An Introduction to the Field of Cybersecurity
Table of Contents:
What is Cybersecurity?
Common Terms and Concepts
How is Cybersecurity Evolving?
Cybersecurity is a very critical aspect of modern technology as its influence has cut across different areas of personal and professional life with regard to the way we communicate with computer systems and how we handle data.
Understanding the importance of cybersecurity, the vulnerabilities and possible threats that exist, and how to protect against them is what cybersecurity teaches us
With the rising number of internet users and the reliance of companies, government agencies, and our personal life on computers and the internet for various reasons, the importance of protecting our data and information can never be over-emphasized
In this post, we are going to talk about cybersecurity, key terms and concepts, and the evolution of cybersecurity.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity as defined by ChatGPT is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, programs, and data from unauthorized access, damage, theft, disruption, or any other form of cyber threats. It involves implementing, measures to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of digital information.
Common Terms and Concepts
Threats: These are events or situations that have the potential to cause harm or damage to the information system, such as malware, ransomware, phishing, DOS attack, session hijacking
Risk: A risk refers to a potential data loss, theft, erasure, or disruption of the business activities of an individual or an organization. It arises from a threat attacking the organization
Vulnerability: This is a weakness in a system or network that can be exploited by a threat actor to gain unauthorized access or steal sensitive data. Examples of vulnerabilities are unsecured wireless networks, outdated software, and weak passwords.
Cybercrime: Cybercrime involves the use of technologies to commit illegal activities, such as hacking, identity theft, or financial fraud. Cybercrime is a growing trend and costs the global economy billions of dollars each year.
Cyber Law: Cyber law is a branch of law that deals with legal issues related to technology, including cybersecurity. Cyber laws vary by country and cover topics ranging from data privacy to online harassment.
CIA Triad: The CIA triad consists of three core principles of Information security: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Confidentiality ensures that information remains accessible to authorized users, integrity ensures that information is accurate and unaltered, and availability ensures that information is available when needed.
Social Engineering: This refers to the manipulation of people by malicious actors, to obtain sensitive information out of them. It is a very broad spectrum of cyber-attacks as it involves physiological warfare
Unsuspecting people fall prey easily and are therefore vulnerable to this technique.
Phishing: This is the most common of social engineering techniques globally. Generally, a threat actor (malicious hacker) sends a link (via email, SMS, WhatsApp, etc.) to many random people. The website will require them to fill in a bunch of personal information (name, gender, address) in return for some false benefits.
How is Cybersecurity Evolving?
The field of cybersecurity is constantly evolving to keep up with new threats and technologies. With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), technologies such as blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI), new threats are emerging, and new solutions are needed to keep the information safe.
Furthermore, the Corvid-19 pandemic has caused an increase in cybercrime, as more as people are working from home and using vulnerable personal devices.
In conclusion, cybersecurity is a critical aspect of modern life, and there are many threats and vulnerabilities to be aware of by understanding key concepts and staying safe on the internet.
The original article was written By: Muhammed Olosasa