Cybersecurity definition
Cybersecurity and information security are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same.
Cybersecurity focuses on protecting computer systems from unauthorized access, damage, or events that would make them inaccessible.
Information security is a broader category that looks to protect all information assets, irrespective of their format.
Robust cybersecurity involves implementing controls based on three pillars: people, processes, and technology. This three-pronged approach helps organizations defend themselves from both organized external attacks and internal threats, such as deliberate misuse or human error.
Types of cybersecurity threats
Phishing
Phishing is a method of social engineering used to trick people into divulging sensitive or confidential information, often via email. These scams are not always easy to distinguish from genuine messages, and can inflict enormous damage on organizations.
Train your staff how to spot and avoid phishing attacks
Social engineering
Social engineering is used to deceive and manipulate victims into providing information or access to their computer. This is achieved by tricking users into clicking malicious links or opening malicious files, or by the attacker physically gaining access to a computer through deception.
Malware
Malware is short for “malicious software.” It can take the form of viruses, worms, Trojans, and other types of malicious code. Malware can be used to steal personal information, destroy data, and take control of computers.
Ransomware attacks
Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts victims’ information and demands payment in return for the decryption key. Paying a ransom does not necessarily guarantee that you will be able to recover the encrypted data.
Cybersecurity domains
Critical infrastructure security
Critical infrastructure security is the protection of systems and assets that are essential to the functioning of a society. Critical infrastructure organizations are required to comply with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, which outlines the requirements for managing organizational risk.
Network security
Network security is the process of protecting the usability and integrity of your network and data. This is achieved by conducting a network penetration test, which scans your network for vulnerabilities and security issues.
Application security
Web application vulnerabilities are a common point of intrusion for cyber criminals. As applications play an increasingly critical role in business, it is vital that your web applications remain secure.
Cloud security
Cloud security is the process of ensuring that data and applications stored in the Cloud are protected from unauthorized access or theft. Cloud systems are subject to a different set of cyber risks compared to traditional systems, and so require a different control approach.
Information security
Information is at the heart of any organization, whether in business records, personal data, or intellectual property. It all needs to be kept safe, and the process of doing that is called information security. ISO/IEC 27001:2013 (ISO 27001) is an international standard that helps organizations manage the security of their information assets.
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