Cyber security is a hot topic among Gen Zs and Gen Alphas, mainly because of their intense exposure to cyberspace. Our generation, while immersed in the wild world of social media, is equally terrified of the harm that could come from data misuse, and this fear is justified.
Just imagine being one of the millions of victims of cyber attacks. Hence, the peaked interest in cybersecurity is natural for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Now, the question is; what is your take on this topic? If you’re unaware of cybersecurity, you’ve landed at the right spot.
This blog will tell you all about cybersafety and its consolidated framework, but most importantly it will allow you to recognize the various types. So without further ado, let’s get into it.
What is Cyber Security?
By definition, cyber security is the practice of protecting the digital infrastructure of a company or the cyber-presence of an individual from digital-attacks. This IT infrastructure may include your social media, network, servers, storage systems, database, and even applications.
The cyber attacks in question could be criminals holding information hostage for ransom (ransomware) or denying the user access to their system (DOS) among other kinds of attacks.
In addition, there are multiple layers of IT infrastructure, each secured with tools and technologies. However, relying simply on tools is not a good strategy to start with, which is why the people involved in the processes and technologies should overlap.
Types of Cyber Security
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Application
This branch of cybersecurity aims to overcome threats to applications or computer programs. The threats are usually pointed towards data stored in the application, which could result in serious data breaches if left insecure.
While attackers are always on the go, most of the attacks originate from the development phase of the application. Developers often leave loopholes in the system intentionally, so that the incompatible management gets back to them with more work, and this loophole acts as a key for hackers.
Application security makes it hard for crackers to exploit the existing vulnerabilities and creates defense lines around the application, protecting the content inside.
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Cloud
Cloud security refers to the protection of the server, network, intelligence and all assets of the cloud. The main goal of cloud security is to keep the figures and particulars hidden while it is being transmitted over the internet to the recipient.
It also protects the information while it is stored in the cloud systems by application of certain tools inside and outside the cloud. That being said, cloud-based security is not a one-party procedure and it requires the cooperation of cloud service providers as well.
As per the Shared Responsibility Model, the service provider safeguards the physical being of the system while the user or client has to protect the digital assets.
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Critical Infrastructure Protection
A critical infrastructure is basically the IT structure of government organizations; examples include the healthcare and telecommunication systems of a town or city. CIS (Critical Infrastructure Security) refers to the safekeeping of the networks and systems of these government digital architectures.
Common cyber-attacks in this case include malware, phishing, brute force, and DOS. To reduce the chances of such threats, a framework known as the NIST is used which coordinates different measures and defenses from the strategic planning to the end phase.
Similarly, a framework called CISA is used to supervise controls on the government to modify the infrastructure and create awareness or training.
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Data
While all the digital security branches root towards data protection, they do not go in as deep as the branch of data security. The main goal of data security is to safeguard data at each point in its lifecycle; from origin to backend disposal. Some major threats posed to information include theft, unauthorized alteration, blackmail trojans, and corruption.
The CIA triad (confidentiality, integrity, availability) is the only relevant principle under data security and in order to safeguard it, practices like encryption, masking, and retention are used. Data is not only harmed while in transit, as systems could be attacked for the deletion of data, and for this backups are extremely important.
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Endpoint
To understand endpoint security, first, let’s get your stance clear on the endpoint. Contrary to popular belief, endpoints are not just the devices of the detail recipients. They could be the devices of the data-sharing party, and by devices, we mean all kinds of devices that allow access to digital media (including smartphones).
In endpoint protection, defense platforms (centralized consoles) controlled by an admin, are used to examine files that enter your network on any device. This console acts as a filter and approves any notifications or requests first by the admin before popping in front of the user.
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Network
This cybersecurity type deals with protecting your network from data breaches and corruption that can lead to system crashes. A network is a chain of servers, computers, and programs that are linked with each other for the smooth sharing of information.
This means when a bug, virus, or hacktivist enters a network, all linked ends will be under threat. With network security, precautions are taken in the form of risk assessment, segmentation, and traffic monitoring. Network audits are also conducted to clarify the vulnerabilities that could cost the entire system.
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IoT
Consider IoT a sub-branch of network security as it is a network of devices, electronics, and gadgets interconnected through the internet. Common examples of IoT include refrigerators, smart lighting technology, and WiFi-enabled cars.
With IoT security, individuals tend to secure access to these devices since unauthorized access and commands can lead to divided control and harm. The biggest challenge of IoT security is the lack of built-in capacity for protection measures in the products.
Since the manufacturers are not focused on the side effects of firmware exploits and tampering, most smart products have system vulnerabilities. However, practices like device authentication and DNS filtering restrict foreign internet objects from entering the network.
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Operational
The distinctive feature of operational security from other branches of cybersafety is its focus on the protection of sensitive information. Its scope does not cover raw data or personal information, but only critical information that could pose a major threat if leaked out.
The main methodology of OPSEC states that IT managers should put themselves in the shoes of the attacker. This allows them to better identify the potential threats and vulnerabilities in their system. The negative party perspective helps to devise a plan to combat threats by updating outdated management procedures and implementing advanced controls.
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Zero Trust
Zero Trust is another sub-model of network security that swaps the usual controls for strict person verification. Other network security models rely on the defenses within the network for protection. Zero Trust, on the other hand, eliminates the need for additional defenses by not letting anything unwanted enter the network in the first place.
Another key feature of this security system is that even if, by some chance, an unwanted user gains access inside the network, it cannot carry out any function without proof of identity. Hence, if not recognized on the outside, this unwanted user will be caught inside.
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Mobile
This is the security of movable digital hardware like a smartphone, tablet, and laptop (not a desktop since it is not portable). The abundance of mobile devices in an organization over the traditional stationary work setups leads to increased chances of endpoint cyber threats.
That’s when mobile security comes into action to safeguard the entire mobile environment. Basic practices of mobile security include VPNs, email security, endpoint protection, restricted cloud-based access, and mobility management.
What is a Consolidated Cybersecurity Architecture?
Let’s say an enterprise has a system full of flaws, and the majority of the areas are on the verge of an attack. Which security type would you go for and how would you choose an adequate measure that covers all the system needs? Since applying all ten types of cybersecurity is not practical or feasible, multiple security types are joined into one single security measure. This joint security measure is known as the consolidated cybersecurity architecture.
With this new security architecture, the gaps in the individual security solutions are covered by overlapping of other solutions. Generally, this architecture was developed keeping in view the increase in the hybrid workforce which brings it a new set of threats. However, this architecture applies perfectly to the customary work setup and can cost less than individual solutions.
Apart from covering the individual limitations, this framework has a few bonus pros, such as; management and maintenance of the structure from a central point, simplified risk management, effective incident response, enhanced overall digital posture, and a bird’s eye view of the operations from a console. Plus, this framework cuts down your list of tools decluttering your system of technical chaos.
Conclusion
Detailed know-how of cybersecurity is essential nowadays due to the increase in cybercrime. You never know, maybe your organization could be next, so why wait for it to happen when you could prevent it? The ten types of cybersecurity mentioned above can keep threats and risks locked out of your systems and accounts.
These measures might seem extra at first but they are preventative practices that save you from the huge costs of data, system, and application recovery among other attack post-requisites. Not to mention, the credibility and business that comes with the implementation of these practices is worth every penny.