Cybersecurity protects internet-connected systems against hardware, software, and data threats. Individuals and businesses use this method to prevent unauthorized access to digital systems, including data centers.
Cybersecurity involves protecting electronic devices, systems, and networks from malicious attacks. It involves various technical and physical countermeasures, safeguards, and security controls.
A router enables communication between your home network and the internet. A virus is a malware that infects computer programs and can be used to steal information or cause harm.
Cybersecurity is critical because it protects enterprises from the numerous hazards they encounter. Organizations may limit the likelihood of a successful attack and the harm that an assault can inflict by implementing robust cybersecurity measures.
Security Consultant
Security consultants work with cybersecurity teams to plan, design, build, code, run, maintain, and monitor security controls that protect data and networks from hackers. These professionals also investigate cybersecurity breaches and provide security solutions based on business-standard analysis criteria.
Cybersecurity is an in-demand field as companies become increasingly reliant on technology. The need for cybersecurity experts will only grow as cyberattacks become more common and sophisticated.
Typically, these professionals have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Security consultants need a strong understanding of networking and computer systems to ensure that security controls meet industry standards. These include firewall safety, backups, and breach detection protocols. This highly technical role often requires travel to clients’ locations. One of the synonyms for security services is a firewall—a firewall monitors and filters network traffic based on security policies. Firewalls act as a barrier between private networks and the public internet. They allow safe traffic while blocking harmful traffic.
Security Auditor
Cybersecurity is a multifaceted practice that involves everything from software development to managing firewalls and intrusion detection systems. It is becoming increasingly important as the world becomes more reliant on technology, and devices like the Internet of Things (IoT) connect to the web, making them potential targets for hackers.
Security audits are vital to protecting your business from cyber threats and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. The first step in the process is identifying your goals and assessment criteria for the audit. This will help you prioritize which areas of your network to examine and provide consistency in evaluating each system during the assessment process.
Other useful cybersecurity terms include back door, baiting, and botnet. A back door bypasses security that allows unauthorized access to a restricted area of a computer system. A botnet is a group of devices infected with malware and controlled remotely to perform malicious activities, such as sending spam messages.
Security Analyst
Cybersecurity analysts protect computer networks from cyber threats by predicting and preventing attacks and responding to breaches. You play a critical role in securing your organization’s essential data in this position.
Cybersecurity analysts must know the most recent cyber threat environment and their company’s IT architecture.
Security analysts plan, implement and upgrade security measures for computer networks to protect digital information and electronic infrastructure. They may also review and assess system vulnerabilities to identify security risks. They analyze security breaches, update incident response and disaster recovery plans, and train employees on best practices.
A cyber attack in which a malicious code is sent to unwitting recipients who then spread it further by sending it to their contacts. It usually involves email, but it can include any type of media, including SMS messages, social networks, and even the dark web.
A method in which hackers steal passwords by observing or snooping on network traffic for the data. The stealing of passwords is called phishing or credential theft. The term “white hat hacker” describes hackers who use penetration testing techniques for legitimate purposes.
Security Engineer
A cybersecurity engineering job involves developing and deploying high-tech solutions against hacking, malware, ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), and other cybercrimes. Security engineers often work with other cybersecurity professionals, including analysts and penetration testers. Most security engineer positions require prior IT or cybersecurity experience, such as a cyber-focused degree program or an internship at a company that offers cybersecurity solutions.
A cyber attack that takes advantage of flaws in software. A typical example is a phishing campaign that sends mass emails asking for passwords or redirecting users to illegitimate websites.
A cyber security engineer creates and implements network security solutions to protect against cyber threats. They regularly test and monitor systems to ensure their defenses are up-to-date and functioning properly.
Security Officer
A person responsible for a physical or digital security system often handles online safety protocols and crisis management. They can be an in-house officer, such as a guard at a shopping mall, or they may work for a private security company that protects many locations.
A technique used to harvest passwords by monitoring or snooping on network traffic to find the hidden passwords being transmitted. This is sometimes also referred to as passive attacks.
Software used to monitor and record network activity – for both good (running diagnostics) and evil (snooping on private data exchanges). Often used to detect cyberattacks as they happen.