A broad category involving all service types falling under the umbrella of cyber security. In IT, it is the act of protecting networks and data from malicious attacks by deploying a variety of methods, from network monitoring, firewalls, anti-virus, layered networks, and more. Often managed through a provider, it can also be handled on-site. Cyber security services are valuable as they draw from larger resources and more experienced staff.
Firewalls are a common, integral part of any cybersecurity plan. Most companies handle their own or have a firewall for their network – but in some cases will elect a third party for additional firewall options. Options vary based on the provider.
Some firewalls are hybrid models, for instance, which allow for additional control and network monitoring options outside of the normal rulesets. Others may provide a single firewall solution for all internal/remote devices. The needs differ based on the requirements of each individual company.
It’s Importance
It is important because government, military, corporate, financial, and medical organizations collect, process, and store unprecedented amounts of data on computers and other devices.
A significant portion of that data can be sensitive information, whether that be intellectual property, financial data, personal information, or other types of data for which unauthorized access or exposure could have negative consequences.
Organizations transmit sensitive data across networks and to other devices in the course of doing businesses, and cyber security describes the discipline dedicated to protecting that information and the systems used to process or store it.
As the volume and sophistication of cyber-attacks grow, companies and organizations, especially those that are tasked with safeguarding information relating to national security, health, or financial records, need to take steps to protect their sensitive business and personnel information.
Challenges
For an effective cyber security, an organization needs to coordinate its efforts throughout its entire information system. Elements of cyber encompass all the following:
- Network security: The process of protecting the network from unwanted users, attacks, and intrusions.
- Application security: Apps require constant updates and testing to ensure these programs are secure from attacks.
- Endpoint security: Remote access is a necessary part of business but can also be a weak point for data. Endpoint security is the process of protecting remote access to a company’s network.
- Data security: Inside of networks and applications is data. Protecting company and customer information is a separate layer of security.
- Identity management: Essentially, this is a process of understanding the access every individual has in an organization.
- Database and infrastructure security: Everything in a network involves databases and physical equipment. Protecting these devices is equally important.
- Cloud security: Many files are in digital environments or “the cloud”. Protecting data in a 100% online environment presents a large amount of challenges.
- Mobile security: Cell phones and tablets involve virtually every type of security challenge in and of themselves.
- Disaster recovery/business continuity planning: In the event of a breach, natural disaster or other event data must be protected and business must go on. For this, you’ll need a plan. End-user education: Users may be employees accessing the network or customers logging on to a company app. Educating good habits (password changes, 2-factor authentication, etc.) is an important part of cyber security.
Managing Cyber Security
Cyber risk assessments should also consider any regulations that impact the way your company collects, stores, and secures data, such as PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOX, FISMA, and others. Following a cyber risk assessment, develop and implement a plan to mitigate cyber risk, protect the “crown jewels” outlined in your assessment, and effectively detect and respond to security incidents. This plan should encompass both the processes and technologies required to build a mature cyber security program
