Cyber security focuses on protecting information and systems from viruses, spyware, hacking attacks and malware. It also addresses threats such as formjacking, cryptojacking and distributed denial-of-service attacks.
It also includes monitoring, alerts and plans on how to respond when a cyberattack occurs and how to recover from it. A good cybersecurity strategy must include processes, monitoring and education as well as a risk-based approach.
Information Technology
Cybersecurity is a subset of IT security, which encompasses systems and processes that keep company data safe from online attacks. These include the creation of plans that monitor digital assets, such as computer systems and networks, as well as physical equipment. Cybersecurity specialists often work with information technology professionals to develop systems that prevent unauthorized access to email servers and databases, among other things.
A company that has a cybersecurity strategy in place can ensure that its employees understand how important it is to protect the organization’s sensitive data. This can be achieved through regular training and a culture that puts cyber security at the forefront of all work.
An effective approach to IT and cybersecurity involves preventing risks, which is why risk assessments are key for companies. With a proactive strategy, businesses can minimize the chances of a data breach that could cost them billions in revenue and damage their reputation. This can be accomplished by creating a strong password policy, encryption software and network security measures.
Communication Software
Cybersecurity involves securing data and infrastructure from hardware malfunction, software bugs, human error or a malicious hacker. It includes using encryption, firewalls and other prevention systems. It also covers monitoring, analysis and response to security threats in networks, systems, mobile devices and data.
Cyber attacks can occur over the internet or through a computer’s internal network. They may involve stealing user passwords or installing malware on the device to steal confidential data. Other forms of cyber attacks include Structured Query Language (SQL) injection that inserts malicious code into website search boxes, cryptojacking that installs illicit cryptocurrency mining software and distributed denial-of-service attacks that flood servers, systems or networks with traffic to take them offline.
The modern corporate network sprawls across on-prem infrastructure and multiple cloud environments, making it more difficult to ensure consistent protection. Similarly, the rise of remote work models means IT must secure many types of devices, including personal mobile devices. The Palo Alto Networks security operating platform is designed to simplify these challenges.
Malware
There are a variety of different types of malware that can attack your computer system, including adware (which displays unwanted ads), botnets (collections of infected devices controlled by cybercriminals) and keyloggers (software programs that record each keystroke on the device). Cybercriminals use these types of attacks to steal information, gain access to systems, disrupt operations and steal money.
There are also more sophisticated cyber threats that can affect your organization, such as phishing (which is designed to trick users into giving up credentials or other personal data), SQL injection (which adds malicious code into website search boxes) and cryptojacking, which installs software on a device that secretly mines cryptocurrency without the user’s knowledge. By following application and OS patching best practices, removing local administrator rights from standard accounts and ensuring that all files are regularly backed up from endpoints and servers, you can help prevent malware attacks.
Human Error
Even as technical solutions for cyber security become more advanced, the human element remains one of the most significant risk factors. From failing to install software security updates on time to using weak passwords, employees can easily expose data and systems to cybercriminals.
Staff need clear policies and training to understand what they should do – and not do – when handling data. This should include clearly defining whether information is public, internal-only or confidential, and what the procedures are for transmitting, storing and disposing of it. Staff must also know how to categorise different types of applications they are downloading, preventing them from accidentally installing software that exposes the organisation to cyber threats.
By implementing these precautions, C-suite leaders can reduce the opportunities for human error to cause cyber breaches. This will ultimately save the company drastic time and money that could be spent fixing these errors and threats. In fact, studies have shown that up to 95% of breaches result from human error.