What Is Cybersecurity? Understanding Its Basic Components

By Dr. Andre Slonopas  |  11/27/2024

What is cybersecurity? Cybersecurity is the practice of providing protection to systems, networks, and sensitive data from digital attacks, unauthorized access, and impairment. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, robust cybersecurity measures are needed more than ever.

People and organizations are highly susceptible to a wide variety of cyber threats, including hacking, malicious software, and data breaches. As a result, the need for cybersecurity goes beyond the mere loss of money and sensitive information; attacks can disrupt the availability of crucial services, endanger national security, and breach personal privacy. Daily vigilance and fast adaptation to cyber threats are vital.

The Basic Components of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity encompasses several basic components that are essential for protecting digital assets. These components are:

• Information security
• Computer systems and network security
• Application security
• Operational security

Information Security

Information security focuses on safeguarding data's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. To protect susceptible data, organizations use various strategies to protect sensitive information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. For example, these strategies include the encryption of data, the management of access control rights, and the deployment of modern storage techniques.

Information security is crucial for organizations that deal with personal, financial, or proprietary information for which leakage may cause critical distortion or customer loss. Security measures ensure that only authorized users can access information or make changes to data.

Data breaches have resulted in millions of dollars in financial losses and irreparable reputational damage. Consequently, information security should be the foundation for a well-developed cybersecurity strategy.

Computer Systems and Network Security

Computer systems and network security involve protecting hardware and software from unauthorized access and ensuring secure communication channels. Computer system security also involves protection from malfunctions or the exploitation of hardware and software by internal users. Ensuring that operating systems, applications, and firmware have the most current security patches applied and configured in adherence to best practices is of utmost importance.

Network security, on the other hand, refers to the process through which intrusion, attack, and other misuse against a computer network is prevented. Cybersecurity measures include protection against unauthorized access to internal networks and the use of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption.

Other ways in which network security is achieved include:

• Monitoring traffic for suspicious activities
• Ensuring that communication channels are secure
• Segmenting of networks so that attacks do not spread to other parts of the network

Application Security

Application security aims to protect software from vulnerabilities, especially during development and deployment. An attacker can use a software vulnerability to launch a damaging attack.

Applications have grown highly complex. As a result, developers need to maintain security at the design and development phases of an application.

That way, developers are better able to avoid attacks such as Structured Query Language (SQL) injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and buffer overflows. When deployed, applications require periodic updating and security patches; rigorous testing should also be regularly performed for security.

Most services today are performed through websites, mobile devices, and applications. Cybersecurity has become a key issue in preventing security breaches from a cyber attack, protecting user information, and earning trust from users.

Operational Security

Operational security (also known as OPSEC) identifies and mitigates vulnerabilities within an organization's operational environment. It also involves employee training and access control in areas such as mobile security and physical security.

Operational security involves identifying threats and implementing measures to protect critical information during business operations. Fortunately, cybersecurity strategies can be created to reduce risks.

For instance, employees are the first line of defense in an organization's cyber security. They must be trained how to recognize cyberthreats such as phishing emails and social engineering attacks.

Generally, their understanding of what operational security is must be a top priority. Good operational security demands that all business activities function well and that leakage, tampering, or even exposure of sensitive information to malicious actors is at a minimum.

The Types of Cybersecurity Threats

Understanding the various types of cybersecurity threats is crucial for developing effective defense strategies. From malicious software and phishing attacks to insider threats and advanced persistent threats, each danger poses unique challenges. By recognizing these hazards, organizations can implement targeted measures to protect their systems and data and ensure business continuity.

Malicious Software

Malicious software – also known as malware – is software that is designed to destruct, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to systems. It comes in many forms:

• Viruses that replicate onto files
• Trojans that appear like valid programs to coax users into doing something they would not do normally
• Ransomware that encrypts data and holds it hostage until a ransom is paid for the attacker's financial gain

Malware causes great damage to both individuals and organizations by stealing sensitive data such as personally identifiable information (PII), corrupting files, and rendering systems inoperable. The fight against malware will almost always involve antivirus software security solutions, firewalls, and a high state of user awareness so users won’t accidentally download or install malware on their devices.

Phishing Attacks

Phishing emails or messages trick users into revealing critical information, such as their credentials (usernames and password) or financial information. Senders usually impersonate recognized businesses, such as banks or employers, to convince users to click on malicious links or reveal personal data. Since these types of attacks are easy to carry out and effective, they have become one of the most common forms of malicious attacks.

Organizations can protect themselves by educating employees on how to spot phishing attempts and using robust email filters. Employees and individual users can use secure passwords and multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access and their credentials from being compromised.

Denial-of-Service Attacks

A Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack is a type of attack intended to make a targeted network or system unavailable to its valid users. Typically, a cybercriminal floods the target with an overwhelming amount of traffic or requests from compromised devices, exhausting network or system resources and leading to a disruption in services.

DoS attacks are among the toughest cyberthreats. They bring websites down, totally disrupt business, and decrease customer goodwill.

Countermeasures to such attacks involve traffic filtering and load balancing. These strategies ensure that critical systems remain resilient during a cyber-attack.

Insider Threats

Insider threats involve attacks that come from individuals within an organization who knowingly or unwittingly compromise security. These people can be disgruntled employees, contractors, or other people who have been given authorized access.

These attacks often lead to the theft of critical data, breaches, the compromise of intellectual property, or even sabotage. To counter such threats, certain measures must be put in place:

• Strict access controls
• User activity monitoring
• Routine security audits

Advanced Persistent Threats

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are long-term attacks with complex structures. These attacks are typically run by highly sophisticated adversaries, like nation-states or organized cybercriminal groups. APTs breach security systems undetected and plant software that remains hidden for months or years, collecting sensitive information.

APT attacks are hard to detect and require sophisticated security controls such as continuous monitoring, threat intelligence, and incident response plans. An APT is among the biggest threats facing governments, critical infrastructure security, and large corporations.

Cybersecurity Best Practices

Implementing cybersecurity best practices is essential for safeguarding digital assets and ensuring the integrity of computer systems. These practices include encryption, cloud security, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems (IDS).

Additionally, multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification for user access. Regular security audits also help identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with security standards.

Encryption

Encryption changes data into a code that is only available to authorized users who have the key used for decryption. Encryption protects the data stored on devices as well as data packets that travel through networks.

Modern symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms, including but not limited to Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) foil data interceptions and attempts to change that data. Encryption can be used for many purposes, including the protection of emails to the safeguarding of financial transaction, to prevent thieves who may try to steal sensitive data.

Cloud Security

Cloud security is all about data, applications, and software services that reside in cloud environments. As more organizations move their operations to the cloud, it is important to ensure data security for their operations.

This type of security can be implemented in several ways, including:

• Encryption of data packets at rest and in transit
• Identity and access management (IAM)
• Continuous monitoring for suspicious activities coming from inside or outside an organization

In many cases, cloud providers use shared responsibility business models. For example, cloud infrastructure is secured by the provider, and data and applications are secured by users.

Firewalls

For a network, firewalls form the basis of protecting networks from external cybersecurity threats. A firewall is usually set up between an internal network and outside sources and filters traffic based on a set of predefined security rules. It blocks unauthorized access while allowing legitimate traffic to pass through.

Intrusion Detection Systems

An intrusion detection system monitors network activity for malicious user behavior or possible security breaches. An IDS will also alert system administrators so they may take prompt action when suspicious activities occur.

Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication normally involves a user who has to provide two or more forms of verification for access to an account or system. Commonly, MFA includes:

• Something the user knows, such as a password
• Something the user has, such as a smartphone or a security token
• Something the user is, such as a fingerprint or facial image for biometric verification

MFA reduces the risk of unauthorized user access since it adds another layer of security in addition to a secure password. Even if a password becomes compromised, there is no way attackers can gain access to an account or system without the additional verification. MFA has gained wide use in online banking, email, and corporate networks.

Regular Security Audits

Regular security audits are highly important and necessary to maintain good cybersecurity posture. Audits are in-depth analyses of an organization's security policies, systems, and procedures. They help security personnel to identify vulnerabilities and determine how to make improvements.

A security audit typically includes an accounting of every part of the cybersecurity framework – from software and hardware components to employee practices. The results are then compared against general standards and regulations. Security audits help organizations stay ahead of cyber threats by identifying any weaknesses that may have been overlooked or developed over time.

The Role of Cybersecurity Professionals

Cybersecurity professionals play a crucial role in defending against digital threats. Cybersecurity analysts, for instance, monitor networks and systems for suspicious activity and ensure compliance with security policies.

In addition, ethical hackers, also known as penetration testers, identify and fix vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. Finally, incident response teams act swiftly during a security breach to limit damage, investigate the cause of a breach, and prevent future incidents. Together, these security professionals are essential in maintaining the security and integrity of digital systems and data.

Cybersecurity Analysts

Cybersecurity analysts provide security by daily checking networks and systems for suspicious activities. They identify vulnerability assessments and update security measures.

Other important roles include firewall administration, antivirus software management, and encryption. Cybersecurity analysts also analyze system logs for attack symptoms, such as malware infection unauthorized users who want to gain access to a network to steal data.

Cybersecurity analysts often work with other departments in creating security policies, training employees, and ensuring the use of best security practices within organizations. They play a very important role in maintaining organizational compliance with industrial regulations and legal requirements.

Ethical Hackers

Also known as penetration testers or white-hat hackers, ethical hackers use their knowledge of hacking techniques for good. Ethical hackers attack an organization's systems to find and expose security vulnerabilities before cybercriminals do.

Ethical hackers test firewalls, security protocols, and applications through penetration testing and simulated attacks. They document their findings and fix vulnerabilities to improve organizational cybersecurity.

Ethical hackers are crucial in industries where breaches could have devastating results, such as finance, healthcare, and government. Ethical hackers also educate companies on protecting against common attack vectors and ensure resilience against ever-evolving cyberthreats.

Incident Response Teams

Incident response teams consist of experts who act when a cybersecurity attack occurs. Their goal is to limit damage from the attack, investigate how the breach happened, and prevent future incidents.

Incident response teams include specialists in areas like forensic analysis, network engineering, and compliance. They follow a predefined incident response plan that outlines the steps to help an organization to contain, eradicate, and recover from a security incident.

These teams are essential in minimizing financial, operational, and reputational damage caused by cybersecurity incidents. They help businesses recover swiftly and continue operations.

Cybersecurity Degrees at American Military University

For students interested in the cybersecurity field, American Military University (AMU) offers several degrees:

• An online associate degree in cybersecurity
• An online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity
• An online master’s degree in cybersecurity studies

Taught by experienced security professionals, these degree programs feature courses in a wide variety of topics, including operating system hardening, red and blue team security, cryptography concepts, penetration testing, and computer forensics. Other courses include scripting languages for the administrator, cyber warfare, securing databases, advanced cybercrime analysis, and intrusion detection and incident handling.

For more information, please visit our information technology degree program page.