Cybersecurity 101

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9 Oct 2022

With the ever-growing reliance on technology in our personal and professional lives, it’s more important than ever to have a basic understanding of cybersecurity.

This article will cover the basics of cybersecurity and why it matters.

Technology has become an integral part of our lives. We use it for everything from communicating with friends and family, to managing our finances, to finding a new job.

History of Cybersecurity

The first electronic computers were created in the early 1940s. These computers were used for military purposes, such as code-breaking and warfare simulations.

In the 1950s, commercial computers began to be used for business applications.

During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union developed sophisticated computer networks for their militaries.

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In the 1980s, these military networks became the basis for the first civilian Internet networks.

As the internet became more popular in the 1990s, cyber security experts focused on protecting networked computers from attack.

This new field, known as information security, grew out of the need to protect military and government networks from spies and hackers.

In the wake of 9/11, information security became even more important as terrorist groups began using the internet to plan and carry out attacks.

Since then, cybersecurity has become an increasingly important issue for businesses, governments, and individuals. As our dependence on computer networks has grown, so have the risks of cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity 101

When most people think of cybersecurity, they think of hackers and computer viruses. However, cybersecurity is much more than that.

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, networks, and data from unauthorized access or theft. It includes both physical security measures and software security measures.

Physical security measures include things like locked doors and access control systems. Software security measures include things like firewalls and encryption. Both are important in protecting your data from cyber-attacks.

Cybersecurity 101 - NOVA

Cybersecurity is important for individuals, businesses, and governments alike. No one is immune from cyber attacks, and everyone needs to take steps to protect their data. Cybersecurity is a growing field, and there are many careers in it.

The CIA Triad

The CIA Triad is a cybersecurity model that consists of three components: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The model is used to guide organizations in protecting their information assets.

The history of the CIA Triad can be traced back to the late 1970s when the National Security Agency (NSA) developed the A1-A9 security levels.

What is the CIA Triad? Definition, Importance and Examples

In 1985, the NSA released a document called the "Orange Book," which detailed security controls for computer systems. The Orange Book included the now infamous CIA Triad to measure system security.

The CIA Triad has been widely adopted by government and commercial organizations to protect their information assets.

Recently, the model has expanded to include more than just confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Newer versions of the model include authenticity, non-repudiation, and resilience.

Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability

The CIA Triad is a model for cybersecurity that includes confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Confidentiality ensures that information is only accessible to those authorized to see it.

Integrity ensures that information is accurate and complete.

Availability ensures authorized users have access to the information when needed.

The CIA Triad is an essential cybersecurity model because it helps ensure that information is protected from unauthorized access and modification.

By protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, the CIA Triad helps to keep organizations safe from cyber attacks.

What are the most common cyber threats?

As the world increasingly moves online, cybersecurity becomes more and more critical. There are many cyber threats, but some are more common than others.

One of the most common types of cyber threats is malware.

Malware is a type of software that is designed to damage or disable computers.

It can be spread through email attachments or downloads from malicious websites. Once on your computer, it can collect your personal information or damage your files.

Another common type of cyber threat is phishing.

Phishing is when someone tries to trick you into giving them your personal information, such as your password or credit card number.

They may do this by sending you an email that looks like a website or company but is fake. They may also set up a fake website that looks real but is only designed to steal your information.

What is a Cybersecurity Attack?

A cybersecurity attack is a security breach that occurs when an individual or organization attempts to gain unauthorized access to information or systems. This can be done through various means, such as malware, phishing, or SQL injection.

Cybersecurity attacks can have serious consequences, such as data loss or theft, system damage, and financial loss.

Types of Attacks

Cybersecurity attacks are becoming more and more common. Here’s how they happen and who is behind them.

Cybersecurity attacks can be traced to three main motives: espionage, activism, and crime.

Espionage is when attackers try to gain access to sensitive information, usually for competitive advantage or to understand military capabilities.

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Activism is when attackers want to make a political statement or cause disruption. And finally, crime is when attackers want to make money, either by stealing data or holding it ransom.

A few different types of attacks tend to be used most often. Phishing attacks are one of the most common, involving tricking someone into clicking on a malicious link or attachment.

Malware attacks are another common type of attack, which involve installing malicious software onto a victim.

Key concepts you should understand

Here are some key concepts to help keep your data and devices safe from attacks.

One of the most important concepts in cybersecurity is the idea of layering your defenses.

Using multiple layers of security makes it much harder for attackers to penetrate your system. For example, you might use a firewall to block unwanted traffic, then use antivirus software to scan for and remove malware.

Another key concept is the need to keep your software and systems up-to-date. Attackers are constantly finding new ways to exploit old vulnerabilities, so it's important to patch any holes in your system as soon as possible.

Regular updates also help ensure you have the latest security features and protections.

The challenges of cybersecurity

The challenges of cybersecurity are many. The first challenge is keeping up with new technology.

As new technology is developed, new ways for cyber criminals to exploit it are also produced. As a result, cybersecurity professionals must stay ahead of the curve to protect against these new threats.

Another challenge is dealing with the ever-changing landscape of the internet. The internet is constantly growing and changing, making it hard to keep track of all the potential vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity professionals must adapt to these changes quickly to keep up with the threat landscape.

Finally, one of the biggest challenges faced by cybersecurity professionals is the human element.

Final Thought

The future of cybersecurity is shrouded in potential but fraught with uncertainty. Nevertheless, the industry is growing rapidly as the threats to digital security become more prevalent and sophisticated.

But it’s also an immature industry, with a shortage of qualified workers and a lack of standardization.

The demand for cybersecurity professionals will only increase in the coming years as companies invest more in protecting their data and customers’ information.

There are many different directions that the cybersecurity industry could go in the future.

It could become more consolidated, with a few large companies providing most of the solutions. Or it could fragment further, with niche players offering specialized products and services.

If you're interested in a career in cybersecurity, there are many options available to you.