Cyber Security

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.

Organizations transmit sensitive data across networks and to other devices in the course of doing businesses, and cyber security describes the discipline dedicated to protecting that information and the systems used to process or store it.

Cyber security is important because government, military, corporate, financial, and medical organizations collect, process, and store unprecedented amounts of data on computers and other devices. A significant portion of that data can be sensitive information, whether that be intellectual property, financial data, personal information, or other types of data for which unauthorized access or exposure could have negative consequences.

As the volume and sophistication of cyber-attacks grow, companies and organizations, especially those that are tasked with safeguarding information relating to national security, health, or financial records, need to take steps to protect their sensitive business and personnel information.

Cyber Security can be categorize as follows:

·         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.

 

Cyber Threat

The threat is defined as a possibility. However, in the cyber security community, the threat is more closely identified with the actor or adversary attempting to gain access to a system. Or a threat might be identified by the damage being done, what is being stolen or the Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP) being used.

The global cyber threat continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with a rising number of data breaches each year. A report by Risk Based Security revealed that a shocking 7.9 billion records have been exposed by data breaches in the first nine months of 2019 alone. This figure is more than double (112%) the number of records exposed in the same period in 2018.

With the scale of the cyber threat set to continue to rise, the International Data Corporation predicts that worldwide spending on cyber-security solutions will reach a massive $133.7 billion by 2022. Governments across the globe have responded to the rising cyber threat with guidance to help organizations implement effective cyber-security practices.

Types of Cyber Threats:

The top five most common cyber threats are:

a)    1. Social Engineered Trojans

b)    2. Unpatched Software (such as Java, Adobe Reader, Flash)

c)     3. Phishing

d)    4. Network traveling worms

e)     5. Advanced Persistent Threats

Cyber threats typically consist of one or more of the following types of attacks:

1)     Advanced Persistent Threats

2)    Phishing

3)    Trojans

4)    Botnets

5)    Ransomware

6)    Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)

7)    Wiper Attacks

8)    Intellectual Property Theft

9)    Theft of Money

1    Data Manipulation

11   Data Destruction

12  Spyware/Malware

13  Man in the Middle (MITM)

14  Drive-By Downloads

15  Malvertising

16  Rogue Software

17  Unpatched Software

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. Cyber terrorism 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:

1.     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.

·        Ransom ware: 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.

 

2.    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 database via a malicious SQL statement. This gives them access to the sensitive information contained in the database.

 

3.    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.

 

4.     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 Wi-Fi network, an attacker could intercept data being passed from the victim’s device and the network.

 

5.    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.

 

v      Cyber safety tips - protect yourself against cyber attacks

 How can businesses and individuals guard against cyber threats? Here are our top cyber safety tips:

1.      Update your software and operating system: This means you benefit from the latest security patches.

2.     Use anti-virus software: Security solutions like Kaspersky Total Security will detect and removes threats. Keep your software updated for the best level of protection.

3.     Use strong passwords: Ensure your passwords are not easily guessable.

4.     Do not open email attachments from unknown senders: These could be infected with malware.

5.     Do not click on links in emails from unknown senders or unfamiliar websites. This is a common way that malware is spread.

6.     Avoid using unsecure Wi-Fi networks in public places: Unsecure networks leave you vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. 

*    How to Prevent Cyber Threats

The best defense for cyber threats for businesses are often simple matters but make all of the difference when they are promptly and correctly deployed. One common defense system is “patching” a system, a fix for an identified digital security flaw in a product, service, platform or system.

There are many technologies and security services arriving on the market that can help companies and individuals combat cyber threats, including:

ü       Secure browsing and anti-phishing point solutions

ü       Systems that foster security team collaborations

ü       Tools that simulate continual attack scenarios

ü       Security service outsourcing

ü       For individuals, there are a few things that they can do to protect their sensitive data:

o        Create sufficiently complex passwords and change them regularly

o        Double-check emails that ask you sensitive information or request that you open an       attached document.

o        Use anti-virus software to automatically protect your system from cyber threats.