Empower Your Digital Life: Cyber Security Basics
WHAT IS CYBER SECURITY Cyber Security is the practice of protecting and defending systems, networks, programs, data and devices from malicious digital attacks. This starts with preventing unauthorised access, which could be part of coordinated cyber attacks and other digital threats against a company. These cyberattacks are usually aimed at assessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users, or interrupting normal business processes. Cyber security is essential for maintaining the privacy and integrity of personal and sensitive information, ensuring business continuity and complying with legal requirements, it protects against financial losses, legal penalties etc. BRIEF HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF CYBERSECURITY Early Days (1960s-1970s): The Internet Age (1980s-1990s): Modern Era (2000s-Present): Common Cyber Threats 1. Malware (Viruses, Trojans, Ransomware): 2. Phishing Attacks: 3. Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: 4. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: 5. Zero-Day Exploits: 6. Insider Threats: CENTRAL THEME OF CYBERSECURITY 1. The CIA Triad: The Cornerstone of Security Imagine your bank statements or medical records – they should only be accessible to you and authorised personnel. This principle is captured in the CIA Triad, the foundation of cybersecurity: 2. Access Control: Who Gets In? Think of a high-security building. Access control determines who can enter specific areas. In cybersecurity, it defines who can access what information and systems: 3. Encryption and Decryption: Keeping Secrets Safe This acts like a password: 4. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems: Building Your Digital Castle Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) work together to protect your system: 6.Encryption This scrambles data using algorithms, making it unreadable by unauthorised users. Imagine encrypting your emails so only the recipient with the decryption key can understand them. FIREWALL A firewall is essentially a gatekeeper for your computer network. It acts as a security system that monitors incoming and outgoing traffic, deciding whether to allow or block it based on set rules. Firewalls can be hardware devices, software programs, or even a combination of both. Firewalls are a crucial first line of defense in cybersecurity, but it’s important to remember that they’re not foolproof. For comprehensive protection, firewalls are often used alongside other security measures like anti-virus software and intrusion detection systems.. HOW DO FIREWALL WORKS TYPES OF FIREWALL WHY FIREWALL IS USED BENEFITS OF FIREWALL 1. Promotes Privacy and Security: It offers enhanced security and privacy from vulnerable services. It stops unauthorised users from accessing a private network that is linked to the Internet. 2. Monitors Network Traffic: The firewall monitors the data from where it comes in and out of your system. 3. Prevent Virus Attack: It secures your system from a phishing attack. A firewall can prevent a hacker entirely or deter them from becoming easy targets. OEM OF FIREWALL OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. In the business world, it refers to a company that manufactures parts or products that are then sold by another company under their own brand name. These companies often specialise in creating specific components and may not have the resources or desire to develop and sell finished products themselves. Some original equipment manufacturers of firewall are: CONCLUSION Cybersecurity may seem like a complex topic, but by understanding the basic Cyber Hygiene principles and taking some essential steps, you can significantly improve your online safety. Remember, even small measures can make a big difference.