Cyber Security - Definition, Types, and User Protection

Published - 2022-06-30

Introduction to Cyber Security

Cyber security is a technique for preventing harmful assaults on computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data. It's also known as information technology security or electronic information security. The phrase can be classified into numerous classes and is used in a number of applications, ranging from corporate to mobile computing.

The practice of defending a computer network from intruders, whether they be targeted attackers or opportunistic malware, is known as network security.

The very essence and use of cyber security are to protect the user’s devices. A hacked application could expose the data it was designed to protect. Long before software or gadget is implemented, security begins in the design process. Even student e-commerce projects are popular.

Application security's goal is to keep software and devices safe. A hacked application could expose the data it was designed to protect. Security starts long before a piece of software or a device is put into use. Even e-commerce projects for students are focused on the application of the software that is user-friendly and creates better experiences.

Data Privacy

Data privacy is protected by information security during storage and transmission. This umbrella encompasses the protocols that regulate how and where data may be stored or shared, as well as the permissions that users have when accessing a network.

Disaster recovery and business continuity are terms that describe how a company reacts in the case of a cyber-security breach or another disaster that disrupts operations or data. Incident recovery policies describe how the company restores operations and information so that activities can restart at the same level as before the disaster. The plan that a company develops to ensure business continuity is known as business continuity planning.

The most unpredictable part of cyber-security is humans, thus end-user education focuses on them. By neglecting to take proper security steps, anyone can unintentionally introduce a virus into an otherwise protected system. Every organization's security depends on users learning to discard suspicious email attachments, not plug in unknown USB drives, and a variety of other important security skills.

This software or application security is to keep software and devices secure. A hacked application could expose the data it was designed to protect. Security starts long before a piece of software or a device is put into use. Even student e-commerce initiatives are centred on the usage of software that is user-friendly and provides better experiences.

Different types of cyber-threats

Cyber-security counters three types of threats:

Individuals or groups who attack systems for monetary gain or to create disruption are referred to as cybercriminals.
Information gathering for political purposes is widespread in cyber-attacks.
The purpose of cyberterrorism is to instil fear or panic in people by causing electronic systems to malfunction.

So, how do criminals gain access to computer networks? Some of the most common ways that cyber-security is endangered are as follows:

Malware

Malware is a name that’s given to malicious software. This software is specially created by a hacker or a cybercriminal to damage or disrupt the user’s computer. One of the most popular cyber threats is phishing. Malware, which is typically distributed as an unsolicited email attachment or a legitimate-looking download, can be used by cybercriminals to steal money or to carry out politically motivated cyber-attacks.

Malware comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes, including the following:

- Trojan horses are malicious programs that pretend to be legal software. Users are tricked into installing Trojans on their systems, which then cause damage or collect information.

- Spyware is a type of software that secretly records a user's actions in order for hackers to profit. Credit card numbers, for example, could be tracked by spyware.

- Ransomware is a type of virus that encrypts and threatens to remove a user's files and data unless a ransom is paid.

- Adware is an advertising program that can be used to spread malware.

- Botnets are malware-infected computer networks that hackers use to do online operations without the user's permission.

SQL injection is a type of attack

SQL injection is a type of cyber-attack that allows a hacker to take control of a database and steal information from it. By introducing malicious code into a database using a fraudulent SQL query, cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in data-driven systems. They have access to the database's sensitive information as a result of this.

Phishing

Phishing occurs when fraudsters send emails that appear to be from a trustworthy company and ask for sensitive information. Consumers are frequently duped into providing sensitive information such as credit card numbers and passwords through phishing attempts.

A man-in-the-middle attack

A man-in-the-middle attack is a type of cyber-threat in which a hacker intercepts communication between two parties in order to collect data. An attacker could, for example, intercept data flowing between the victim's device and the network via an insecure WiFi network.

A denial-of-service (DoS) assault is a sort of cyber-attack in which thieves overload a computer system's networks and servers with traffic, preventing legitimate requests from being fulfilled. This renders the system inoperable.

End-user protection

Endpoint security is a pretty crucial aspect of cyber security. After all, it's fairly uncommon for an individual (the end-user) to unwittingly download malware or another form of cyber threat to their computer, laptop, or smartphone.

So, how might cyber-security measures benefit end-users and systems? To begin, cryptographic algorithms encrypt emails, files, and other sensitive data. This safeguards data not only during transmission but also against loss or theft.

Furthermore, end-user security software analyses computers for dangerous malware quarantine them and then deletes it from the system. Security software may even identify and erase dangerous malware stored in the Master Boot Record (MBR), as well as encrypt or wipe data from a computer's hard drive.

Electronic security processes also place a premium on real-time malware detection. Many individuals use heuristic and behavioral analysis to monitor the behavior of a program and its code in order to combat viruses or Trojans that change their structure with each run (polymorphic and metamorphic malware). Security tools can isolate potentially hazardous apps in a virtual bubble away from the user's network to evaluate their activities and learn how to better detect new infections.

Security programs continue to evolve new defences as cyber-security experts discover new threats and techniques to combat them. To get the most out of end-user security software, employees must be instructed on how to use it. Importantly, keeping it current and functional ensures that it can protect consumers.

Protect yourself against attacks with these cyber safety advice

How can businesses and individuals safeguard themselves against cyber threats? Our artificial intelligence has progressed in leaps and bounds over the years, so here are some of our top cyber-security tips:

Update your operating system and software: This ensures that you have the most recent security updates.
Use anti-virus software: Anti-virus software can detect and eliminate threats, such as Kaspersky Total Security. Keep your software up to date for the maximum level of security.
Use complex passwords: Make sure your passwords are hard to guess.
Email attachments from unknown senders should never be opened since they may contain viruses.
Don't click on links in emails from unfamiliar senders or on unfamiliar websites: Clicking on links in emails is a common way for malware to spread.

We hope that these tips and the above-mentioned information on cyber security come to your aid and help you rescue yourself even before it is required.