Cybersecurity is the practice of securing computers, electronic systems, servers, networks, mobile devices, infrastructure, and data against malicious threats or attacks. In this age of information technology, people, businesses, and governments use various devices and technology to run their lives or undertakings online. Consequently, there is a demand for people and organizations to keep sensitive information secure. This is where cybersecurity comes in. This article will discuss some types of cyber security that exist today.
Application Security
Application security seeks to protect application/program code and data against potential cyber threats. It covers all measures that ensure a secure software development cycle for developers. Its ultimate goal is to enhance security practices by finding, fixing and preventing security issues with applications. As good practice, developers should apply application security through all development phases, including design xxx, development, and software deployment. Cybercriminals often target and exploit vulnerabilities in applications to steal essential data.
Network Security
Network security safeguards your network data and infrastructure from breaches, unauthorized access, misuse, modification, destruction and other threats. It entails developing a secure infrastructure for devices, programs, and users to perform their functions within a safe computing environment. Securing a network demands a combination of hardware devices like routers and software such as firewalls, antivirus, and antimalware programs. Government organizations and businesses hire information security analysts to plan and implement security strategies and continuously monitor the effectiveness of the plans.
Information/Data Security
Information security secures sensitive information from unauthorized activities, including access, inspection, recording, modification, and any cyber threat. Information security encompasses the tools and processes used for protecting data, for example, by setting policies that inhibit unauthorized people from accessing critical data. The aim is to ensure the security and privacy of critical data (like financial data, customer account details, or intellectual property) both in storage and transit.
Cloud Security
Cloud security encompasses all the technologies, controls, services, and policies that protect cloud-based systems, infrastructure, applications, and data from cyber threats. Today, most people and organizations prefer to store their data online on Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, Apple iCloud, etc. Cloud security is often a shared responsibility between the cloud service provider and clients, who could be individuals and businesses.
Internet of Things (IoT) Security
This cybersecurity deals with securing internet devices and the networks that connect them from threats and breaches. The measures protect the devices by identifying and monitoring threats while aiding fix vulnerabilities from an array of devices that can pose risks to the system. The majority of IoT devices lack built-in security, making them vulnerable. Furthermore, they do not have a way of installing security software. Another challenge is that some network security systems often cannot detect these devices or identify which devices are communicating through the network. IoT security integrates solutions that deliver visibility, segmentation, and protection throughout the entire network.
Critical Infrastructure Security
Critical infrastructure security aims to protect networks and assets whose uninterrupted operation is necessary to ascertain the safety of a nation, its public health, economy, and general society. It entails all the measures that protect infrastructure like communication networks, energy, financial services servers, IT and data centers, food and agriculture, etc. Such infrastructure is essential, and attacks on them could have widespread consequences. Critical infrastructure cybersecurity is vital to avert the shut down of crucial systems and cyber-terrorists.
User Education
User education is essential to avert threats associated with system users. Any person can accidentally introduce a virus to a secure system by not adhering to cybersecurity practices. User education is a security measure that aims to train and educate cyber users about the significance of their actions and inactions. Teaching staff not to open suspicious email attachments and not to plug in unknown USB drives alongside other essential lessons is crucial for the security of any computer system.
