Contact us anytime to know more — Amit A., Founder & COO CISIN
A good cybersecurity program involves a multi-layered approach to protecting the data, programs, systems, networks and devices of an organization.
Combining technology with best practices is the most effective way to combat cyberspace's ever-growing and evolving threats.
This includes phishing attacks, malware, ransomware and code injections. The impact can be different depending on how large the attack is.
Cyber attacks can result in an attacker taking credit card information and making purchases without the owner's permission or wiping out an organization's entire codebase after injecting malicious software. Even the most advanced cybersecurity cannot protect against all types of attacks. Still, it can minimize their impact and risks.
Types of Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity can be divided into subcategories. We'll go over five types of cybersecurity.
Application Security
AppSec is the process of adding and testing new security features to web applications for them to be protected against attack.
Security flaws and vulnerabilities can lead to malicious code, data leakage, or system compromise.
AppSec, or application security, is one of the most important forms of cybersecurity. This is because the application layer has the greatest vulnerability.
Imperva's research shows that nearly half the data breaches in the last few years have originated at the application layer.
Cloud Security
Cloud security is relatively new in the world of cybersecurity. Cloud security is the act of protecting the computing environment, applications and data in the cloud.
Cloud providers have implemented security features and protocols to protect third-party data, applications and services hosted on their servers.
However, clients must also be responsible for configuring their cloud service correctly and using it safely.
Critical Infrastructure Security
The practice of critical infrastructure security involves protecting the vital infrastructures of a nation or region.
The infrastructure comprises both cyber and physical networks, systems and assets which provide public safety and health, as well as economic and physical security. Consider the electricity grid in a particular region, as well as hospitals, traffic signals, and water systems.
Many of these infrastructures are digital or rely on the internet to some extent. Cyber attacks are a threat to this infrastructure, so it must be protected.
Internet of Things Security
Internet of Things (IoT) security is the protection of virtually all devices that can connect to the Internet and communicate with the Network without human intervention.
It includes printers, baby monitors and security cameras, as well as networks that they are connected to. IoT devices can be used to steal identities from people. They store and collect personal data such as a person’s age, location and even health information.
Network Security
Protecting computer networks from external and internal threats is network security. Firewalls, virtual networks and two-factor authentication can be used to control access and identity.
Network security can be divided into three main categories: technical, administrative, and physical. These three types of security are designed to ensure that only authorized people can access network components and data stored or transmitted by the network and its infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Terms You Should Know
The topic of cyber security is intimidating, just like cryptocurrency or artificial intelligence. This topic can be difficult to grasp and sounds ominous.
Fear not. This topic is broken down into bite-sized pieces so you can build your security strategy. This handy glossary is available to you by bookmarking this page.
Authentication
The process of authentication is to verify who you are. Passwords verify that the username belongs to the rightful owner.
The fact that you look like yourself when you present your ID card (e.g. driver's license, passport, etc.) is proof that you are the person whose name, address, and age appear on it. We will discuss two-factor identification, which is used by many organizations.
Backup
Backups are the act of moving important information to a safe location, such as a cloud-based storage system or external hard drive.
In the event of a system crash or cyberattack, backups allow you to restore your systems to their original state.
Behaviour Monitoring
The process of behavior monitoring involves observing users' and devices' activities in order to identify potential security incidents before they happen.
Not only must activities be observed, but they also need to be compared with baselines for normal behavior and trends as well as organizational rules and policies.
You might, for example, monitor when users log in and log out, whether they ask to access sensitive assets and which websites they visit.
Say a user attempts to log into the system at an odd time, like in the middle of the night. You could then identify this as an unusual event and investigate it to determine if there is a security threat. If you are suspicious, you can block the login attempt.
Bot
Bot, or robot as it is also known, refers to an application, script, or program that performs repetitive and automated tasks.
Bots can be used for legitimate reasons, such as chatbots which answer frequently asked questions. Some bots are malicious, such as those that send spam or conduct DDoS attacks. It is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between bots, human users and malicious bots as bots get more advanced.
Bots are a growing threat to many people and organizations.
CIA Triad
It is a model which can be used for developing or evaluating cybersecurity policies and systems in an organization.
The CIA triad is a model that can be used to develop or evaluate an organization's cybersecurity services and policies. This model is used to ensure that data remains secure and accurate throughout its entire lifecycle and can still be accessed when necessary by authorized users despite software errors, human errors and other threats.
Data Breach
Data breaches are when hackers gain unauthorized access or entry to data belonging to an organization or individual.
Digital Certificate
Digital certificates, or identity certificates, are a form of password used for securely exchanging data on the Internet.
A digital certificate is a file that's embedded into a piece of equipment or a device. It provides authentication for data sent and received by the device.
Encryption
The practice of encryption is to use codes and ciphers to encode data. A computer will use a secret key to convert data into gibberish when it is encrypted.
The data can only be decrypted by a receiver with the right key. An attacker who has access to the data but does not have the key will be unable to view the original version.
HTTP and HTTPS
Hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) is the way web browsers can communicate. Websites will likely have an https://or https:// before them.
HTTPS and HTTP are identical, but HTTPS encrypts data between the user and web server. Nearly all sites use HTTPS today to protect your data, like the free SSL offered by CMS Hub.
Vulnerability
Hackers may exploit a vulnerability to launch a cyber-attack. A vulnerability could be caused by software bugs, which need to be fixed or password reset processes that are triggered unintentionally.
The defensive cybersecurity measures we'll discuss later help protect data by placing layers of security between the attacker and what they are trying to access or do.
Types of Cyber Attacks
Cyber attacks are malicious and deliberate attempts to steal, alter, or delete private information. External security hackers can commit cyber attacks, and sometimes unintentionally, by users or employees who have been compromised.
Cyber attacks can be committed for many reasons. Some cyber attacks are launched to get ransom money, and others are just for fun.
1. Password Guessing Attack
An attacker who repeatedly tries to guess passwords and usernames is known as a "credential stuffing" attack. This attack uses known password and username combinations that have been used in previous data breaches.
When people have weak passwords or use them across different platforms (e.g. when you use your Facebook password on Twitter, etc.), an attacker can be successful.
You can protect yourself by using strong passwords, avoiding the use of the same password across multiple sites and using two-factor authentication.
2. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS), Attack
DDoS attacks are when hackers flood a system or network with messages, web requests or other activity to cripple it.
This is usually done by using Botnets. These are groups of devices connected to the internet (e.g. laptops, lights, consoles, and servers) that have been infected with viruses.
Hackers can use these botnets for a variety of different attacks.
3. Malware Attack
All malicious software is malware. Hackers use it to invade computers, networks and steal sensitive data. Malware includes:
- Keyloggers: Track all the information a user types into their keyboard. Keyloggers capture private data, including passwords and social security numbers.
- Ransomware: Encrypts and locks data, forcing the user to pay ransom to unlock it and gain access.
- Spyware: Monitors user activities and "spies" on behalf of hackers.
Malware can also be distributed via:
- Trojan Horses: Infect computer systems through an entry point that appears benign and is often disguised by a legitimate software application.
- Viruses: Can corrupt, delete, alter, or modify data and, at times, physically damage computers. The virus can be spread between computers, even when it is unintentionally downloaded by a compromised user.
- Worms: Are designed to replicate themselves and spread autonomously through any connected computer that is susceptible to similar vulnerabilities.
4. Phishing Attack
Hackers try to fool people by tricking them into performing a certain action. The scams are delivered via a download, message, or link that appears to be legitimate.
Cyber attacks are very common. In a survey conducted by a third party, 57% of respondents said that their company had experienced a successful attack of phishing in 2023.
This is up from 65% in 2024. The impact of a successful phishing attack can range from data loss to financial losses.
It's called spoofing. Phishing usually occurs via email or through fake websites. Spear phishing is when hackers target a specific person or business, for example, to steal their identity.
5. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack
Man-in-the-Middle attacks occur when a hacker intercepts communication or transaction between two parties and then inserts himself in the middle.
An attacker may intercept, manipulate and steal data before the information reaches its intended destination. Say, for example, a visitor uses a public WiFi network that is not secured at all or properly.
This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to insert himself between the device of the visitor and the network to steal login credentials and payment card details.
The "man in middle" cyber-attack is successful because the victim is unaware that the attacker is present. They think they are browsing the internet, logging into the bank application, etc.
6. Cross-Site Scripting Attack
Cross-site scripting (or XSS) is an attack where an attacker injects malicious codes into a website or an application that would otherwise be legitimate in order for the malicious code to run in another web user's browser.
This is because the browser believes that the source of the code is to be trusted. It will then execute it and send information back to the attacker.
The information could be a cookie or session token, login credentials or any other data.
7. SQL Injection Attack
SQL Injection Attacks occur when a malicious code is submitted through a form, search box or another unprotected area to allow the attacker to access and manipulate the database of the site.
An attacker could use SQL (Structured Query Language) to create new accounts, edit data, or add unauthorized content. It is common for WordPress to have security issues since SQL is used as the database language.
Read More: Why Cybersecurity is Important for eCommerce Business
Cybersecurity Best Practices: How To Secure Your Data
It's impossible to reduce cybersecurity into just a few steps. Data security requires a combination of defensive and offensive cybersecurity methods.
The best way to protect your data and that of your clients is to dedicate time and resources.
Defensive Cybersecurity Solutions
Businesses should consider investing in cybersecurity prevention solutions. Adopting the right cybersecurity practices and implementing these systems will help protect your computer and network from external threats.
List of 5 defensive cyber security systems and software that will help you prevent cyber-attacks and all the headaches that follow.
Combine these options to ensure that you cover your digital bases.
Antivirus Software
The digital equivalent of taking vitamin C during the flu season is antivirus software. This is a proactive measure to monitor for bugs.
Antivirus software detects viruses and eliminates them on your computer, just like Vitamin C, when bad stuff enters your immune system. Antivirus software alerts users to web pages or software that may be unsafe.
Firewall
It is like a wall of digital protection that prevents malicious software and users from entering your computer. A firewall is a digital wall that uses filters to assess the legitimacy and safety of all requests for access.
It's sort of like an invisible judge between you and your internet. Both software and hardware firewalls exist.
Investing in Threat Detection and Prevention
It's important to use a scanner and detection tool, whether you are using the CMS Hub platform or another common hosting service such as WordPress.
The majority of content management platforms will have a feature that scans for malware and detects threats. If you are using platforms such as WordPress, then you need to invest in security scanning software.
SSO (Single Sign-on)
SSO is a central authentication service that allows users to log in once and access multiple accounts or software.
SSO is what you use when you sign in or register for an account using your Google account. SSO is used by corporations and enterprises to give employees access to applications that contain confidential data.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
The two-factor authentication (or 2FA) process is used for logging in using a username or a PIN, as well as account access, which can be an email, phone, or security program.
2FA is more secure because it requires the user to verify their identity by using both.
Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
Virtual private networks (VPNs) are a way to protect your data from hackers and malicious software. This tunnel protects and encrypts data, so it cannot be accessed (or monitored) by malicious software or hackers.
Secure VPNs can protect your computer from spyware. Still, they cannot prevent viruses from entering through channels that appear legitimate, such as phishing or even fake VPN links.
VPNs are best used in conjunction with other cybersecurity defensive measures to ensure your data is protected.
Cybersecurity Tips for Business
It would help if you took action to make defensive cybersecurity work. Adopt these cybersecurity practices across your company to protect your data and that of your customers.
Require Strong Credentials
You can require your users and employees (if you have them) to use strong passwords. You can do this by setting a minimum number of characters and requiring upper- and lowercase alphabets, numbers and symbols.
It is harder for bots and individuals to guess more complex passwords. Passwords should be regularly changed.
Monitor And Control Employee Activity
Only allow authorized employees to access important information within your company. They need this data for their jobs.
Data sharing with outside organizations should be prohibited. External software must have permission to download. Encourage employees to secure their accounts and computers when not in use.
Be Aware Of Your Networks
IoT devices have been popping up everywhere on corporate networks. The devices that aren't under the management of a company can pose a risk because they run unsecure software and can be hacked.
Regularly Download Patches And Updates
Updates are released by software vendors regularly to address vulnerabilities. Update your software regularly to keep it safe.
Configure your software so that it updates automatically, and you will never have to worry about forgetting.
Employees Should Be Able To Easily Escalate Problems
You want to be notified immediately if your employee encounters a compromised website or phishing email. Create a way to receive these reports from your employees.
You can do this by creating an email address for these alerts or a simple form.
Cybersecurity Tips For Individuals
You, as an internet user and consumer, can be affected by cyber threats. Use these tips to avoid cyber-attacks and protect your data.
Passwords Should Be Mixed Up
The digital equivalent of leaving an extra key on your doormat is using the same password across all of your accounts.
Recent research found that more than 80% of all data breaches are the result of stolen or weak passwords. If a software or business account does not require a password, choose one with a combination of numbers, letters and symbols.
Change it frequently.
Check Your Credit And Bank Accounts Frequently
Regularly review your credit report, statements and any other important data and alert anyone who suspects anything.
Likewise, you should only give out your social security numbers when it is absolutely necessary.
Online Intentionality
Watch out for emails that look like phishing or downloads which are not legitimate. Look for links or websites that look fishy.
Most likely are. Check for poor spelling, grammar and URLs that are suspicious, as well as mismatched emails. Download antivirus software and other security tools to be alerted of known and potential malware sources.
Regularly Back Up Your Data
Both businesses and consumers can benefit from this habit. Data is at risk for both. Backups can be made on the cloud as well as physical media, like a thumb drive or hard drive.
Top 5 Cybersecurity Trends For 2023
Cyberattacks become more complex as technology improves. Cybercrime has increased due to the use of technology by people in their daily life.
This is evident from the fact that 94% of data breaches were caused by cyberattacks in the first quarter of 2023. To combat the threats that can have a significant impact on business, it is important to stay up-to-date with cybersecurity trends and laws.
1. Application Security
Statista estimates that application security expenditures will exceed $7.5 billion as businesses shift online to survive the pandemic.
Nevertheless, any application could be vulnerable to identity theft, hacking and zero-day attacks. To ensure application security, professionals must write secure code, design secure architectures, use robust data entry validation, and fix vulnerabilities quickly to avoid unauthorized access and modification of resources.
2. Cloud Security
Statista's data shows that cloud security will grow at the fastest rate in the IT Security market. The projected growth is 27% between 2022 and 2023.
The COVID-19 epidemic has led to a surge in demand for cloud-based solutions. Cloud data storage is becoming more popular among companies due to its ease of use and accessibility. However, it's also important to protect cloud data both during transmission and storage in order to avoid unauthorized access.
3. Mobile Security
Our trips to banks, shops, and even outings with our friends have been replaced by the mobile phone. We can now order products and services without ever leaving our couches.
Each app saves our search history, order information, and even location data. As the number of cyber-attacks in this industry continues to increase, malicious actors will take advantage of simple vulnerabilities in online banking, ecommerce and booking services.
4. IoT
By 2025, the number of "smart homes" will be 1.8 billion. This is due to home automation through IoT. Voice assistants, smart devices and homes are now a part of our everyday lives.
We must remember, however, that any of these devices can be compromised and taken over.
As an example, the hacking of automotive systems has increased. Safety airbags and climate controls, among other functions, are becoming increasingly linked to the Internet.
The number of automated cars on the road in 2023 is likely to increase, and so will the attempts at hacking them or listening in on their conversations.
5. Attacks On Corporate Networks And Remote Work
The company's control over the safe usage of employee data has been weakened by remote work. Cybercriminals have exploited this vulnerability, as well as those who use phishing or social engineering.
They are using more sophisticated methods of attack to compromise networks.
This sector is primarily protected by secure authentication management and authorized access to company data. Social engineering, as mentioned earlier, is a constant and evolving threat.
In recent years, phishing attacks have been multi-channel. This means that the user is not only targeted via a phishing email but also through social media and SMS.
Conclusion
The latest technological and business developments have been used to discuss cybersecurity trends. These trends will help you assess your risk for attacks, create a plan to protect yourself and implement it.
