Cybersecurity: What Hackers Don’t Want You To Know

Table of Content

• What is Cybersecurity
• Major Types of Cybersecurity
• Emerging Types of Cybersecurity

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to a set of practices, technologies, and processes designed to protect digital systems, networks, programs and data from unauthorized access, cyberattacks, damage, or theft. It safeguards digital assets and ensures confidentiality and availability of information on these systems are maintained. For instance, cybercriminals might want to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information such as personal identities, financial records, or data on the proprietary business. This is done to change or destroy vital information, disrupt operations or cause confusion. Financial gain motivates a good number of these cybercriminals through the deployment of ransomware to extort money from victims, while others may have political inclination and seek to disrupt normal business processes or government operations just to make a statement or achieve certain objectives they’ve set.

2017 Equifax data breach shows the importance of cybersecurity. Cybercriminals exploited a vulnerability in a web application to gain access to personal information of victims. Nearly 148 million Americans plus 15.2 million UK citizens and 19,000 Canadian citizens had their information stolen from Equifax between May and July 2017.

This breach cost Equifax hundreds of millions of dollars in fines and settlements, damaged the company's reputation and showed the consequences of not having adequate cybersecurity measures in place.

Major Types of Cybersecurity

Network Security

Network security is the bedrock of cybersecurity infrastructure, which focuses on protecting the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of computer networks and the data transmitted across them. Companies rely heavily on network communications to execute daily operations, hence, network security serves as the first line of defense against cyber threats. This security domain involves implementing a combination of hardware and software technologies along with detailed policies and procedures to create various layers of protection against unauthorized access, misuse, and various attacks targeting the networks

Network environments of most companies are complex and often include on-premises infrastructure, cloud services, connections for remote work and mobile devices, which require high end security measures that can adapt to emerging threats while maintaining efficiency of operations. Network security professionals must as a necessity create a balance to have detailed protection, seamless user experience alongside a business that keeps on functioning.

Strategies To Deploy

Network Segmentation

It is an important strategy for network security which involves dividing a computer network into smaller, isolated segments or subnets to limit its potential damage from security breaches. For instance, a hospital might segment its network so that the system that has the patients’ records is completely separate from the guest wi-Fi network. This way, if a visitor's device becomes compromised while connected to the guest network, the attacker cannot access sensitive data of the patients.

Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems

Firewalls act as gatekeepers, monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. For instance, a firewall can be configured to block access to social media platforms during business hours while allowing access to important business applications. Intrusion detection systems continuously monitor network traffic for suspicious activities. For instance, if an employee's computer suddenly starts sending large amounts of data to an unknown external server at 3 am, the intrusion detection system would flag this as potentially malicious activity and alert the security team.

Network Access Control (NAC)

It ensures that only authorized devices and users can access network resources. A university might implement NAC to automatically quarantine any device that doesn't have an updated antivirus software, therefore, preventing it from accessing the campus network until the security requirements are met. This prevents potentially infected devices from spreading malware throughout the university's network infrastructure.

Virtual Private Networks (VPN)

This creates secure, encrypted tunnels for remote communications. When employees work from home and need to access company files, they connect through a VPN, which encrypts all data transmission between their home computer and the office network.

Wireless Security Protocols

It protects Wi-Fi networks from unauthorized access. For instance, a retail store might use WPA3 encryption on its wireless network to ensure that information about customer’s payment transmitted from mobile point-of-sale systems remains secure and cannot be intercepted by malicious actors using wi-fi sniffing tools.

2. Application Security

It consists of all measures taken to improve the security of applications by detecting, fixing, and preventing security from being vulnerable throughout the lifecycle of the application (initial design and development all through to deployment and ongoing maintenance). The increase in mobile apps, web applications, and cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions have expanded the target list of cybercriminals, making application security a top priority for companies in all industries. Cybercriminals target applications because it frequently serves as direct pathways to accessing valuable data and system resources, resulting in data theft, financial fraud, and disruption of systems.

Strategies Deployed

Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP)

This technology integrates directly into applications to provide real-time protection against attacks. For example, an e-commerce website might use RASP to automatically spot and block SQL injection attempts. If a hacker tries to manipulate the website's search function to access the customer database, RASP would identify the malicious SQL commands and prevent them from executing, while still allowing legitimate customer searches to function normally.

API Security

It is important as more companies rely on Application Programming Interfaces to connect different systems and services. A banking application might use APIs to connect with credit scoring services, payment processors, and account verification systems. API security measures ensure that only authorized applications can access these interfaces and that all data exchanges are genuine and encrypted. For instance, when a customer uses a budgeting app that connects to their bank account, API security protocols will verify that the app has proper authorization and that all financial data is securely transmitted.

Secure Coding Practices

This involves training developers to write code that is resistant to general weaknesses. For example, when developers create a login system for a web application, they implement practices for secure coding by properly validating user inputs, using parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection, implement proper session management, and ensure passwords are securely hashed and stored. This approach prevents many known vulnerabilities from being introduced into the application during development.

Application Testing and Vulnerability Assessment

This involves a systematic evaluation of applications with a view to identifying weaknesses in security. A healthcare organization might conduct regular penetration testing on their application portal for patients, simulate real attacks to detect any vulnerability such as cross-site scripting (XSS) or insecure direct object references that could allow unauthorized access to records of patients.

Web Application Firewalls (WAF)

It provides an additional layer of protection by filtering and monitoring HTTP traffic between web applications and the internet. For instance, an online retailer might deploy a WAF to protect their shopping cart application from common attacks while providing protection against automated bot attacks during high-traffic periods for e.g. on Black Friday.

3. Information Security

Information security focuses on the detailed protection of data throughout its entire lifecycle, from creation and storage to transmission and eventual disposal. It protects data whether it exists at rest (stored in databases, files, or backup systems), in transit (being transmitted over networks or the internet), or in use (being processed by applications or viewed by users). Companies must protect huge amounts of sensitive data while ensuring that authorized users can access the information they need in order to perform their jobs effectively.

Strategies Deployed

Access Control and Authentication

This ensures that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information. A hospital might implement multi-layered access controls where nurses can only view patients’ records for patients assigned to their ward, while doctors can access records of their patients, and administrators can view anonymized statistical data but not details of each patient. The system might also require biometric authentication for accessing highly sensitive areas such as psychiatric records.

Data Encryption

It protects information by converting it into an unreadable format that can only be decrypted using the correct decryption key. For instance, a law firm might encrypt all clients’ files so that even if the laptop containing sensitive legal documents is stolen, the thief cannot access the confidential information without the encryption keys. Credit card companies routinely encrypt data of payment cards when it's stored in their databases and when it's transmitted between merchants, payment processors, and banks.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) System

This monitors and controls how sensitive information is used and shared within a company. For instance, a pharmaceutical company might implement DLP to prevent employees from accidentally or intentionally sharing proprietary drug research data via e-mail or cloud storage services. The system would automatically scan outgoing communications and block any attempt to share documents containing formulas, test results, or other confidential information about the research.

Data Classification and Handling Procedures

This involves categorizing information based on its level of sensitivity and implementing suitable protection measures for each category. For instance, a government agency might classify documents as Public, Internal Use Only, Confidential, or Top Secret, with each level of classification requiring specific handling procedures, storage requirements, and access controls. Top Secret documents might require storage in specially secured facilities with limited access and detailed audit trails of who accessed the information and when.

Data Backup and Recovery systems

This ensures that important information can be restored when a loss occurs, or where corruption takes place or when there are cyberattacks. For instance, an accounting firm might maintain various backup copies of clients’ financial data with daily increased backups stored locally for quick recovery and weekly full backups stored in a secure off-site location to use after disaster strikes. These backups must be regularly tested to ensure they can be successfully restored when needed.

4. Cloud Security

Cloud security protects cloud-based systems, data, and infrastructure. Companies have adopted multi-cloud and hybrid cloud strategies, with this distributed approach to computing resources requiring security measures that can provide consistent protection across different platforms. It further allows adapting to the unique characteristics and shared responsibility models of various cloud service providers.

Strategies Deployed

Cloud Workload Protection

This involves securing applications, services, and processes running in cloud environments. A streaming media company might use cloud workload protection to secure its video processing services running on for e.g. Amazon Web Services, ensuring that customers content is protected during encoding, storage, and delivery. This protection would include runtime security for containerized applications, vulnerability scanning for cloud instances, and behavioural monitoring to spot any unusual activity that might point to a security breach.

Cloud Configuration Management

This ensures that cloud resources are properly configured according to security best practices and company policies. A financial services company might implement automated configuration management to ensure that all cloud storage buckets are properly encrypted, access logs are enabled, and public access is restricted. The system would continuously monitor cloud configurations and automatically correct any deviations from established security policies, such as a developer accidentally creating a publicly accessible database.

Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB)

This provides a security control point between cloud service consumers and providers, offering visibility into cloud application usage and enforcing security policies. For instance, a manufacturing company might use CASB to monitor employee usage of cloud applications like Google Drive or Dropbox, ensuring that sensitive product designs and manufacturing processes are not shared with unauthorized external parties or stored in non-approved cloud services.

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

In cloud environments manages user identities and controls access to cloud resources across multiple platforms. Again, a global consulting firm might use cloud IAM to provide single sign-on access for employees to various cloud applications like Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and AWS, while ensuring that access permissions are automatically adjusted based on changes in employee’s role, project assignments, and geographic location.

Container and Serverless Security

This protects modern application architectures that use containers and serverless computing. For instance, an e-commerce company might use container security to protect its microservices-based shopping platform, ensuring that each container running different application components (user authentication, product catalog, payment processing) is properly isolated and secured against vulnerabilities and runtime attacks.

5. Endpoint Security

Endpoint security focuses on protecting endpoint devices (the entry points where end-user devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones connect to enterprise networks). These devices represent one of the most vulnerable aspects of a company’s security stance because they are often used in unsecured environment, may be lost or stolen, and serve as potential gateways for cybercriminals to access corporate networks and data. The proliferation of remote work, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, and mobile computing has increased the number and variety of endpoints that companies must secure. Each endpoint represents a potential attack vector that cybercriminals can exploit to gain initial access to a company’s network, making endpoint security, key for maintaining overall cybersecurity stance.

Strategies Deployed

Device Encryption

This protects data stored on endpoint devices by making it unreadable without proper authorization. For instance, a consulting company might require full disk encryption on all employee laptops so that if a device is lost or stolen while traveling to client sites, sensitive information about clients and data on proprietary business stored on the device cannot be accessed by unauthorized individuals. The encryption would automatically activate when the device is powered on, requiring proper credentials to decrypt and access the data.

Mobile Device Management (MDM)

It provides centralized control over mobile devices used for the purposes of business. For instance, a healthcare organization might use MDM to manage tablets used by doctors and nurses for accessing records of patients. The MDM system would ensure that all devices have the latest security updates, enforce password policies, encrypt data transmission, and provide the ability to remotely wipe devices if they are lost or if an employee leaves the company.

Anti-virus and Anti-malware Software

This provides real-time protection against known and emerging threats. For instance, a small business might deploy endpoint protection software that spots traditional viruses and provides protection against ransomware, spyware, and advanced persistent threats. The software would continuously monitor activities of the file system, network communications, and process behaviour to identify and neutralize threats before they cause damage.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

It provides advanced threat hunting and incident response capabilities. For example, if an employee's computer suddenly begins encrypting large numbers of files (potentially indicating ransomware activity), the EDR system would immediately isolate the device from the network, alert security personnel, and begin forensic data collection to determine the scope and nature of the threat.

Patch Management

This ensures all endpoint devices have the latest security updates and software patches installed. For example, a retail chain might implement automated patch management to ensure that all point-of-sale terminals and back-office computers promptly receive vital security updates. The system would test patches in a controlled environment before deployment and schedule installations during off-hours to minimize disruption of the business while maintaining security.

6. Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Identity and Access Management ensures the right individuals have access to the right resources at the right time and for the right reasons. IAM systems establish and maintain digital identities, control access to resources, and provide audit trails of activities of users. All access request is verified and authenticated regardless of its source or destination.

Strategies Deployed

Privileged Access Management (PAM)

This controls and monitors access to important systems and sensitive resources by users with elevated privileges. A company in tech might implement PAM to manage access to production servers containing customer data and source code. System administrators would need to request temporary access through the PAM system, which would grant limited-time access credentials, record all activities during the privileged session, and automatically revoke access when the maintenance window expires. This approach minimizes the risk of insider threats and provides detailed audit trails for compliance purposes.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

This assigns permission based on company roles instead of individual users. For instance, a university might implement RBAC where faculty members automatically receive access to systems that manage courses, grade books, and academic resources appropriate to their department and courses, while administrative staff receive access to systems about students’ information and financial records relevant to their job functions. When an employee changes roles, their access permissions are automatically updated based on their new position.

Single Sign-On (SSO)

This allows users to access various applications and systems with one set of credentials. For instance, a marketing agency might implement SSO, so that employees can access their email, project management tools, creative software, and client collaboration platforms using a single login. This not only improves user experience by removing the need to remember multiple passwords but also enhances security by reducing password fatigue and enabling centralized access control and monitoring.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

It requires users to provide different forms of identification before gaining access to systems. Again, a bank might require customers to provide their password, a fingerprint scan, and a one-time code sent to their mobile phone before accessing online banking services. This layered approach ensures that even if one authentication factor is compromised, unauthorized access is still prevented by the additional layers of security.

User Provisioning and Deprovisioning

This automates the process of creating, modifying, and removing user accounts and access permissions. For example, when a new employee joins an accounting firm, the provisioning system automatically creates accounts in relevant systems based on their role, department, and responsibilities. Similarly, when an employee leaves the organization, the deprovisioning process immediately removes all access rights and disables accounts to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive financial data and information about the client.

7. Operational Security

Operational Security (OpSec) encompasses the processes, procedures, and decisions involved in handling and protecting information assets during day-to-day business operations. It requires companies to develop a security-conscious culture where employees understand their roles in maintaining security and follow established procedures for handling sensitive information. This human-centric approach to security is particularly important because many successful cyberattacks exploit human vulnerabilities rather than technical weaknesses.

Strategies Deployed

Training on Security Awareness

This training educates employees about cybersecurity threats and best practices for maintaining company’s security. For example, a pharmaceutical company might conduct regular training sessions that teach employees how to identify phishing emails, secure physical workspaces, handle confidential research data, and report suspicious activities. The training might include simulated phishing attacks to test employees’ awareness and provide immediate feedback and additional training for those who fell victim during the simulation.

Managing Vulnerability

This involves identifying, assessing, and addressing security vulnerabilities in systems and applications. For instance, a government agency might implement a detailed vulnerability management program that conducts regular security scans of all IT systems, prioritizes vulnerabilities based on risk levels, and ensures that vital vulnerabilities are patched within specified timeframes. The program would also maintain an inventory of all systems and applications to ensure detailed coverage.

Process of Change Management

This ensures that modifications to IT systems and applications are properly reviewed, tested, and approved before implementation. For instance, a financial services company might require all software updates, configuration changes, and new system deployments to go through a formal change management process that includes security review, testing in a controlled environment, and approval by designated authorities. This process helps to prevent security vulnerabilities from being introduced through poorly planned or inadequately tested changes.

Incident Response Planning

It prepares companies to respond efficiently to any cybersecurity incident when it occurs. A retail company might develop detailed incident response plans that define roles and responsibilities, communication procedures, requirements to preserve evidence, and recovery steps for different types of security incidents. The plan might include specific procedures for responding to breaches of data from cards used for payment including immediate containment measures, requirements for forensic investigation, procedures to notify customers and reporting obligations for regulatory purposes.

Risk Assessment and Management

This involves identifying, analyzing, and mitigating cybersecurity risks to acceptable levels. For instance, a healthcare organization might conduct detailed risk assessment that evaluates threats to data of patients, assess the likelihood and potential impact of various security incidents, and implement suitable safeguards based on the level of risk. The assessment would consider factors such as the value of different types of data, existing security controls, threat and regulatory requirements.

How to Recover From Disaster and Continue Running The Business

Planning in this regard ensures that companies continue to operate and quickly recover from cybersecurity incidents, natural disasters, or other disruptive events. This security domain focuses on maintaining business operations during adverse conditions and restoring normal operations as quickly as possible after an incident. It requires companies to identify important business processes, assess potential threats and impacts, and develop detailed strategies for response and recovery, whether from natural disasters or targeted cyberattacks.

Crisis Management Protocols

This establishes clear procedures for managing the overall response of the company to major security incidents or disasters. For instance, a manufacturing company might develop crisis management protocols that defines the structure of the crisis management team, communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders, decision-making processes during such situations, and coordination with external agencies such as law enforcement and regulatory bodies. These protocols ensure that leadership can make informed decisions quickly while maintaining appropriate communication with employees, customers, suppliers, and the public.

Procedures For Incident Response

It provides step-by-step guidance for responding to specific types of cybersecurity incidents. For example, a law firm might develop detailed procedures for responding to a ransomware attack, including immediate containment measures to prevent spread, communication protocols for notifying partners and clients, requirements to preserve evidence for potential legal proceedings, negotiation strategies for dealing with attackers, and coordination with cybersecurity specialists and law enforcement agencies.

Planning For Business Continuity

This ensures that important business functions can continue during and after disruptive events. A logistics company might develop continuity plans that identify alternative transportation routes, backup suppliers, temporary facility options, and manual processes that can be used if primary systems are unavailable. The plans would prioritize the most important business functions and provide detailed procedures for maintaining operations using alternative resources and processes.

Backup and Recovery Systems

These provide the technical foundation for restoring operations after an incident. For instance, an architectural firm might implement a detailed backup strategy that includes daily backups of all project files and drawings, weekly full system backups stored both on-site and off-site, and regular testing of backup systems to ensure data can be successfully restored. The firm might also maintain duplicate copies of important software and systems that can be quickly activated if primary systems are compromised.

Recovery Time and Point Objectives

This defines acceptable levels of downtime and data loss for different business processes and systems. For example, a stock trading company might establish recovery time objectives of less than 30 minutes for critical trading systems, recognizing that extended downtime could result in significant financial losses and regulatory violations. The company would invest in redundant systems, real-time data replication, and automated failover capabilities to meet these recovery objectives.

Emerging Types of Cybersecurity

Internet of Things (IoT) Security

Internet of Things security focuses on protecting the system of connected devices, from smart home appliances and wearable fitness trackers to industrial sensors and autonomous vehicles. These devices often have limited computing resources, infrequent security updates, and weak default security configurations, making them targets for cybercriminals. For instance, a smart city implementation might deploy thousands of IoT sensors to monitor traffic patterns, air quality, and energy usage. IoT security measures would ensure that these devices are properly authenticated to the network, use encrypted communications, receive regular security updates, and are monitored for suspicious activities. In the absence of proper IoT security, attackers could potentially manipulate traffic signals, disrupt power grids, or use compromised devices as entry points into municipal networks.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Security

AI security addresses unique challenges such as adversarial attacks against machine learning models, attempts on data poisoning and the potential for AI systems to be manipulated or misused. A bank might use machine learning algorithms to detect fraudulent transactions by analyzing spending patterns and behavioral indicators. AI security measures would protect these algorithms from attacks designed to fool the fraud detection system, ensure that the training data is not contaminated with false information, and provides ongoing monitoring to detect when the AI system's performance degrades due to security issues or emerging forms of attack.

Quantum Cryptography

Quantum cryptography leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to create theoretically unbreakable encryption methods, while also preparing for the future threat posed by quantum computers that could potentially break current encryption standards. For example, a government communications agency might begin implementing quantum-resistant cryptographic protocols to protect classified communications from future quantum computer attacks. This preparation involves not only deploying new encryption algorithms but also developing quantum key distribution systems that use quantum mechanical properties to detect any attempts to intercept cryptographic keys.

In Conclusion, companies that want to maintain effective protection against cyber threats must adopt a detailed, multi-layered approach that addresses all relevant security domains. Effective cybersecurity strategies must be complemented by strong policies, procedures, training programs, and company’s initiatives. Success requires ongoing commitment from top leadership, adequate allocation of resources and regular assessment and improvement of security measures.

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