Cyber Security or computer information security is a rapidly growing field in information technology regarding the protection of computers and the prevention of unlawful use or modifications or access to electronic data held on a computer system. It involves many components such as firewall, antivirus, anti-spyware, fraud management, data backup and online security. The most vulnerable portion of any computer network is the area that connects the IT infrastructure to end-users. This is where all the most vital information about a company is at stake. Therefore, it is very important for any company to ensure that all its networks are adequately guarded against external threats from both human error and malicious software.
As people become more dependent on computers to perform their daily tasks and store valuable information, companies face increasing difficulties in maintaining an environment free of cyber attacks and the resulting consequences. The rapid advancement of technology and the increasing number of attacks on computer networks have resulted in a serious lack of understanding by companies and professionals on information technology security issues. Most companies have now fully realized the need to develop highly effective cyber security solutions to protect confidential information and prevent external intrusions.
The need for an aggressive and proactive response to cyber security threats has forced business leaders and managers to develop policies and procedures that are based on best available technology and threat scenarios. The implementation of cyber security measures is necessary to mitigate threats and to minimize or eliminate losses due to cyber attacks. A major issue in the fight against cyber threats is the timely detection, identification, and response to emerging and dangerous cyber threats. This requires consistent, proactive monitoring and reporting of cyber security events.
One of the most effective ways of responding to cyber security threats is through the use of behavioral analytics. Behavioral analytics is an emerging technology that aims to provide a solid picture of the attacker’s activity by gathering information from a variety of sources and comparing this information to the patterns of attacks and behavior. Cyber criminals tend to operate in several different ways. Some use email to gain access to networks, while others use spear attacks and malware to attack websites and computer systems.
According to cyber security specialists, it is very important to understand the different ways malicious attacks are carried out, so that the appropriate actions can be taken to defend a network. Information technology security experts recommend that businesses develop a comprehensive response plan based on known and emerging cyber threats, which include information security, data management and monitoring, and vulnerability assessment. It is also important to build a comprehensive list of high priority vulnerabilities and work on them diligently to obtain the best results.
According to research conducted by Kaspersky Lab, the number of cyber security threats has significantly grown in recent years. This is owing to the rapid development and widespread usage of software designed to gather personal and confidential information. These software programs are extremely difficult to detect and eliminate. Many attacks emanate from government agencies, major corporations, and international terrorist organizations. The most common method of attack is to exploit a vulnerability in an unsecured system, and once this has been accomplished, cyber criminals can access a host of personal and financial information.
There are two types of cyber threats: first, end-user mistakes, and second, malicious software that are installed on end-user machines. End-user mistakes include software installation errors, including those that occur when customers purchase certain products online without reading the end user license agreement. Other examples include installing a piece of software that alters system settings without realizing it, or even changing a security setting without consulting the IT staff first. In the worst case, a compromised machine can be used to launch a successful distributed attack. This form of end-user error is most commonly associated with phishing campaigns, in which hackers attempt to obtain private and personal information by sending emails containing irrelevant links and advertisements to targeted end-users.
On the other hand, malicious software programs installed on target machines that monitor all activities performed on the infected machine. These programs are capable of collecting and recording all types of personal data, such as credit card numbers, bank account details and passwords. In some cases, attackers have even managed to remotely control infected machines, allowing them to hack into networked computers and take control of company networks. Both types of attacks are extremely serious and pose immediate threats to business integrity and operations. Therefore, it is imperative to address the issue of end-user negligence quickly, before it compromises end-user systems and/or systems at the physical location where the machines are located.
