Cyber Security
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, damage, or criminal use. It involves a comprehensive set of technologies, processes, and practices designed to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of digital assets.
Key Components of Cybersecurity:
Security Policies and Standards
Clear policies and standards establish rules for system access, data handling, and incident response, often aligned with frameworks like NIST or ISO/IEC 27001.
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
IAM controls who can access systems and information, using methods such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), and privileged access management (PAM).
Network Security
Protects the organization's networks through firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), virtual private networks (VPNs), and network segmentation.
Endpoint Security
Secures devices like laptops, smartphones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices with antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and mobile device management (MDM).
Application Security
Ensures software applications are secure through practices like secure coding, regular vulnerability scanning, and patch management.
Data Security
Protects sensitive data with encryption, masking, secure storage, and integrity checks to maintain confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access.
Physical Security
Involves physical protections such as biometric controls and surveillance to secure hardware and infrastructure.
Incident Response and Monitoring
Detects, responds to, and recovers from security incidents to minimize damage.
Cybersecurity Frameworks and Architectures:
Zero Trust Architecture: Assumes no one is automatically trusted—verification is required for every user or device trying to access resources.
Defense in Depth: Uses multiple layers of security controls so that if one layer fails, others continue to protect assets.
Layered Security and Micro-Segmentation: Segments the network and applies specific security measures at different layers to limit attack spread.
Objectives of Cybersecurity:
Protect IT infrastructure, data, and digital assets.
Prevent unauthorized access and cyberattacks.
Ensure authorized users have secure access.
Maintain data confidentiality, integrity, and availability (the CIA triad).
Cybersecurity is essential in today's digital world to protect against increasing cyber threats, safeguard sensitive information, and ensure operational continuity in organizations and personal usage alike