- Cybersecurity is the practice of using technologies, controls, and processes to protect digital networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access.
- By integrating these types of cyber security, organisations can better protect their digital assets from a wide range of cyber threats, ensuring a more secure digital future.
Cyber security is a main part of contemporary technology designed to protect networks, devices, and data from cyber threats. Understanding the various types of cyber security is crucial for building a comprehensive defence strategy, ensuring a more secure digital future.
5 types of cyber security
1. Network security
Network security is the practice of protecting a computer network from intruders, whether they are targeted attackers or opportunistic malware. It involves implementing policies and procedures to prevent and monitor unauthorised access, misuse, modification, etc.
Network security measures include firewalls, anti-virus and anti-malware software, and virtual private networks (VPNs). Firewalls act as a barrier between a trusted network and untrusted networks. They filter traffic based on predetermined security rules. Anti-virus and anti-malware programs detect and eliminate malicious software that can compromise network integrity. VPNs encrypt data transmitted over networks, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure from prying eyes.
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2. Information security
Information security, often referred to as InfoSec, focuses on protecting the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data. It aims to prevent unauthorised access, use, disclosure, or destruction of information. It encompasses a broad range of practices, like encryption, access control.
To be specific, encryption converts data into a coded format, making it unreadable without the proper decryption key. Access control restricts access to data based on user roles and permissions, ensuring that only authorised personnel can view or modify sensitive information.
3. Application security
With the rise of web and mobile applications, securing these platforms has become increasingly important. Application security involves measures taken to improve the security of an application at the development stage and throughout its lifecycle. It aims to prevent security vulnerabilities within applications, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other common attacks.
Developers employ various techniques to secure applications, e.g., code reviews, penetration testing, and the use of security frameworks. Code reviews involve examining the application’s source code for vulnerabilities. Penetration testing simulates attacks to identify weaknesses. Security frameworks provide a structured approach to implementing security controls within an application.
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4. Cloud security
Cloud security is a subset of cyber security focused on protecting data, applications, and services hosted in cloud environments. As more organisations move to the cloud, the platform security has become paramount. Cloud security addresses the unique challenges posed by cloud computing, such as data breaches, account hijacking, and insecure interfaces.
Key cloud security practices include data encryption, identity and access management (IAM), and regular security audits. Data encryption ensures that information stored in the cloud remains secure. IAM controls who can access cloud resources and what actions they can perform. Regular security audits help identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities in the cloud infrastructure.
5. Endpoint security
Focusing on securing endpoints, or end-user devices, such as desktops, laptops, and mobile devices, all of which serve as entry points for cyber attackers, endpoint security aims to protect these devices from threats. Through this type of cyber security, the endpoints will not become a gateway for attacks on the broader network.
Endpoint security solutions include anti-virus software, endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, and mobile device management (MDM) systems. Anti-virus software protects against malware, while EDR tools provide real-time monitoring and threat detection. MDM systems manage and secure mobile devices, enforcing security policies and protecting sensitive data.
