www.kaspersky.com Open in urlscan Pro
4.59.181.140 Public Scan

Back to summary

URL:
https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/what-is-cyber-security
Submission: On July 10 via api (July 10th 2024, 2:30:23 pm UTC) from MY — Scanned from US

Form analysis
0 forms found in the DOM

Text Content

Skip to main content
Solutions for:
* Home Products
* Small Business 1-49 employees
* Medium Business 50-999 employees
* Enterprise 1000+ employees

Solutions for:
* Home Products
* Small Business 1-49 employees
* Medium Business 50-999 employees
* Enterprise 1000+ employees

go to homepage
* My Kaspersky

* ProductsProducts
* KasperskyPremium

Complete protection for your devices, online privacy & identity

Learn moreFree, 30-day trial
KasperskyPlus

Combines security, performance & privacy features in one app

Learn moreFree, 30-day trial
KasperskyStandard

Enhanced protection with device performance booster

Learn moreFree, 30-day trial
KasperskySafe Kids

Flexible parental controls & GPS tracker for your kids

Learn moreFree trial
KasperskyVPN Secure Connection

The private and secure VPN to enjoy the Internet without compromising on
speed

Learn moreDownload
KasperskyPassword Manager

Bank-grade security vault for your passwords & documents

Learn moreGet Free Version
Other Links
* Renew License
* Support
* Trials & Downloads
* Renew
* Downloads
* Support
* Resource Center
* BlogBlog
* Business
* News
* Privacy
* Products
* Special Projects
* Technology
* Threats
* Tips

HomeHome SecurityResource CenterDefinitions

WHAT IS CYBERSECURITY? TYPES, THREATS AND CYBER SAFETY TIPS

Cybersecurity is the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices,
electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks. It's also known
as information technology security or electronic information security.

The term "cybersecurity" applies in a variety of contexts, from business to
mobile computing, and can be divided into a few common categories.

· Network security is the practice of securing a computer network from
intruders, whether targeted attackers or opportunistic malware.

· Application security focuses on keeping software and devices free of
threats. A compromised application could provide access to the data its designed
to protect. Successful security begins in the design stage, well before a
program or device is deployed.

· Information security protects the integrity and privacy of data, both
in storage and in transit.

· Operational security includes the processes and decisions for handling
and protecting data assets. The permissions users have when accessing a network
and the procedures that determine how and where data may be stored or shared all
fall under this umbrella.

· Disaster recovery and business continuity define how an organization
responds to a cyber-security incident or any other event that causes the loss of
operations or data. Disaster recovery policies dictate how the organization
restores its operations and information to return to the same operating capacity
as before the event. Business continuity is the plan the organization falls back
on while trying to operate without certain resources.

· End-user education addresses the most unpredictable cyber-security
factor: people. Anyone can accidentally introduce a virus to an otherwise secure
system by failing to follow good security practices. Teaching users to delete
suspicious email attachments, not plug in unidentified USB drives, and various
other important lessons is vital for the security of any organization.

THE SCALE OF THE CYBER THREAT

The global cyber threat continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with a rising
number of data breaches each year. A report by RiskBased Security revealed that
a shocking 7.9 billion records have been exposed by data breaches in the first
nine months of 2019 alone. This figure is more than double (112%) the number of
records exposed in the same period in 2018.

Medical services, retailers and public entities experienced the most breaches,
with malicious criminals responsible for most incidents. Some of these sectors
are more appealing to cybercriminals because they collect financial and medical
data, but all businesses that use networks can be targeted for customer data,
corporate espionage, or customer attacks.

With the scale of the cyber threat set to continue to rise, global spending on
cybersecurity solutions is naturally increasing. Gartner predicts cybersecurity
spending will reach $188.3 billion in 2023 and surpass $260 billion globally by
2026. Governments across the globe have responded to the rising cyber threat
with guidance to help organizations implement effective cyber-security
practices.

In the U.S., the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has
created a cyber-security framework. To combat the proliferation of malicious
code and aid in early detection, the framework recommends continuous, real-time
monitoring of all electronic resources.

The importance of system monitoring is echoed in the “10 steps to cyber
security”, guidance provided by the U.K. government’s National Cyber Security
Centre. In Australia, The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) regularly
publishes guidance on how organizations can counter the latest cyber-security
threats.

Check out this video about cyber security and types of cyber threats and
attacks:

TYPES OF CYBER THREATS

The threats countered by cyber-security are three-fold:

1. Cybercrime includes single actors or groups targeting systems for financial
gain or to cause disruption.

2. Cyber-attack often involves politically motivated information gathering.

3. Cyberterrorism is intended to undermine electronic systems to cause panic or
fear.

So, how do malicious actors gain control of computer systems? Here are some
common methods used to threaten cyber-security:

MALWARE

Malware means malicious software. One of the most common cyber threats, malware
is software that a cybercriminal or hacker has created to disrupt or damage a
legitimate user’s computer. Often spread via an unsolicited email attachment or
legitimate-looking download, malware may be used by cybercriminals to make money
or in politically motivated cyber-attacks.

There are a number of different types of malware, including:

· Virus: A self-replicating program that attaches itself to clean file
and spreads throughout a computer system, infecting files with malicious code.

· Trojans: A type of malware that is disguised as legitimate software.
Cybercriminals trick users into uploading Trojans onto their computer where they
cause damage or collect data.

· Spyware: A program that secretly records what a user does, so that
cybercriminals can make use of this information. For example, spyware could
capture credit card details.

· Ransomware: Malware which locks down a user’s files and data, with the
threat of erasing it unless a ransom is paid.

· Adware: Advertising software which can be used to spread malware.

· Botnets: Networks of malware infected computers which cybercriminals
use to perform tasks online without the user’s permission.

SQL INJECTION

An SQL (structured language query) injection is a type of cyber-attack used to
take control of and steal data from a database. Cybercriminals exploit
vulnerabilities in data-driven applications to insert malicious code into a
databased via a malicious SQL statement. This gives them access to the sensitive
information contained in the database.

PHISHING

Phishing is when cybercriminals target victims with emails that appear to be
from a legitimate company asking for sensitive information. Phishing attacks are
often used to dupe people into handing over credit card data and other personal
information.

MAN-IN-THE-MIDDLE ATTACK

A man-in-the-middle attack is a type of cyber threat where a cybercriminal
intercepts communication between two individuals in order to steal data. For
example, on an unsecure WiFi network, an attacker could intercept data being
passed from the victim’s device and the network.

DENIAL-OF-SERVICE ATTACK

A denial-of-service attack is where cybercriminals prevent a computer system
from fulfilling legitimate requests by overwhelming the networks and servers
with traffic. This renders the system unusable, preventing an organization from
carrying out vital functions.

LATEST CYBER THREATS

What are the latest cyber threats that individuals and organizations need to
guard against? Here are some of the most recent cyber threats that the U.K.,
U.S., and Australian governments have reported on.

DRIDEX MALWARE

In December 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) charged the leader of an
organized cyber-criminal group for their part in a global Dridex malware attack.
This malicious campaign affected the public, government, infrastructure and
business worldwide.

Dridex is a financial trojan with a range of capabilities. Affecting victims
since 2014, it infects computers though phishing emails or existing malware.
Capable of stealing passwords, banking details and personal data which can be
used in fraudulent transactions, it has caused massive financial losses
amounting to hundreds of millions.

In response to the Dridex attacks, the U.K.’s National Cyber Security Centre
advises the public to “ensure devices are patched, anti-virus is turned on and
up to date and files are backed up”.

ROMANCE SCAMS

In February 2020, the FBI warned U.S. citizens to be aware of confidence fraud
that cybercriminals commit using dating sites, chat rooms and apps. Perpetrators
take advantage of people seeking new partners, duping victims into giving away
personal data.

The FBI reports that romance cyber threats affected 114 victims in New Mexico in
2019, with financial losses amounting to $1.6 million.

EMOTET MALWARE

In late 2019, The Australian Cyber Security Centre warned national organizations
about a widespread global cyber threat from Emotet malware.

Emotet is a sophisticated trojan that can steal data and also load other
malware. Emotet thrives on unsophisticated password: a reminder of the
importance of creating a secure password to guard against cyber threats.

END-USER PROTECTION

End-user protection or endpoint security is a crucial aspect of cyber security.
After all, it is often an individual (the end-user) who accidentally uploads
malware or another form of cyber threat to their desktop, laptop or mobile
device.

So, how do cyber-security measures protect end users and systems? First,
cyber-security relies on cryptographic protocols to encrypt emails, files, and
other critical data. This not only protects information in transit, but also
guards against loss or theft.

In addition, end-user security software scans computers for pieces of malicious
code, quarantines this code, and then removes it from the machine. Security
programs can even detect and remove malicious code hidden in primary boot record
and are designed to encrypt or wipe data from computer’s hard drive.

Electronic security protocols also focus on real-time malware detection. Many
use heuristic and behavioral analysis to monitor the behavior of a program and
its code to defend against viruses or Trojans that change their shape with each
execution (polymorphic and metamorphic malware). Security programs can confine
potentially malicious programs to a virtual bubble separate from a user's
network to analyze their behavior and learn how to better detect new infections.

Security programs continue to evolve new defenses as cyber-security
professionals identify new threats and new ways to combat them. To make the most
of end-user security software, employees need to be educated about how to use
it. Crucially, keeping it running and updating it frequently ensures that it can
protect users against the latest cyber threats.

CYBER SAFETY TIPS - PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST CYBERATTACKS

How can businesses and individuals guard against cyber threats? Here are our
top cyber safety tips:

1. Update your software and operating system: This means you benefit from
the latest security patches.

2. Use anti-virus software: Security solutions like Kaspersky Total
Security will detect and removes threats. Keep your software updated for the
best level of protection.

3. Use strong passwords: Ensure your passwords are not easily guessable.

4. Do not open email attachments from unknown senders: These could be
infected with malware.

5. Do not click on links in emails from unknown senders or unfamiliar
websites:This is a common way that malware is spread.

6. Avoid using unsecure WiFi networks in public places: Unsecure networks
leave you vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks.

Kaspersky Endpoint Security received three AV-TEST awards for the best
performance, protection, and usability for a corporate endpoint security product
in 2021. In all tests Kaspersky Endpoint Security showed outstanding
performance, protection, and usability for businesses.

* What is Cybercrime: Risks and Prevention
* How to Avoid Most Types of Cybercrime
* Internet of Things Security Threats
* What is Spam and a Phishing Scam

www.kaspersky.com Open in urlscan Pro 4.59.181.140 Public Scan

Form analysis 0 forms found in the DOM

Text Content

www.kaspersky.com Open in urlscan Pro
4.59.181.140 Public Scan

Form analysis
0 forms found in the DOM