Cybersecurity involves safeguarding computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data against malicious attacks, also referred to as information technology security or electronic information security. This comprehensive field encompasses various categories:
Network Security: Focuses on securing computer networks from intruders, whether intentional attackers or opportunistic malware.
Application Security: Aims to keep software and devices free from threats, emphasizing secure design practices to prevent compromising data.
Information Security: Protects the integrity and privacy of data in both storage and transmission.
Operational Security: Encompasses processes and decisions related to handling and protecting data assets, including user permissions, storage practices, and data sharing procedures.
Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Defines how organizations respond to cybersecurity incidents or events causing operational or data loss, including policies for restoring operations and continuity plans.
End-User Education: Addresses the human factor in cybersecurity, educating users to follow good security practices and avoid actions that could compromise system integrity.
The global cyber threat is rapidly evolving, with an increasing number of data breaches each year. Cybersecurity spending is on the rise globally, with a predicted expenditure of $188.3 billion in 2023, reaching over $260 billion by 2026.
Governments worldwide are responding to this threat by providing guidance on cybersecurity practices. For instance, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a cybersecurity framework, emphasizing continuous, real-time monitoring of electronic resources.
Cyber threats come in various forms, including cybercrime (for financial gain or disruption), cyber-attacks (politically motivated information gathering), and cyberterrorism (intending to cause panic or fear). Malicious actors employ methods like malware, SQL injection, phishing, man-in-the-middle attacks, and denial-of-service attacks to compromise computer systems.
Recent threats include the Dridex malware, romance scams exploiting dating platforms, and the Emotet malware. Governments advise measures such as device patching, using antivirus software, and creating secure passwords to mitigate these threats.
Endpoint security, focusing on individual users, involves cryptographic protocols for data encryption, real-time malware detection, and security software to scan, quarantine, and remove malicious code. Education on cybersecurity practices is crucial for end users.
To guard against cyber threats, individuals and businesses should update software regularly, use antivirus software, employ strong passwords, avoid opening email attachments from unknown senders, refrain from clicking on unfamiliar links, and avoid unsecured public WiFi networks.
Kaspersky Endpoint Security, recognized for outstanding performance, protection, and usability, received three AV-TEST awards for corporate endpoint security in 2021. Regular updates and employee education ensure effective protection against evolving cyber threats.
