What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the application of processes and technologies to protect computer systems, networks and data from cyberattacks, unauthorised access and leaks. It helps maintain data availability, integrity and confidentiality.
With the rise of the internet and emerging technologies, an increasing amount of data is being created and stored every day. As a result, cybercriminals try harder to steal data, hack networks and gain unauthorised access to personal data. The outcomes of these cyberattacks may prove to be devastating for those affected — ransom demands, brand damage and online threats, which is why cybersecurity remains a crucial aspect of ensuring data protection. What exactly is cybersecurity?
Definition of cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is the practice of implementing strategies, procedures and tools to ensure the security of computer networks and systems. Cybersecurity measures are aimed at combatting cyberattacks and data theft, and mitigating other IT-related risks.
Every year, cybercriminals acquire increasingly sophisticated IT skills and tools, which is why cybersecurity has become a recognised area of expertise. It includes a wide range of strategies, from the simplest to the most complex, particularly:
- installing antivirus software;
- raising awareness among employees and stakeholders;
- implementing standards, protocols and defences.
What is a cyber threat?
Today, with the increasing number of online threats, organisations and individuals need to adhere to a modicum of cybersecurity rules to avoid serious consequences. What is a cyber threat?
Data theft
Cybercriminals often steal:
• data concerning your customers or employees;
• banking data;
• medical data;
• commercial and sales data;
• personal data.
Financial loss
The financial consequences of cyberattacks are constantly changing. Financial losses also include indirect costs, such as permanent data loss, property damage, reduced productivity, or damage to brand image.
Damage to brand image and reputation
Cyberattacks may seriously hurt a company’s reputation and image, causing a significant dip in trust among customers, investors and partners.
Penalties
There are laws and legal obligations regarding data protection. Businesses that fall prey to cybercriminals may face legal action for failing to protect sensitive customer and employee data, this can significantly impact operations.
Physical security breaches
Cyberattacks targeting critical sectors such as hospitals could lead to serious consequences, putting the lives of hospitalised patients and medical staff in danger. In addition, cyber threats targeting transportation or power networks may result in significant malfunctions and pose a threat to the public’s safety.
Industrial espionage
States can sponsor cyberattacks by hiring hackers to spy on governments or organisations. These threats may sometimes escalate into geopolitical conflicts.
Why is cybersecurity important?
In a rapidly changing and digitally interconnected world, it is important that both businesses and individual prioritise cybersecurity, particularly for the following reasons.
Protecting confidential and sensitive data
Every day, we entrust companies and organisations with more and more of our data, which is sometimes sensitive and confidential. With cybersecurity, personal data is protected from privacy violations, identity theft and fraud.
Ensuring financial stability
Cybercriminals often demand hefty ransoms after stealing sensitive data. Putting in place cybersecurity tools protects companies against ransom demands, material damage or deterioration of their image, as well as their value.
Protecting image and trust
In a world that is highly interconnected, trust between players is paramount. Cybersecurity helps maintain this trust, and shields against any slowdown or economic downturn that may arise when trust is eroded. In addition, it enables companies to improve their image, while reassuring customers.
Critical infrastructure security
Cybersecurity is essential for the smooth running of critical infrastructure in the power, transport, telecommunications, food and healthcare sectors.
National and international security
Cybersecurity plays a key role in stopping cyberattacks initiated by other countries. Today, wars are not only being fought physically, but also digitally. To protect its citizens, every country must rely on cybersecurity.
Regulatory and legal compliance
Over the years, there have been changes in laws and regulations, requiring companies to protect their data. Implementing cybersecurity strategies allows organisations to comply with these regulations and avoid penalties.
What are the different types of cybersecurity?
There are several types of cybersecurity strategies, depending on the specific area. These strategies focus on closely related risks.
Network security
Network security encompasses all measures and procedures aimed at protecting computer networks. It mainly involves blocking unauthorised access to a network, detecting and neutralising threats.
Information security
Information security includes measures taken to control access to data in order to protect its integrity and confidentiality.
Application security
Application security encompasses measures aimed at preventing data theft or various attacks that target applications, to ensure they are protected throughout their life cycle.
Critical infrastructure security
Critical infrastructure security is aimed at defending and protecting systems that are fundamental to the functioning of society, such as health, energy, emergency services, transportation and food.
Endpoint security
Endpoint security protects individual devices that serve as entry points to other systems, in particular computers, smartphones, tablets, workstations and servers. Managing this type of security typically involves using security technologies, such as firewalls, VPNs, anti-virus, etc.
Cloud security
Cloud security encompasses policies, technologies and applications deployed to ensure cloud data, applications and infrastructure are safe and secure. This involves protecting the access, confidentiality and integrity of data stored on cloud servers.
Internet of Things (IoT) security
Internet of Things security is designed to protect smart devices connected to the Internet, including cameras, household or medical devices, in-vehicle systems, etc.
End-user security
Since most cyber threats are caused by human error, end-user security is a critical component of cybersecurity. This involves educating and training employees on how to adopt security best practices when using computer systems or devices. This goal is to minimise the risk of errors and data leaks, and prevent systems from being compromised.
What are the types of cyberattacks?
The different methods used by attackers depend on the objectives pursued.
Malware
Malware is an umbrella term for computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, and other malicious software. These can be installed on a targeted computer system to:
• damage hardware and software equipment;
• cause data loss or theft;
• corrupt or render data inaccessible;
• steal someone’s identity;
• take control of a computer system.
Ransomware
This usually involves the use of malware or a virus by a hacker to infiltrate a computer system, and block access to the victim’s data unless a ransom is paid. These attacks can result in significant financial loss, with no guarantee of recovering data even after ransom is paid.
Exploiting vulnerabilities
All computer programs and systems have security vulnerabilities, no matter how small. Attackers are constantly looking to exploit vulnerabilities in software or networks. Sometimes sensitive data can leak and be exposed, leading to data loss, privacy violations or ransom demands.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks
Distributed denial of service attacks are intended to make a service unavailable and deny legitimate users access. Typically, hackers overload a system’s resources (such as databases), by generating substantial and persistent flow of traffic, which can cause a system to become saturated, making the site or service unavailable.
Phishing
Phishing refers to the attempt to trick users and gain access to their confidential information. The most widely used means are emails and SMS. Spear phishing is an even more sophisticated and targeted form of phishing where — using their information — phishers trick recipients by posing as trustworthy sources.
SQL Injection
SQL Injection attack involves injecting malicious SQL code into a database. Typically, an attacker finds a security vulnerability, writes an SQL code and executes it to modify and delete otherwise restricted data.
Attacks on smart objects
This involves exploiting vulnerabilities in smart devices (cameras, speakers, home automation devices, etc.), which are often less secure.
Insider threats
Insider threats often originate from within a company or organisation. Misuse or neglect of an organisation’s systems, or network, may result in serious damage. This is sometimes intentional. Competitors or external organisations may hire spies to steal sensitive information, company secrets, or simply cause damage to property.
OVHcloud and cybersecurity
At OVHcloud, data security is a priority, which is why we take many cybersecurity measures, notably:
- implementing security standards and protocols;
- maintaining technical components, operating systems and middleware on a regular basis;
- detecting and preventing misuse;
- using protective shields;
- creating specialised cybersecurity units/departments;
- raising end-user awareness.
