digital gatekeeper, carefully screening requests and only granting access based on predefined rules.
This important part of an operating system regulates who can access confidential data, applications, and resources. It makes sure only approved users and devices can access specific parts of the system. This prevents theft and unauthorized usage.
Encryption
Encryption protects sensitive data on an operating system. It uses a robust encryption algorithm to keep information safe. Encryption guards data that is just sitting in storage. It also scrambles data that is being sent into or out of the system. In both cases, it acts like a shield to stop unauthorized access to private information.
Account and User Management
Account management handles creating, deleting, and setting permissions for users in an operating system. It works closely with user management for security. Together, they make sure the right users can access the right resources when needed. This keeps the system secure and organized.
Account management takes care of creating user profiles, controlling permissions, watching what users do, and disabling accounts not being used. This includes managing login methods, changing user access levels, monitoring activities, and removing unused accounts. Working together, account and user management maintain strong and efficient security.
Logging and Auditing
Logging and auditing are like watchful eyes, carefully checking activity and security events in an operating system. They keep detailed records of what happens, tracking user actions, spotting threats, and staying compliant.
It’s like the operating system keeps a journal of events. This includes users logging in and out, accessing files, and getting suspicious emails; everything that happens gets logged. The logs give useful details to review and analyze. They show what users have done in the system, catch problems early, and provide proof of compliance. So logging and auditing continuously monitor and document activity for security.
