Cyber Security: Types, Services, Safety Tips and Tools

A cyberattack occurs approximately every 39 seconds and around 800,000 people fall victim to cyberattacks each year and it can cost an average of $2.6 million to companies. The numbers are scary, but worry not! Cyber Security services can help you safeguard yourself and your company from these attacks.

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber Security is a technological process that is designed to safeguard networks, programs, devices, and data from different types of cyberattacks like malware attacks, phishing, and DDoS attacks. This involves keeping a check on the activities and recognizing and avoiding online scams.

It is also known as Information Security (INFOSEC), Information Assurance (IA), or System Security. By practising or investing in Cyber Security services you can keep your data safe and private in a world where everything is available at the taps and tips of our fingers.

It involves using various tools such as firewalls, antivirus software, VPNs, etc. These tools keep your devices safe from getting tricked by any attacks.

Types of Cyber Security

Cyber Security is all about keeping your online experience safe and private. But is it not one for all practices? There are multiple different types of Digital Security intended to secure various facets of the Internet world. From network to cloud storage, it protects the digital world from getting exploited.

1. Network Security

Network Security is one of the most common types of Cyber Security services that involves guarding internet networks from data breaches, unauthorised access, and every kind of network-based attack. According to IBM, in 2023, 43% of all cyberattacks targeted network vulnerabilities. It uses various technologies like Firewalls, Intrusion detection systems (IDS), Data Encryption, Virtual private networks (VPNs), and Network segmentation.

2. Application Security

Like network security, which is focused on protecting internet networks from suspicious access, software applications involve protecting software applications. It secures applications through coding practices, software updates, application firewalls, and vulnerability assessments. Verizon in its 2023 Data Breach Investigations study, found that 80% of breaches involved web applications.

3. Cloud Security:

Cloud solutions have just revolutionised how we store and access our files and data in the digital world. However, the amount of convenience it offers is equal to the vulnerabilities it has exposed us to. Cloud security services are intended to protect the data that are present on the cloud platforms.

A report by Cyber Security Ventures predicts that cloud storage breaches will cost businesses a staggering $6 billion by 2025, making cloud security a top priority for businesses of all sizes.

4. Endpoint Security:

Our personal devices, from laptops to smartphones, are all potential entry points for cyberattacks. Endpoint security protects these devices from malware, phishing attempts, and unauthorised access. According to a 2023 report by Atlas VPN, there were over 5.4 billion malware attacks detected globally in the first quarter alone, highlighting the need for robust endpoint security solutions.

5. Data Security:

This is the data age, and data has become more important than anything in this world. So, data security also holds a very important place in Internet Security. Data security is all about maintaining the confidentiality of data without hampering its integrity and availability. A 2022 IDC report estimates that the global data security market will reach $150.6 billion by 2026.

6. Mobile Security: 

Our smartphones and tablets store all the information of our personal and professional lives. Mobile security protects these devices from malware, phishing attacks, and unauthorised access.  A 2024 report by Lookout stated that mobile malware attacks grew by 54% in 2023. This highlighted the critical demand for strong mobile security solutions.

7. Critical Infrastructure Security: 

Power systems, transportation, and communication networks are the backbone of modern society. Critical infrastructure security safeguards these important systems from cyberattacks that could cause large-scale damage. The Cyber Security & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) found a 60% hike in cyberattacks on important infrastructure in 2022. 

8. Internet of Things (IoT) Security: 

Today’s digital world is an ever-growing network of interconnected devices. From smart home gadgets to intelligent sensors, the internet of Things is present everywhere. This poses a unique security challenge. And here IoT security comes in. It protects these devices from vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit for big attacks. According to a 2023 study by Positive Technologies, 52% of organisations faced an IoT-based attack in the past year.

Cyber Security Tools

The Internet world is a treasure of information. Where on the one hand it opens the world of vulnerabilities; on the other hand, it offers ultimate tools to stay safe. Some of the best Cyber Security tools that you must use to ensure your digital security are:

1. Antivirus and Anti-malware Software:

These tools continuously scan your devices for malicious software and stops them from infecting your system. Popular antivirus and anti-malware are Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Norton, etc.

2. Firewalls:

Firewalls monitor, filter and block any suspicious incoming and outgoing traffic on the network. This tool comes pre-installed on most operating systems, but you can even subscribe for a paid service.

3. Encryption Software:

Encryption makes your data unreadable by anyone who doesn’t have the decryption key. This protects sensitive information such as financial data, passwords, and personal documents. Popular encryption tools are VeraCrypt and 7-Zip.

4. Password Managers:

Password managers protect all your passwords and can automatically generate and fill them in when needed. Popular password managers are LastPass, 1Password, and Dashlane, etc.

5. Vulnerability Scanners:

Vulnerability Scanner can identify weaknesses and loopholes in your systems and applications. The early detection of these vulnerabilities can help you fix them before they get exploited. Popular vulnerability scanners include Nessus and OpenVAS.

6. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS):

The intrusion Detection System monitors your network activity for unauthorised access attempts or other suspicious behaviour. Meanwhile, IPS systems block malicious traffic or shut down compromised systems. Snort and Security Onion are popular open-source IDS and IPS.

Cyber Security Tips

You can keep your sensitive data safe from attackers and exploits by following some of these easy tips: 

1. Partner with cyber security companies: Cyber Security companies are dedicated agents that strive to ensure that your data and activity remain safe in the digital world. This is the easiest way to safeguard your companies from cyberattacks.

2. Educate your employees: Digital Security training educates on precautions one should take for secure browsing. Along with training on how to deal with cyberattacks and suspicious activities.

3. Build a multi-layered Cyber Security strategy: Building a robust Cyber Security strategy can help you stay ahead of the cyber attackers, cutting unnecessary emergency costs and saving damages.

4. Keep your system updated: Ensures your operating systems, applications, and firmware are regularly updated. Keeping it updated can address security vulnerabilities.

5. Use security tools: Using security tools like antivirus, firewalls, VPNs, password managers, etc, make staying safe an easy task for you.

Conclusion

Security is not a one-time thing, but a continuous process. By implementing a multi-layered Cyber Security strategy, you can create a protected environment in the digital space. Using the above-mentioned tools, following tips, and partnering with dedicated IT companies, you can stay ahead of the attackers.

Also read our blog: 13 Cybersecurity Best Practices For Your Business