What Is Cyber-Security?
Cyber-security is a field that covers methodologies and technologies used to safeguard an organization’s computer systems, networks, data and users from cyberattacks. The goal is to protect all corporate assets from unauthorized access and damage, whether that be due to hackers or from natural disasters.
Cyberattacks occur on a daily basis and are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often targeting large organizations with high-profile breaches that make headline news around the world. These attacks range from malware that encrypts customer lists to ransomware that holds company computers hostage for a fee. With so many threats, cybersecurity professionals must have a diverse set of technical and people-oriented skills to protect their organizations’ valuable digital assets.
The threat landscape is constantly changing, with thousands of new vulnerabilities reported in old and new applications each year. Almost every modern cyberattack involves some form of malware, which is a piece of malicious software code designed to attack a computer system, steal sensitive information or disrupt or damage systems and networks. Malware can be created by hackers or by disgruntled employees who buy the tools on the dark web or use social engineering tactics to get passwords from colleagues.
Cybersecurity professionals must be able to detect threats and identify weaknesses in their company’s security architecture, including firewalls, antivirus software, network access controls and encryption techniques. They must also understand how to integrate multiple cybersecurity solutions in order to protect the company’s various endpoints, such as desktop and laptop computers, mobile devices, IoT devices and virtual private networks. They should also be familiar with unified endpoint management (UEM) solutions that provide a single console to manage and monitor all device and application activity.