Today’s industry is digital-reliant. Any organisation creates a network of physical and software-based components to store, consume and share digital products, services and information from one point to the desired one. Some of the common digital assets used frequently are hardware like data centres, personal computers, digital communication suits etc.
It needs to be understood that with the advancement of data-sharing technology, cyber threats have become an automatic by-product. So, it is essential to protect our digital infrastructure in such a way that the stored or shared data can never be breached or accessed by any third party for whatsoever intent. Organisations are now looking forward to training their key manpower with a suitable cybersecurity course containing the most modern remedies for cyber-attacks.
Digital Infrastructure and Cyber Security
Digital infrastructure and cyber security are connected like two sides of the same coin. Digital infrastructure comprises the software and the hardware ecosystems that transfer data and establish intra-system and inter-system communication. Any digital transaction owes the risk of cyber threats like hacks, viruses, malware, spurious software etc. and needs to be protected. That is where the role of cyber security comes to play.
A collective body of processes, practices and technology that aims to protect the programs, networks, servers, devices and data of an organisation from unauthorised access, damage, attack or theft is known as cybersecurity.
Basic Terminology of Cybersecurity
Beginners to the subject must understand the following terms for a holistic grip on the subject. The most commonly used terms are as follows:
Internet Protocol (IP) address
An IP address is a unique hardware identification number. Different computers and other devices either over the intranet or the internet, may communicate within the usage of these numbers.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
VPN is an additional security service over secured WiFi. The purpose is to provide an additional layer of protection to an IP address by making their online activities virtually untraceable by cyber criminals and other snoopers who tend to outwit users by luring them to click on malicious links. Thus, VPN prevents both loss of money and data.
Firewall
This is the first guard in data screening both for incoming and outgoing network traffic. In other words, a Firewall acts as a wall between the primary or basic internet and an organisation’s private internal internet. A firewall obstructs any seemingly harmful element and obstructs an internal user from sending sensitive information to the outside world.
World Wide Web (WWW)
It is the elaborate order menu or exhaustive catalogue of all web addresses available across the world internet.
Uniform Resource Locator (URL)
A unique identifier applied to locate the desired resources on the internet is known as a URL. It is also named a web address.
Domain Name Server (DNS)
Domain Name Server acts as a virtual phone book of the internet. Its job is to convert the web address or URL of a resource to its numeric IP address.
Encryption and Decryption
When plain text is converted into code format using a ciphertext algorithm, the process is known as encryption. Decryption is the process of reverse engineering i.e. converting codes into readable texts.
Encryption Key
This key is a tool that decrypts encrypted data. These keys are unique for specific encryption codes.
Authentication
This is a standard procedure of digitally identifying or recognising a person and ensuring that he or she has access to the concerned files or data. Generally, password, finger scan or retina scan are the tools, used either in standalone mode or in combination.
Botnet
This word is derived from robot and network and refers to a series of devices or computers which have been already hacked and working as per the hacker’s command.
Rootkit
It is a collection of software aimed to control and operate a user’s computer. Though this tool aims to provide remote technical support to its users, hackers may also use this tool with evil intentions.
Types of Cybersecurity
Depending on the various applications adapted by the organisation to fulfil different goals, the types of cybersecurity also differ. They are as follows:
Endpoint security
Remote data storage may be vulnerable since they may be accessed by criminals as well. Endpoint security measures protect remote data stored by VPNs, Firewalls and other modern tools.
Identity management
With this tool, data is made available to the authorised user/s only, thus minimising the risk of leakage or fraud.
Application security
Cell phone apps have become a common usage platform for many consumers. Thus, Apple and Google fortify Apple Store and Google Play respectively with apt cybersecurity methods. Most of the apps available in these two platforms are end-to-end encrypted for the user data.
Data security
Encryption, access controls, data classifications and data loss prevention methods are some of the usual techniques deployed to make data secure.
Cloud Security
Nowadays many organisations prefer to store their data in clouds or remote third-party servers or cloud providers like One Drive and Google Clouds. This necessitates using secure cloud protection systems.
Data infrastructure security
Physical infrastructure housing the database also needs to be protected from attack or theft.
Mobile security
In today’s world, many activities may be performed by a few clicks on the mobile phone. Banking transactions or UPI payments are widely used. These transactions are protected by using suitable security systems. Furthermore, a data backup system helps to retrieve data in case of damage, theft or device malfunction.
Disaster recovery services
This is another data security response system or data assurance when the infrastructure gets damaged by natural calamities like fire, flood, tornado or hurricane.
IoT security
With plenty of devices connected to a server or a specific network, it is important to secure the transmission of data every time. Sometimes connected devices are left with factory-set passwords, which are easy guess and to crack. This security adapts prevention techniques from these lapses keeping the network secure.
Intrusion detection system
A fortified security system must contain this tool built to alert the key cyber security personnel of the organisation (through a mail or text message) when the system is breached. The purpose is to stop further damage and work towards resolution.
Four Pillars of Cyber Security
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has provided voluminous guidelines and protocols for digital data protection. Accordingly, the four pillars of cyber security are as follows:
Prevention
Going by the proverb that prevention is better than cure, the implementation of intrusion detection systems, firewalls and access controls prevents unauthorised usage.
Detection
This is the process of locating loopholes in the network/system by utilisation of advanced security tools and technologies.
Response
This is the process of developing incident-based tailor-made response plans and procedures to address security lapses.
Recovery
This is the concluding and the most important functional pillar. The system must be restored to its original functionality and integrity.
CIA Triad in Cybersecurity
For any organisation, it is important to follow these three principles in a cybersecurity system:
Confidentiality
This principle ensures that only intended or authorised users have viewing access to information or data.
Integrity
This principle ensures that only authorised users or systems can add, delete or change data in the system.
Availability
In addition to the above-mentioned principles, the principle of availability ensures that the data may be made available to individuals or teams on demand based on the service benchmark or an agreement to this effect.
Cyber Threats
Cyber-attacks are carried out for some pre-determined and specific purposes:
- To ask for a hefty sum of money instead of restoring the IT infrastructure to its original mode.
- To spy on network systems and steal data, either for personal benefit or to stay ahead of rivals.
- To fructify a financial fraud attempt.
- To jeopardise the political or socio-economic stature of a nation.
- To neutralise enemy defence systems when two or multiple nations are at war.
Before moving on to measures taken to prevent the digital infrastructure, let us identify the nature of cyber threats. They are as follows -
Malware
It is malicious software created with the intent to harm a personal computer, system or server. Ransomware, trojan, spyware, rootkits etc. are some of the most common types of malware.
Code Injection attacks
The purpose of injecting malicious code into a personal computer is to the course of its action to achieve some desired unscrupulous results. One of the most common types of code injection is SQL injection.
Denial-of-Service attack
In a D-o-S attack, attack networks are filled with false requests. In such cases, mail, websites, online accounts etc. become compromised. However, it may be resolved without paying a ransom. DoS attacks distract company resources and result in time wastage.
DNS tunnelling
This type of attack transmits code and data within the domain name system queries and response network, thereby gaining complete command and control services. Malware is injected into the network with the intent of extracting IP, sensitive data and other information. DNS tunnelling is a simple mode of hacking.
IoT-based attacks
An attack that compromises Internet of Things (IoT) devices and networks and enables hackers to steal data and/or to join a network of infected devices to launch a DoS attack.
Phishing
This attack technique uses emails, phone calls, text messages and social engineering techniques. The ultimate purpose is to obtain sensitive information like account numbers, one-time passwords etc. to hack the victim’s bank account and syphon money away. Many times, hackers engage victims in using malicious URLs for this purpose.
Supply Chain attacks
This attack infects the software and hardware systems of a trusted vendor by the process of injecting malicious code into the system to compromise both the hardware and software components. Software supply chains are vulnerable since the programming codes are based on mostly open systems and not original.
Spoofing
This is an old method of stealing sensitive data or even jeopardising the entire network systems of an organisation upon posing as a trusted partner to the same. This is done for three purposes –
- To gather competitor information.
- To extort money.
- To destroy servers and data by installing malware. Insider threats
This is an attack generated by a present disgruntled employee or an ex-employee of the organisation. It may be noted that insider threat also occurs accidentally, when employees do such things over their computer systems, that they are not supposed to. In the second case, regular training on cyber security can help the organisation educate their employees at large.
Identity-based attacks
By and large, this is the most common form of cyber-attack on individuals. In this form, the hacker compromises the credentials of an authentic user and has access to his or her account. It is very difficult to recognise this hack or differentiate between the behavioural patterns of the hacker and the original user since the hacker uses traditional forms of security procedures while using the account.
Some of the common forms of identity-based attacks are as follows – MITM (man in the middle) attacks, pass the hack attacks, golden ticket attacks, silver ticket attacks, credential stuffing attacks, password spraying attacks, brute force attacks and downgrade attacks.
Standard Safety Designs for Digital Infrastructure
Besides the above-mentioned technologies used to prevent cyber-attacks, there are certain standard procedures to be followed by the organisation. They are as follows –
Implementation of a zero-trust model
In this model, all users, devices and applications within the network are considered untrustworthy. This process is achieved by the implementation of access control, identity and access management (IAM), multi-factor authentication (MFA) and the introduction of an infusion detection system and firewalls. The sole purpose is to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic.
Usage of data encryption
Almost all organisations use encryption techniques both for data storage & transmission procedures. This not only strengthens network security but also boosts confidentiality. Security design uses SSL/ TLS encryption for all web traffic and full-disk encryption for all connected laptops, desktops and mobile devices.
Network segmentation
The process of network subdivision helps in lateral movement across the network by separating critical systems and data from the rest of the network. This is implemented by use of smaller subnets like VLANs.
Strong Password Policies
The use of strong complex alpha-numeric passwords with special characters bolsters net security.
Dual layer of safety
Additional reinforcement of MFA (multi-factor authentication) acts as a second line of defence.
Updating software
Updating system software is as important as it is obvious. Updated software provides additional and relevant security patches to tackle the latest threats. In most devices, auto update mode is followed to avoid any negligence in failing to do so.
Educating team on cybersecurity
Nowadays cybersecurity is not a subject of the ISD (information systems department) professionals alone. Each staff needs to be educated with the know-how to tackle phishing and insider attacks.
Regular audits
It is no secret that regular audits, both by internal and external teams, are required to monitor all networking devices, servers and systems. Early detection of breaches may lead to the prevention of greater system damages. Audits help maintain safe business continuity and safeguard unauthorised access to the system and network security.
Ways to secure digital infrastructure in a hybrid system
COVID has changed the concept of cybersecurity forever. The situation has resulted in more workforce to operate from home where the network system is relatively less protected. Additionally, organisations use cloud-based systems for their regular tasks, besides their standard organisation network. This hybrid working environment has posed enormous challenges to the IT security team and has encouraged them to adopt newer models and practices that are aligned with modern business requirements.
The four most commonly used latest security models are as follows –
- SaaS-enabled security
- Extended detection and response (XDR)
- Security access service edge (SASE)
- Container security system
Specialised Subjects in Cybersecurity
Based on the nature of operations, there are several specialisations in cyber security. Due to its vastness, it is next to impossible for an individual to master all the specialisations. The categories are as follows –
- Access control system and methodology
- Telecommunication and network security
- Security management practices
- Security architecture and models
- Law, investigation and ethics
- Application and system development security
- Cryptography
- Computer operations security
- Physical security
Job Roles for Cybersecurity Professionals
The demand for IT Security professionals is growing day by day. Some of the roles offered by reputed organisations (concerned with cyber security) are as follows –
Chief Information Security Officer
Entrusted with the IT security of an organisation.
Forensic Computer Analyst
They look for evidence after a cyber-attack.
Information Security Analyst
Protects computer and network system.
Penetration tester
Highly skilled security professionals are engaged whose main job is to breach the secured system of the said organisation i.e. to identify loopholes in existing security practices.
IT Security Engineer
The main role of these professionals is to monitor and keep the network and devices safe daily. They also address the day-to-day issues of users.
Cybersecurity Certification
To become an expert cyber security personnel in their respective specialisation, one needs to clear either of the following certification courses –
CND or Certified Network Defender
This course covers the identification of threats, protecting and responding to cyber threats.
CompTIA Security+ Certification
It is a globally trusted certification course imparting vendor-neutral security knowledge and skills.
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
This course delves into reverse engineering of systems for a better understanding of digital infrastructure breaches and their remedies.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is gaining importance with each passing day. The Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity and Blockchain by E&ICT IIT Guwahati can you become a cybersecurity professional. The duration of this cybersecurity certification programme is 10 months. This online cybersecurity programme also entitles the students to a 3-day campus immersion and to have live sessions from IIT-G professors.
Besides this, the course also takes care of the true academy-industry balance and invites industry experts for interactive sessions. They also get a taste of real-time industry challenges in cybersecurity. Students get trained in the latest blockchain technology. Students gain practical ethical hacking skills and earn the most coveted CEHv12 certification.
This cybersecurity course is a must for aspiring professionals for the reasons mentioned below -
- To learn to identify potential risks.
- To build cybersecurity proficiencies
- To make the organisation cyber-resilient
- To navigate real-world challenges
- To be an apt cybersecurity solution provider
Visit the official website of Imarticus for more details.
