Cyber Security: why is it important in modern-day setups?

Introduction

Cybersecurity is an important issue that affects all businesses. If you are not aware of the latest trends in cyber-security, then it is time to get up to speed with what’s going on in this space. In this article, we will discuss some important issues related to cybersecurity and how you can protect yourself from attacks by hackers.

Why is cybersecurity important?

Cybersecurity is the foundation of any business. It's about protecting your business from internal and external threats, as well as protecting yourself and your customer data.

If you want to build a great company, cybersecurity has to be at the heart of it. You can't build an effective system if it's not safe from external threats or if there's no way for employees to report potential issues with the system itself (for example, if someone tries to hack into it).

With cyber security, companies have peace of mind that unauthorized access to their network or data is protected. Both end users, organizations, and their employees benefit. It isn't just detection that cybersecurity strengthens, it's also mitigation and response. Now, let's discuss some major talking points on cyber security.

The CIA Triad - Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability

In order to understand the CIA Triad, it is important to first define what each term means.

1. Confidentiality

This refers to the ability of an entity (e.g., a company) or system (e.g., a database) to keep information private and secure. The goal here is not just keeping consumers' data away from competitors, but also making sure that those who need access to it know they are authorized.

2. Integrity

This refers to not only being able to keep information secret but also preventing unauthorized access by third parties such as hackers or malware writers attempting either physical manipulation via keylogging software or electronic tampering via phishing emails designed specifically for that purpose.

3. Availability

The ability of an entity or system to allow access when it is needed. This means that there must be some sort of authentication process in place that verifies users' identities before granting them access.

The 5 C’s of Cybersecurity

The five C’s of cyber security are five areas that are of significant importance to all organizations. They are change, compliance, cost, continuity, and coverage. The top priority of organizations all over is having security protection of their digital and physical assets. 

1. Change

Change is inevitable. Technology changes rapidly, and so do the threats. In the constantly evolving world of cyber security, businesses need to be prepared for their threat landscape to constantly change. Cybercriminals are always coming up with new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, so it’s important for businesses to keep up-to-date with the latest threats and how to protect against them. This means having a robust and effective cyber security solution that can adapt to the changing landscape, as well as regular training for staff on the latest threats and how to spot them.

2. Compliance

The main focus for most organizations is corporate governance, risk management, and compliance with policies and regulations. It is not as easy as focusing on the importance of following those policies and regulations but understanding the devastating consequences of not following. With physical security, compliance failure can result in a data breach, financial loss, denial of service, and even injury to employees and customers.

Cybersecurity compliance is essential for businesses of all sizes. Depending on the industry, there may be different compliance requirements, but all businesses need to make sure they are meeting the minimum requirements for cyber security. This includes things like having a secure password policy, regular backups of data, and ensuring that all software is up-to-date with the latest security patches.

With the introduction of new data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR), businesses need to make sure they have robust and effective cyber security measures in place to protect the personal data of their customers. This includes ensuring that all staff are trained on the importance of data security and the correct procedures for handling personal data. Failure to comply with the new regulations can result in heavy fines, so it’s important to get it right.

3. Cost

The cost of cyber security is often one of the biggest considerations for businesses. However, it’s important to remember that the cost of not having effective cybersecurity measures in place can be much higher. A data breach can result in significant financial losses, damage to the business’s reputation, and even legal action. When considering the cost of cyber security, businesses need to weigh up the initial investment against the potential cost of a breach.

The general, consensus is that only the larger companies can afford the best cybersecurity solutions. However, thankfully, this is no longer the case, there are now essential small business cyber security solutions available that are both affordable and make a substantial difference in protecting businesses. The cost of cyber security used to be a barrier for small businesses, but it doesn’t have to be anymore.

4. Continuity

In the event of a major cyber security incident, it’s essential that businesses have a plan in place to ensure the continuity of operations. This includes things like having a backup of all data, having the ability to work remotely, and having staff trained on what to do in the event of an incident. By having an incident response plan in place, businesses can minimize the impact of an incident and get back up and running as quickly as possible.

An incident response plan should include:

• A list of the people and organizations who need to be contacted in the event of an incident.
• The steps that need to be taken to contain the incident.
• The steps that need to be taken to mitigate the impact of the incident.
• The steps that need to be taken to recover from the incident.
• A review of the incident response plan after the incident has occurred. Was the plan effective or does it need improvements added?

By having an incident and continuity plan in place, businesses can ensure that they are able to still operate in the event of a major incident. This is essential and non-negotiable for businesses of all sizes.

5. Coverage

When it comes to cyber security, businesses need to ensure that all their bases are covered. This means having solutions in place that protect the business from a variety of threats, including viruses, malware, phishing attacks, and SQL injection. By having a comprehensive cyber security solution in place, businesses can be confident that they’re protected from the majority of threats.

Cyber insurance is also an essential part of any cyber security strategy. In the event of a data breach or other incident, cyber insurance can help to cover the cost of recovery, as well as any legal fees that may be incurred. It’s important to make sure that the coverage includes both first-party and third-party costs, as well as the type of incident that is covered.

What are the most common types of cyber-attacks?

Before heading to the different types of cyber attacks, we will first walk you through a cyber attack. When there is unauthorized system/network access by a third party, we term it as a cyber attack. The person who carries out a cyberattack is termed a hacker/attacker. 

1. Malware Attack

This is one of the most common types of cyberattacks. “Malware” refers to malicious software viruses including worms, spyware, ransomware, adware, and trojans. 

The trojan virus disguises itself as legitimate software. Ransomware blocks access to the network's key components, whereas Spyware is software that steals all your confidential data without your knowledge. Adware is software that displays advertising content such as banners on a user's screen. 

Malware breaches a network through a vulnerability. When the user clicks a dangerous link, it downloads an email attachment, or when an infected pen drive is used. 

Let’s now look at how we can prevent a malware attack:

• Use antivirus software. It can protect your computer against malware. Avast Antivirus, Norton Antivirus, and McAfee Antivirus are a few of the popular antivirus software.
• Use firewalls. Firewalls filter the traffic that may enter your device. Windows and Mac OS X have their default built-in firewalls, named Windows Firewall and Mac Firewall.
• Stay alert and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
• Update your OS and browsers, regularly.

2. Phishing Attack

Phishing attacks are one of the most prominent widespread types of cyberattacks. It is a type of social engineering attack wherein an attacker impersonates to be a trusted contact and sends the victim fake emails. 

Unaware of this, the victim opens the mail and clicks on the malicious link or opens the email's attachment. By doing so, attackers gain access to confidential information and account credentials. They can also install malware through a phishing attack. 

Phishing attacks can be prevented by following the below-mentioned steps:

• Scrutinize the emails you receive. Most phishing emails have significant errors like spelling mistakes and format changes from that legitimate sources.
• Make use of an anti-phishing toolbar.
• Update your passwords regularly.

3. Password Attack

It is a form of attack wherein a hacker cracks your password with various programs and password-cracking tools like Aircrack, Cain, Abel, John the Ripper, Hashcat, etc. There are different types of password attacks like brute force attacks, dictionary attacks, and keylogger attacks.

Listed below are a few ways to prevent password attacks: 

• Use strong alphanumeric passwords with special characters.
• Abstain from using the same password for multiple websites or accounts.
• Update your passwords; this will limit your exposure to a password attack.
• Do not have any password hints in the open.

4. Man-in-the-Middle Attack

A Man-in-the-Middle Attack (MITM) is also known as an eavesdropping attack. In this attack, an attacker comes in between a two-party communication, i.e., the attacker hijacks the session between a client and host. By doing so, hackers steal and manipulate data. 

As seen below, the client-server communication has been cut off, and instead, the communication line goes through the hacker.

MITM attacks can be prevented by following the below-mentioned steps:

• Be mindful of the security of the website you are using. Use encryption on your devices.
• Refrain from using public Wi-Fi networks.

5.SQL Injection Attack 

A Structured Query Language (SQL) injection attack occurs on a database-driven website when the hacker manipulates a standard SQL query. It is carried out by injecting malicious code into a vulnerable website search box, thereby making the server reveal crucial information.  

This results in the attacker being able to view, edit, and delete tables in the databases. Attackers can also get administrative rights through this. 

To prevent a SQL injection attack:

• Use an Intrusion detection system, as they design it to detect unauthorized access to a network.
• Carry out a validation of the user-supplied data. With a validation process, it keeps the user input in check.

6. Denial-of-Service Attack

A Denial-of-Service Attack is a significant threat to companies. Here, attackers target systems, servers, or networks and flood them with traffic to exhaust their resources and bandwidth. 

When this happens, catering to the incoming requests becomes overwhelming for the servers, resulting in the website it hosts either shutting down or slowing down. This leaves legitimate service requests unattended. 

It is also known as a DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attack when attackers use multiple compromised systems to launch this attack. 

Let’s now look at how to prevent a DDoS attack:

• Run a traffic analysis to identify malicious traffic.
• Understand the warning signs like network slowdown, intermittent website shutdowns, etc. At such times, the organization must take the necessary steps without delay.
• Formulate an incident response plan, have a checklist, and make sure your team and data center can handle a DDoS attack.
• Outsource DDoS prevention to cloud-based service providers.

7. Insider Threat

As the name suggests, an insider threat does not involve a third party but an insider. In such a case; it could be an individual from within the organization who knows everything about the organization. Insider threats have the potential to cause tremendous damage. 

Insider threats are rampant in small businesses, as the staff there hold access to multiple accounts with data. Reasons for this form of attack are many, it can be greed, malice, or even carelessness. Insider threats are hard to predict and hence tricky.

To prevent the insider threat attack:

• Organizations should have a good culture of security awareness.
• Companies must limit the IT resources staff can have access to depending on their job roles.
• Organizations must train employees to spot insider threats. This will help employees understand when a hacker has manipulated or is attempting to misuse the organization's data.

8. Cryptojacking

The term Cryptojacking is closely related to cryptocurrency. Cryptojacking takes place when attackers access someone else’s computer for mining cryptocurrency. 

The access is gained by infecting a website or manipulating the victim to click on a malicious link. They also use online ads with JavaScript code for this. Victims are unaware of this as the Crypto mining code works in the background; a delay in the execution is the only sign they might witness. 

Cryptojacking can be prevented by following the below-mentioned steps:

• Update your software and all the security apps as cryptojacking can infect the most unprotected systems.
• Have cryptojacking awareness training for the employees; this will help them detect cryptojacking threats.
• Install an ad blocker as ads are a primary source of cryptojacking scripts. Also have extensions like MinerBlock, which is used to identify and block crypto mining scripts.

9. Zero-Day Exploit

A Zero-Day Exploit happens after the announcement of a network vulnerability; there is no solution for the vulnerability in most cases. Hence the vendor notifies the vulnerability so that the users are aware; however, this news also reaches the attackers.

Depending on the vulnerability, the vendor or the developer could take any amount of time to fix the issue. Meanwhile, the attackers target the disclosed vulnerability. They make sure to exploit the vulnerability even before a patch or solution is implemented for it.

Zero-day exploits can be prevented by:

• Organizations should have well-communicated patch management processes. Use management solutions to automate the procedures. Thus it avoids delays in deployment.
• Have an incident response plan to help you deal with a cyberattack. Keep a strategy focusing on zero-day attacks. By doing so, the damage can be reduced or completely avoided.

 10. Watering Hole Attack

The victim here is a particular group of an organization, region, etc. In such an attack, the attacker targets websites which are frequently used by the targeted group. Websites are identified either by closely monitoring the group or by guessing.

After this, the attackers infect these websites with malware, which infects the victims' systems. The malware in such an attack targets the user's personal information. Here, it is also possible for the hacker to take remote access to the infected computer.

Let's now see how we can prevent the watering hole attack:

• Update your software and reduce the risk of an attacker exploiting vulnerabilities. Make sure to check for security patches regularly.
• Use your network security tools to spot watering hole attacks. Intrusion prevention systems(IPS) work well when it comes to detecting such suspicious activities.
• To prevent a watering hole attack, it is advised to conceal your online activities. For this, use a VPN and also make use of your browser’s private browsing feature. A VPN delivers a secure connection to another network over the Internet. It acts as a shield for your browsing activity. NordVPN is a good example of a VPN. 

How to secure yourself from different types of attacks?

Although we had a look at several ways to prevent the different types of cyberattacks we discussed, let's summarize and look at a few personal tips which you can adopt to avoid a cyberattack on the whole.

• Change your passwords regularly and use strong alphanumeric passwords which are difficult to crack. Refrain from using too complicated passwords that you would tend to forget. Do not use the same password twice.
• Update both your operating system and applications regularly. This is a primary prevention method for any cyber attack. This will remove vulnerabilities that hackers tend to exploit. Use trusted and legitimate Anti-virus protection software.
• Use a firewall and other network security tools such as Intrusion prevention systems, Access control, Application security, etc.
• Avoid opening emails from unknown senders. Scrutinize the emails you receive for loopholes and significant errors. 
• Make use of a VPN. This makes sure that it encrypts the traffic between the VPN server and your device. 
• Regularly back up your data. According to many security professionals, it is ideal to have three copies of your data on two different media types and another copy in an off-site location (cloud storage). Hence, even in the course of a cyber attack, you can erase your system’s data and restore it with a recently performed backup.
• Employees should be aware of cybersecurity principles. They must know the various types of cyberattacks and ways to tackle them.
• Use Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication. With two-factor authentication, it requires users to provide two different authentication factors to verify themselves. When you are asked for over two additional authentication methods apart from your username and password, we term it multi-factor authentication. This proves to be a vital step to securing your account.
• Secure your Wi-Fi networks and avoid using public Wi-Fi without using a VPN. 
• Safeguard your mobile, as mobiles are also a cyberattack target. Install apps from only legitimate and trusted sources, and make sure to keep your device updated. 

Data breaches, who is at fault - Company or Employee?

It is the responsibility of a company to protect its data, but it is also the responsibility of employees to identify phishing emails, malicious websites, and suspicious emails. Employees should be trained in recognizing fake news sites that could lead them to a scam or identity theft. By being vigilant, you can prevent yourself from falling victim to these types of attacks.

The best way for companies to protect themselves from cyberattacks is by hiring professionals who specialize in cybersecurity and advanced technology like artificial intelligence (AI) or blockchain technology. These experts will have access to all relevant information about your business so they can keep an eye out for any threats that might arise during normal operations such as when someone sends you an email asking something unusual like if you've ever been hacked before or what kind of passwords did they use when accessing sensitive files?

You may even consider using AI software platforms such as Xedra which uses machine learning algorithms combined with human expertise which allow users across industries including healthcare providers & government agencies worldwide access secure cloud storage solutions without having any upfront costs associated with acquiring new hardware equipment needed specifically designed just f

Dark Web - What exactly is that? Is it really dark and obscure?

The Dark Web is a subset of the internet that uses encryption and anonymity to hide your identity. It's also not completely inaccessible as it can be accessed through special browsers like Tor or I2P. However, these users have become aware that they're on a hidden part of the web and will try their best to keep themselves safe while browsing there.

Dark web users are not anonymous though; they use their real names instead of pseudonyms when posting on forums or social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook (the latter being especially vulnerable). They use programs like Bitcoin for transactions so that no one can trace back who paid for what item if someone gets caught with their hands deep into something illegal/illegal goods (such as drugs).

Conclusion

Cyber-attack is a reality now and it will be difficult to keep up with the demand. As a business owner, you need to ensure that your data is protected at all times. There are several ways in which we can do this: by implementing strong security measures like encryption; proper password management; regular backups; etc. All of these practices will help keep your data safe from hackers and other malicious users who are trying to steal information from organizations all over the world.