Is Cyber Security an Industry Worth Studying?

Cybersecurity can be defined as the framework of processes created to protect computers, networks, programs, and data from manipulation, theft, or unauthorized access. The importance of cybersecurity in organizations cannot be overemphasized as attackers are constantly revolutionizing cyber-attacks in order to gain access to new networks.

Cybersecurity firms are sometimes targeted by attackers in order to weaken their systems and gain access to the institutions they manage and steal information. There are three major categories of cyber security attacks classified according to the target and the method of attack used. They include:

Malware

This type of attack targets a computer's software and hardware. It physically damages the hardware or fully controls the computer limiting your simple use of keystrokes and other input devices. It also corrupts the software by changing the data and discreetly sending your information to the networks home base. The hacker monitors all your computer system actions once the user takes action to install the malware by clicking on a pop-up link. An example of malware is Melissa Virus, which is most commonly used to cause cyber mayhem.

Financial Crimes

This type of attacks aims at accessing money from one user and transferring them to another user or the attacker.

They are further classified into:

• Online Frauds: The attacker relies on the victim’s access to the internet to commit the crime. A common type of fraud is student aid fraud targeting online learners that take advantage of higher education online learning system by having classes from the convenience of their homes. They are scammed out of their student loans when they provide their personal information in hopes of getting financial aid. The fraud schemes also entail account takeovers, bank card and check fraud, advance fee frauds, loan scams and lottery schemes only to mention but a few.
• Phishing Attack: The attacker finds a way of tricking you into giving them sensitive information about you. This can be passwords, social security numbers, or credit card information. The information is then used to make other financial transactions online or transfer funds from your account.

Denial of Service (DoS)

This type of attack targets websites by flooding them with traffic to prevent users from accessing it. The attacker could use different computers with varying IP addresses, to limit the chances of getting tracked, and overwhelm the website’s server, making it shut down.

Cybersecurity is a broad term encompassing a variety of elements, which are:

• Network Security: This consists of processes aimed at protecting a network from misuse, unauthorized access or distortion. It is mostly done by assigning a specific network its own unmatched name and password. Network security can be applied to both private and public networks in institutions.
• Application Security: Applications are fitted with security measures to prevent theft, access or modification. It also involves a routine check of the applications for vulnerability and systems are employed to correct the flaws.
• Information Security: This is also known as InfoSec and involves a set of measures taken to detect, prevent and possibly combat the threats of both digital and non-digital information. The main focus is on the CIA triad of confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
• Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity Planning: This is a documentation of approaches to be taken in case of an unplanned incident. This ensures that the business can have a quick recovery after a disaster resulting from a cyber-attack and resume normal operations.
• Operational Security: This is also referred to as OPSEC. This process entails the classification of information assets depending on how critical they are and analyzing how useful they would be to an attacker if they happened to access it. Measures are then taken to protect the sensitive information from being exploited by the attacker.

End-user Education

This process involves the education of the end user of the product on the threats and risks they face when dealing with computer software. Ignorance is the main cause of human errors that lead to security incidents like hacking or online fraud. Effective training is given to organization employees and to individuals purchasing software products on how to limit cyber-attacks by, for instance, installing antivirus software. Positive reinforcement is encouraged for employees by rewarding them for good behavior when they apply cybersecurity policies.

Are you interested in the world of cyber security? If you’d like to work among those keeping the internet safe, you might be interested in earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security through ECPI University. With accelerated classes and online class options, you could earn a bachelor’s degree in as little as 2.5 years. For more information on this exciting program, connect with a friendly admissions counselor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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Gainful Employment Information – Cyber and Network Security - Bachelor’s

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