What is Cyber Security? – Definition, Types, Importance, & More

Cyber security is defending computers, electronic systems, mobile devices, data, servers, and networks from malicious attacks. It refers to safeguarding the organization and its assets against cyber threats. The cybersecurity market is growing fast. In 2023, the revenue was $173 billion and is expected to rise to $266 billion in 2027. This is because of growing digitalization, increased number of breaches, advanced threats, etc. 

Since cybersecurity is gaining a lot of traction, it has become a crucial part of every organization. In this blog, we will learn what is cyber security, its importance, its different types, and more. 

Cyber Security Definition

Cyber security definition is that it is a technique of protecting the computer system, communication devices, data centers, networks, etc., from malicious attacks. In these modern times, it is vital to have efficient security measures to be secure from cyberattacks. There are different types of cyber threats, such as malware, ransomware, SQL injection, etc. 

Cybersecurity revolves around privacy, integrity, confidentiality, and availability based on industry standards. The simple definition of privacy is that only the authorized party can access the data. Integrity means that only the authorized party can alter, remove, or add information to the data. Availability means that the data, functions, and system are accessible at all times by predetermined guidelines.

Importance of Cyber Security

Cybersecurity helps protect users, businesses, and organizations from cyber-attacks. Millions of people share their vulnerable information over the internet. In case of a security breach, this confidential information can get exposed. Cyber security provides security from all these online threats and scams. It not only protects sensitive information but also develops a shield against cyber criminals, which makes it an important tool for everyone who has to work online. 

Additionally, cyber security makes users more reliable about the time that they spend online. The extensive features that account for better protection of data and sensitive information make cyber security the most helpful tool to work with. Therefore, it is a necessity in today’s age of technology.

Types of Cyber Security

Cybersecurity is an umbrella term for IT security. It has several types, like:

1. Network Security

Network security solutions help in blocking cyber attacks. These network solutions consist of access and data controls such as network access control, identity access management, data loss prevention, etc., to ensure safe web use policies. There are advanced network protection technologies too, such as Sandboxing, Next-gen antivirus, etc.

2. Endpoint Security

Endpoint security is an additional layer that ensures breaches do not exploit the endpoints’ user devices. It includes protecting desktops, mobile devices, laptops, and the cloud or the network. With the help of endpoint security, businesses can ensure that their devices remain secure from phishing and ransomware attacks.

3. Cloud Security

One of the top concerns for any business is to secure its cloud computing. It is because most businesses are adopting cloud computing nowadays. Cloud security helps businesses protect their cloud services, such as infrastructure, data, applications, etc.

4. Application Security

Application security aims to keep devices and software free of cyber threats. If any application is compromised, the data it contains becomes easily accessible.

5. IoT Security

The cyber threat targets a vulnerability in the devices connected to the internet. The Internet of Things protects the devices as it classifies and discovers the connected devices and controls the network activities with the help of IPS. It also helps in exposing the threat.

6. Mobile Security

Smartphones, tablets, etc., also have a significant threat to cyberattacks. Mobile security ensures that the operating systems are secured from these attacks. It also provides extra security as it ensures that only compliant devices can have access to the company assets.

Also Read: Benefits Of Cyber Security

Evolution of Cyber Security Threats

Cyber attacks started in the early 1970s when Bob Thomas created “Creeper,” the first computer virus. His colleague Ray Tomlinson developed a countering program called “Reaper” that could duplicate itself and erase Creeper. 

Robert Morris in 1989 created the Morris worm. This was the first-ever denial-of-service (DoS) attack. This virus would infect the same computer over and over again until it finally crashes. This prompted institutions like CERT to come into existence as well as begin what is now known as America’s Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). 

The 1990s (the Virus Era) saw a surge in cyberattacks, with viruses such as I LOVE YOU and Melissa causing millions of computers to be compromised. These attacks resulted in significant financial losses for companies whose email systems crashed.

Types of Attacks in Cyber Security

Cyberattacks are becoming frequent, so knowing about the types of cyber attacks is crucial. To learn more about cyber security and cyber attacks, you can opt for a comprehensive ethical hacking course. Given below are some of the common cyberattack threats.

1. Malware

Software designed mainly to cause damage is known as malware. It is also referred to as a virus. Whenever a user opens an affected attachment or clicks on the wrong link, it can cause harm. Malware spreads via Trojans or viruses. The virus consists of a computer code. When this code is placed on a file, it replicates itself onto the operating system. When the virus finds a program that it can easily control, it forces the program to perform malicious activity against the system.

On the other hand, Trojans are standard tools used by hackers. These are hidden in the downloadable files. They cannot replicate themselves until the user launches them first. Once they are launched, they quickly spread throughout the system.

2. Ransomware

Ransomware is malware that uses encryption to get hold of the users’ information. The hackers encrypt the organizations’ or users’ critical data so that the users cannot access the database, files, etc. A ransom is then demanded to get the access back.

3. Phishing Attacks

Hackers try to lure users by stealing confidential and vital information such as card details, passwords, etc. Phishers frequently pose as insurance agents, bank employees, etc. They ask the user to click on a link that uses fraudulent information. A common example of phishing attacks is fraudulent links in emails.

4. SQL Injection

SQL injection is the type of cyber attack that occurs when a malicious code is inserted into the server. When the server gets infected, it releases the information.

5. DDoS Attack

In a DDoS or distributed denial of service attack, the hacker floods the system or the network with several activities, such as web traffic, requests, or messages. They use botnets to paralyze the system, which is a group of internet-connected devices infected by viruses. 

6. XSS Attack

An XSS attack is also known as a cross-site scripting attack. It occurs when the hacker inserts code into an application or a legitimate website to run that code into another user’s web browser. The browser thinks the code is from a trusted source and immediately executes it. This way, the cyber attacker gets the information, which could be anything from personal data, cookies, login details, etc.

7. Social Engineering

Social engineering revolves around fraudulent human interaction. In this situation, people lie and manipulate others into giving their personal information.

Now that we know the variety of attacks that take place in our systems. Let’s discuss more about cyber security by learning its importance in the industry.

Obstacles in CyberSecurity

The cybersecurity field faces numerous obstacles due to the ever-changing landscape of technology, increasingly refined cyberattacks, and the interconnected digital environment. Listed below are some of the main obstacles.

1. Reduced Cybersecurity Budget

During a recession, some companies may need to save money by reducing their spending. This could include cutting back on cybersecurity measures, which can lead to severe consequences. Hackers and other cyber criminals might find it easier to access company information without proper protection in place. 

2. Inadequately Skilled Cybersecurity Staff

The lack of skilled professionals in cybersecurity is a real concern as it makes computer systems more vulnerable to malicious attacks. Despite an influx of people joining the field, there still isn’t enough talent available. Furthermore, when companies experience budget shortfalls, they often have no choice but to reduce staff and let go of skilled workers which adversely compounds this issue further.

3. Working From Home

Working from home poses an increased risk to security as people may accidentally make mistakes that could allow hackers to gain access to devices or company data. This may occur if sufficient attention is not given to cyber safety and security protocols, or if there is a lack of understanding about how cybersecurity works.

4.  Use of 5G Technology

The introduction of 5G technology creates a difficult problem for cybersecurity. The unique features present in this network make it hard to protect data and information effectively. As people and businesses transition to using 5G, they may have difficulty fully comprehending the potential security issues associated with it.

5. Ransomware

Ransomware acts like a digital kidnapper, seizing control of computer files and demanding payment for their release. It is an obstacle to cybersecurity because it constantly changes and evolves, meaning old tactics used to protect data no longer work. Cybercriminals use new methods for obtaining ransom payments from victims, creating an ever-changing environment that security professionals must continue monitoring in order to stay ahead.

Cyber Security Using Automation – Security Tips

Security automation is the use of a program to automatically detect, investigate, and solve cyber threats without human involvement. It recognizes threats that might affect an organization’s security system, categorizes them according to their severity level, and responds in order of priority. This helps simplify monitoring for security teams by reducing the number of alerts they handle daily. 

Here are some of the best tips and practices for effective cybersecurity automation.

Prioritize Goals

Organizational goals should be taken into account when determining which security events to prioritize for automation. Begin by considering the frequency at which events occur and how long they take to investigate and resolve, then define use cases that will help determine the automated solutions that can make an impact in meeting those objectives.

Have a Clear Strategy

IT and security leaders must ensure that their technology investments match the organization’s larger IT and security goals. These objectives should be carefully identified. Every business strategy is distinct due to factors, such as industry type, location, size of assets, previous events that have taken place, etc., which in turn dictates the level of risk faced by an organization.

Begin the Automation Process Gradually

After determining which security tasks can be automated, do not automate all of them immediately. Start by selecting areas for automation that would have a high likelihood of success and provide value quickly. Progressively introducing small-scale automation allows you to gauge how successful they are and make adjustments as needed.

Create Playbooks to Guarantee Consistency

Organizations must create clear guidelines and procedures in order to automate any task. These playbooks should contain all relevant info, steps, and contingencies connected with the activity so that security policies are always enforced consistently. This is critical for a consistent application of these protocols.

Difference Between Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking

Cybersecurity and ethical hacking both involve computer security, but they are not the same. The following table shows how these two concepts differ from one another in the field of information technology and computing.

Cyber Security	Ethical Hacking
It involves safeguarding data and the system from malicious activities by finding and solving any security issues.	It is the process of discovering weaknesses in a system so that they can be reported to its owner for resolution.
It is concerned with safeguarding a system from potential threats.	It concentrates on how to attack a system.
It encompasses a range of protective measures designed to safeguard against cyber threats.	It is a component of the field of cyber security.
It is responsible for creating logins and assigning permissions to users of the system.	It is responsible for providing an explanation of how the hack was carried out.
It detects potential problems and safeguards the system from security breaches.	Penetration testing is used to exploit weaknesses and identify areas of vulnerability.
It is monitored on a regular basis to ensure the security system stays up-to-date.	Testing of the system is conducted on a regular basis to identify any existing issues and address them.

Conclusion

We hope by now you have understood what is cyber security, cyber security definition, its types, and its importance. It is one of the growing industries today and that is why a career in cybersecurity is a big opportunity. Many beginners and professionals with computer science backgrounds can benefit. Getting a certificate from a recognized platform or institution can also lead to a promising career in cyber security.