What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security is the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic
systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks. It's also known as information technology
security or electronic information security. The term applies in a variety of contexts, from business
to mobile computing, and can be divided into a few common categories.

· Network security is the practice of securing a computer network from intruders, whether targeted
attackers or opportunistic malware.

· Application security focuses on keeping software and devices free of threats. A compromised
application could provide access to the data its designed to protect. Successful security begins in the design
stage, well before a program or device is deployed.

· Information security protects the integrity and privacy of data, both in storage and in transit.

· Operational security includes the processes and decisions for handling and protecting data assets. The
permissions users have when accessing a network and the procedures that determine how and where data
may be stored or shared all fall under this umbrella.

· Disaster recovery and business continuity define how an organization responds to a cyber-security
incident or any other event that causes the loss of operations or data. Disaster recovery policies dictate how the
organization restores its operations and information to return to the same operating capacity as before the event.
Business continuity is the plan the organization falls back on while trying to operate without certain resources.

· End-user education addresses the most unpredictable cyber-security factor: people. Anyone can
accidentally introduce a virus to an otherwise secure system by failing to follow good security practices.
Teaching users to delete suspicious email attachments, not plug in unidentified USB drives, and various
other important lessons is vital for the security of any organization.

The scale of the cyber threat

The global cyber threat continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with a rising number of data breaches each year. A
report by RiskBased Security revealed that a shocking 7.9 billion records have been exposed by data breaches in the
first nine months of 2019 alone. This figure is more than double (112%) the number of records exposed in the same
period in 2018.
Medical services, retailers and public entities experienced the most breaches, with malicious criminals responsible
for most incidents. Some of these sectors are more appealing to cybercriminals because they collect financial and
medical data, but all businesses that use networks can be targeted for customer data, corporate espionage, or
customer attacks.

With the scale of the cyber threat set to continue to rise, the International Data Corporation predicts that worldwide
spending on cyber-security solutions will reach a massive $133.7 billion by 2022. Governments across the globe have
responded to the rising cyber threat with guidance to help organizations implement effective cyber-security
practices.

In the U.S., the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has created a cyber-security framework. To
combat the proliferation of malicious code and aid in early detection, the framework recommends continuous, real-
time monitoring of all electronic resources.

The importance of system monitoring is echoed in the “10 steps to cyber security”, guidance provided by the U.K.
government’s National Cyber Security Centre. In Australia, TheAustralian Cyber Security Centre(ACSC) regularly
publishes guidance on how organizations can counter the latest cyber-security threats.

Types of cyber threats

he threats countered by cyber-security are three-fold:

1. Cybercrime includes single actors or groups targeting systems for financial gain or to cause disruption.

2. Cyber-attack often involves politically motivated information gathering.

3. Cyberterrorism is intended to undermine electronic systems to cause panic or fear.

So, how do malicious actors gain control of computer systems? Here are some common methods used to
threaten cyber-security:

Malware
Malware means malicious software. One of the most common cyber threats, malware is software that a
cybercriminal or hacker has created to disrupt or damage a legitimate user’s computer. Often spread via an
unsolicited email attachment or legitimate-looking download, malware may be used by cybercriminals to
make money or in politically motivated cyber-attacks.

There are a number of different types of malware, including:

Virus: A self-replicating program that attaches itself to clean file and spreads throughout a computer
system, infecting files with malicious code.

Trojans: A type of malware that is disguised as legitimate software. Cybercriminals trick users into
uploading Trojans onto their computer where they cause damage or collect data.

Spyware: A program that secretly records what a user does, so that cybercriminals can make use of this
information. For example, spyware could capture credit card details.

Ransomware: Malware which locks down a user’s files and data, with the threat of erasing it unless a
ransom is paid.

Adware: Advertising software which can be used to spread malware.

Botnets: Networks of malware infected computers which cybercriminals use to perform tasks online
without the user’s permission.

SQL injection
An SQL (structured language query) injection is a type of cyber-attack used to take control of and steal data
from a database. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in data-driven applications to insert malicious code
into a databased via a malicious SQL statement. This gives them access to the sensitive information
contained in the database.

Phishing
Phishing is when cybercriminals target victims with emails that appear to be from a legitimate company
asking for sensitive information. Phishing attacks are often used to dupe people into handing over credit
card data and other personal information.

Man-in-the-middle attack
A man-in-the-middle attack is a type of cyber threat where a cybercriminal intercepts communication
between two individuals in order to steal data. For example, on an unsecure WiFi network, an attacker
could intercept data being passed from the victim’s device and the network.

Denial-of-service attack
A denial-of-service attack is where cybercriminals prevent a computer system from fulfilling legitimate
requests by overwhelming the networks and servers with traffic. This renders the system unusable,
preventing an organization from carrying out vital functions.
Latest cyber threats
What are the latest cyber threats that individuals and organizations need to guard against? Here are some
of the most recent cyber threats that the U.K., U.S., and Australian governments have reported on.

Dridex malware
In December 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) charged the leader of an organized cyber-criminal
group for their part in a global Dridex malware attack. This malicious campaign affected the public,
government, infrastructure and business worldwide.

Dridex is a financial trojan with a range of capabilities. Affecting victims since 2014, it infects computers
though phishing emails or existing malware. Capable of stealing passwords, banking details and personal
data which can be used in fraudulent transactions, it has caused massive financial losses amounting to
hundreds of millions.

In response to the Dridex attacks, the U.K.’s National Cyber Security Centre advises the public to “ensure
devices are patched, anti-virus is turned on and up to date and files are backed up”.

Romance scams
In February 2020, the FBI warned U.S. citizens to be aware of confidence fraud that cybercriminals commit
using dating sites, chat rooms and apps. Perpetrators take advantage of people seeking new partners,
duping victims into giving away personal data.

The FBI reports that romance cyber threats affected 114 victims in New Mexico in 2019, with financial
losses amounting to $1.6 million.

Emotet malware
In late 2019, The Australian Cyber Security Centre warned national organizations about a widespread
global cyber threat from Emotet malware.

Emotet is a sophisticated trojan that can steal data and also load other malware. Emotet thrives on
unsophisticated password: a reminder of the importance of creating a secure password to guard against
cyber threats.

End-user protection
End-user protection or endpoint security is a crucial aspect of cyber security. After all, it is often an
individual (the end-user) who accidentally uploads malware or another form of cyber threat to their
desktop, laptop or mobile device.
So, how do cyber-security measures protect end users and systems? First, cyber-security relies on
cryptographic protocols to encrypt emails, files, and other critical data. This not only protects information
in transit, but also guards against loss or theft.

In addition, end-user security software scans computers for pieces of malicious code, quarantines this
code, and then removes it from the machine. Security programs can even detect and remove malicious
code hidden in Master Boot Record (MBR) and are designed to encrypt or wipe data from computer’s hard
drive.

Electronic security protocols also focus on real-time malware detection. Many use heuristic and behavioral
analysis to monitor the behavior of a program and its code to defend against viruses or Trojans that change
their shape with each execution (polymorphic and metamorphic malware). Security programs can confine
potentially malicious programs to a virtual bubble separate from a user's network to analyze their behavior
and learn how to better detect new infections.

Security programs continue to evolve new defenses as cyber-security professionals identify new threats
and new ways to combat them. To make the most of end-user security software, employees need to be
educated about how to use it. Crucially, keeping it running and updating it frequently ensures that it can
protect users against the latest cyber threats.

Cyber safety tips - protect yourself against cyberattacks

How can businesses and individuals guard against cyber threats? Here are our top cyber safety tips:

1.Update your software and operating system: This means you benefit from the latest security
patches.

2.Use anti-virus software: Security solutions like Kaspersky Total Security will detect and removes
threats. Keep your software updated for the best level of protection.

3.Use strong passwords: Ensure your passwords are not easily guessable.

4.Do not open email attachments from unknown senders: These could be infected with
malware.

5.Do not click on links in emails from unknown senders or unfamiliar websites: This is a
common way that malware is spread.
6.Avoid using unsecure WiFi networks in public places :Unsecure networks leave you vulnerable
to man-in-the-middle attacks.