WHAT IS IS CYBER SECURITY
Computer security, cybersecurity, or information technology security is the protection of computer systems and networks from information disclosure, theft of or damage to their hardware, software, or electronic data, as well as from the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide
Cyber security is the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious 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.
· Network security is the practice of securing a computer network from intruders, whether targeted attackers or opportunistic malware.
· 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.
· Information security protects the integrity and privacy of data, both in storage and in transit.
· Operational security includes the processes and decisions for handling and protecting data assets. The permissions users have when accessing a network and the procedures that determine how and where data may be stored or shared all fall under this umbrella.
· Disaster recovery and business continuity define how an organization responds to a cyber-security incident or any other event that causes the loss of operations or data. Disaster recovery policies dictate how the organization restores its operations and information to return to the same operating capacity as before the event. Business continuity is the plan the organization falls back on while trying to operate without certain resources.
· 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.
Types of cyber threats
The threats countered by cyber-security are three-fold:
1. Cybercrime includes single actors or groups targeting systems for financial gain or to cause disruption.
2. Cyber-attack often involves politically motivated information gathering.
3. Cyberterrorism is intended to undermine electronic systems to cause panic or fear.
So, how do malicious actors gain control of computer systems? Here are some common methods used to threaten cyber-security:
Malware
Malware means malicious software. One of the most common cyber threats, malware is software that a cybercriminal or hacker has created to disrupt or damage a legitimate user’s computer. Often spread via an unsolicited email attachment or legitimate-looking download, malware may be used by cybercriminals to make money or in politically motivated cyber-attacks.
There are a number of different types of malware, including:
· Virus: A self-replicating program that attaches itself to clean file and spreads throughout a computer system, infecting files with malicious code.
· Trojans: A type of malware that is disguised as legitimate software. Cybercriminals trick users into uploading Trojans onto their computer where they cause damage or collect data.
· Spyware: A program that secretly records what a user does, so that cybercriminals can make use of this information. For example, spyware could capture credit card details.
· Ransomware: Malware which locks down a user’s files and data, with the threat of erasing it unless a ransom is paid.
· Adware: Advertising software which can be used to spread malware.
· Botnets: Networks of malware infected computers which cybercriminals use to perform tasks online without the user’s permission.
SQL injection
An SQL (structured language query) injection is a type of cyber-attack used to take control of and steal data from a database. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in data-driven applications to insert malicious code into a databased via a malicious SQL statement. This gives them access to the sensitive information contained in the database.
Phishing
Phishing is when cybercriminals target victims with emails that appear to be from a legitimate company asking for sensitive information. Phishing attacks are often used to dupe people into handing over credit card data and other personal information.
Man-in-the-middle attack
A man-in-the-middle attack is a type of cyber threat where a cybercriminal intercepts communication between two individuals in order to steal data. For example, on an unsecure WiFi network, an attacker could intercept data being passed from the victim’s device and the network.
Denial-of-service attack
A denial-of-service attack is where cybercriminals prevent a computer system from fulfilling legitimate requests by overwhelming the networks and servers with traffic. This renders the system unusable, preventing an organization from carrying out vital functions.
The Importance of Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity’s importance is on the rise. Fundamentally, our society is more technologically reliant than ever before and there is no sign that this trend will slow. Data leaks that could result in identity theft are now publicly posted on social media accounts. Sensitive information like social security numbers, credit card information and bank account details are now stored in cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive.
The fact of the matter is whether you are an individual, small business or large multinational, you rely on computer systems every day. Pair this with the rise in cloud services, poor cloud service security, smartphones and the Internet of Things (IoT) and we have a myriad of potential security vulnerabilities that didn’t exist a few decades ago. We need to understand the difference between cyber and information security,, even though the skillsets are becoming more similar.
Governments around the world are bringing more attention to cybercrimes. GDPR is a great example. It has increased the reputational damage of data breaches by forcing all organizations that operate in the EU to:
- Communicate data breaches
- Appoint a data protection officer
- Require user consent to process information
- Anonymize data for privacy
The trend towards public disclosure is not limited to Europe. While there are no national laws overseeing data breach disclosure in the United States, there are data breach laws in all 50 states. Commonalities include:
- The requirement to notify those affect as soon as possible
- Let the government know as soon as possible
- Pay some sort of fine
California was the first state to regulate data breach disclosures in 2003, requiring persons or businesses to notify those affected “without reasonable delay” and “immediately following discovery”. Victims can sue for up to $750 and companies can be fined up to $7,500 per victim.
This has driven standards boards like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to release frameworks to help organizations understand their security risks, improve cybersecurity measures, and prevent cyber attacks.
Top 10 Cyber Security Companies In The World
The usefulness of a cybersecurity company is defined by one single factor, trust.
Cybercrime is growing in leaps and bounds every single day. Around 2,244 cyber attacks happen on the internet every day and the life cycle of an average cyberattack is 10 months. That means when a cyber breach happens, it takes around 10 months to recover from the damage caused. These figures explain the gravity of the problem, given the loss a company ought to bare for one such attack. Companies, although aware of the ramifications of negligence, hardly seek solutions on time. One question that pervades throughout the whetting process is: which company to trust and depend on. This is primarily because the utility of cyber security company is defined by one single factor, trust. If you are one such entity lost in the maze of hesitation and skepticism, we have got it sorted for you. Check out these top 10 cyber security companies you can completely depend on for uninterrupted business and peace of mind.
1. Sapphire:
It has comprehensive service products, with round-the-clock monitoring of the Security Operations Centre, custom-built for the company. Their focus is on Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), integrating threat analysis and threat intelligence so that clients can respond quickly to complex events. Sapphires’ ethical hackers can perform full pen-testing using customized tools for thorough security assessment.
2. IBM Security:
IBM Security, based in the USA, focuses on enterprise security solutions. Apart from providing big data solutions, it is also known for threat hunting and incident response. Providing compliance and preventing threats, facilitates the growth of your organization or business.
3. McAfee:
McAfee is a cloud and cyber security company located in California, that has versatile security solutions in its kitty that help safeguard clouds, endpoints, computers, and networks from malware, viruses, and other potential threats. Besides, for an enterprise, their services are compatible with security solutions in all the above-mentioned areas.
4. CyberArk:
Established in 1999, the cloud security company focuses on privileged access security to remove cyber attacks and cyber threats using insider privileges, permanently. Their goal is to protect the core of the enterprise. CyberArk provides security products such as application access manager, endpoint privilege manager, password vault, services like solutions, audits, compliance, and security and risk management.
5. Cisco:
Located in Santa Clara, Cisco specializes in network security and threat protection, domain security, energy management, and the Internet of Things. Besides, Cisco has an edge with solutions in domains such as cloud threat intelligence, threat incident response, cloud security, next-generation firewalls, advanced malware protection, and email security.
6. CA Technologies:
CA Technologies specializes in creating antivirus for distributing computing, mainframe, big data, internet of things, cloud computing, computers, and mobile devices as well as software for internet security. Out of the many advantages the company provides, enhanced endpoint security improved productivity, and flawless adaptation is outstanding. Engaging with CA Technologies implies you have 24/7 support with flexible models from an experienced team.
7. AppGuard
It is known as one of the most trusted cybersecurity companies, also featured in the Top 25 CIO Application magazine in 2018. AppGuard’s USP lies in stopping attacks at the preliminary stage, which ensures systems are safe from undetectable threats like botnets, in-memory attacks, watering holes, phishing, weaponized documents, and malware.
8. Avast:
A well-known cybersecurity solutions provider, with an increasing patent portfolio of location technologies, machine learning, artificial intelligence, malware detection, and IoT. Its CloudCare solutions are known for network and end-point security. Their antivirus software is free, though cannot detect all the malware, and offers real-time protection for end-point devices.
9. Symantec:
Located in Santa Clara, Symantec is a threat protection company that focuses on mobile, endpoint, and cloud security. It provides security against malware and advanced threats to companies of all types and sizes. It is a Fortune500 company leading in endpoint protection and securing web gateways. Their products include cybersecurity, advanced threat protection, network security, cloud security, information protection, and email security.
10. Avira:
Located in Germany, it is considered one of the best security companies in the world, with a specialization in antivirus and security software. It provides threat protection products like safe routers, password managers, antivirus software, and internet security. Their products like exchange security, system integration, antivirus service, managed email security, and antivirus for the endpoint, can secure the business to the last mile.
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