The feeling of safety from harm is something that we all need in every aspect of our life. That is what cybersecurity is providing us with. Well, it is the technology that helps us by protecting our data from external threats. Moreover, there are many security specifications in cybersecurity (application, banking, penetration, research, etc.), however, it is important to ‘what do you learn in cybersecurity’ as a whole.
Cybersecurity carries weight among all technologies in the world, because of its use in safeguarding internet-connected hardware and software systems from malicious attacks and cyber threats occurring in the information highway. And for this reason, there is always a question popping out of nowhere relating to cybersecurity: what do you learn in cybersecurity? Find out the answers to these most-asked questions about cybersecurity on the internet by reading on.
1. Why Learn Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity, also known as computer security, is the technology of protecting one’s information from malicious and threatening hacks happening on the internet. The Internet has not only been a source of information but also a medium for several things, including, money transactions, communicating with people around, making business deals, and of course, the application of the dark web. Since it is not rocket science to get one’s information on the Internet, cybersecurity is the heart and soul of the matter.
We know the Russia-Ukraine war, which has been going on for over nine years. Moreover, in June 2023, targeted distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks were used to take down Swiss government websites to prevent Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from delivering a video address.
The video was planned to be posted on 15th June; however, the attack was claimed by a popular Russian hacking group, named NoName, which continued to contend that it will always defend Russia to this extent. Click here to read more about the 2023 DDoS attacks against Swiss websites.
Reading this piece itself you can understand how important it is to be aware of security about cyber activities. It is the best possible technology that can at least protect one’s data from threat attacks effectively.
It is important for a user and plays a larger role in several big organizations, including damage to reputation, extortion, disrupting business activity, leakage of one’s company secrets to opponents, and other such things.
2. Which Team: Blue or Red?
Cybersecurity has many types under it, and they are classified into two teams, namely; Red and Blue teams. The red team is the villain who tries to invade and break into organizations’ data.
Whereas, the blue team is the hero, who defends and responds to the attacks made by the red team. Continue reading to learn the various types of cybersecurity in use today!
3. What Do You Learn in Cybersecurity? Types of Cybersecurity
There are plentiful computer security specializations, in that one can excel with flying colors. Read on to know which is your cup of tea!
3.1 Application Security
This type of security manages to protect software applications from hazardous threats and attacks. It involves developing, updating, and testing security features within applications, such that no unauthorized access and modifications are enabled in the first place. A router thwarts the disclosure of a computer’s IP address from the internet.
3.2 Network Security
Network security protects the user’s network-related data and information that is present on the internet. Firewalls, for example, manage and regulate network traffic based on protocols. Interception of Internet traffic by firewalls is an important security measure.
3.3 Information/ Data Security
As the name says, this study of security is about protecting sensitive pieces of information present in the database. Encryption is a data security technique where understandable text is converted into unreadable text(ciphertext).
3.4 What Do You Learn in Cybersecurity of Mobile Security?
This type of security involves the safeguarding of the data stored in handy devices, including smartphones, tablets, and personal laptops. They are mostly attacked with unauthorized access, mobile theft, or malware. One of the best mobile security hacks is using a password or facial recognition, so in this way, no one will get access to your smartphone illegally.
3.5 Cloud Security
Cloud security includes the protection of data, applications, and infrastructure based on the cloud platform. Following authorized access control, data encryption, and network security, cloud-based information can be protected.
3.6 What Do You Learn in Cybersecurity Of IoT Security Stuff?
It is a part of cybersecurity technology, where the focus is on the network of connected devices (CCTVs, home automation, SCADA machines) to the internet. They make sure that the IoT system operates smoothly without any breach or cyberattack by external factors. For instance, using two-factor authentication on devices or apps can add an extra layer to the shield.
3.7 Endpoint Security
Endpoint security is the process of protecting end-user devices such as desktops, laptops, printers, ATMs, smartphones, and tabs that are connected to corporate networks, from cyberattacks. Endpoint security platforms (EDP) are used to examine a file from top to bottom before entering the network.
4. Right Way to Learn Cybersecurity
I guess, you have a clear idea of which security specialization to enroll in, well, it doesn’t matter, because, on the whole, cybersecurity is a study of fighting and defending an individual’s or organization’s sensitive data and information from malicious acts carried out by cybercriminals. Moreover, here are the 10 things one has to keep in mind when planning on taking up cybersecurity as an area of study. These are the most-sought areas that cybersecurity usually covers:
4.1 Data Analysis to Learn Cybersecurity
Data analytics platforms play a major role in monitoring and analyzing network traffic data, intending to prevent/identify malicious activity. Since everything stored on the computer or internet is in the form of data, it is important to study the language of data analysis promptly. This branch of study includes statistics, data mining, and computer science. Read on to understand ‘what you learn in cybersecurity’.
4.2 Programming Languages
There are tons of programming languages one can perceive if they love coding as much as I do. However, it is important to know what we learn in cybersecurity, as programming languages are a key element in developing cybersecurity. Moreover, cybersecurity experts deal with Python and JavaScript. Besides, you can learn Java, SQL, PHP, PowerShell, C, and C++.
4.3 Cyber Defense
On the other hand, cyber defense and cybersecurity were confused to be the same. In the abstract, cyber defense is a key element of cybersecurity strategies, which correlates with cyber violation, compliance, and many more for protection purposes.
4.4 What Do You Learn in Cybersecurity by Understanding Cyber Threats?
This part of the study gives a clear idea and intent of hackers, towards disabling, disrupting, or controlling systems illegally. Moreover, this is important, because when defending a good cause, it is always best to know the tactics of the opponent.
4.5 Fundamental Security Design Principles
When it comes to cybersecurity, there are certain principles one has to follow to guarantee confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The economy of Mechanism, fail-safe defaults, isolation, encapsulation, psychological acceptability, etc.; are some of the principles. Click here to learn about other fundamental principles of cybersecurity.
4.6 What Do You Learn in Cybersecurity of Information Assurance Fundamentals?
Confidentiality. Integrity. Availability. Authentication. Non-Repudiation. These five factors are pillars of cybersecurity because they have a broader, and more strategic focus, where it is not only about security but also the handling of data and non-data-related credentials.
4.7 Intro to Cryptography
Information security is based on values such as confidentiality, integrity, authenticity, and credibility. Computer passwords, chip-based payment cards, digital currencies, and military communications are all practical uses of cryptography.
4.8 What Do You Learn in Cybersecurity of IT Systems Components
Network, data, people (users), hardware, procedures, feedback, and software combine to produce an information system. This teaches how to collect, store, and monitor data for decision-making and feedback objectives.
4.9 Networking Concepts
For this, you will get to comprehend the concepts of basic networking, including routers, switches, and wireless access points. Unlike network security, in this, these devices are connected to computers just like the internet, for transferring information across a network.
4.10 What Do You Learn in Cybersecurity about Policy, Legal, Ethics, and Compliance?
There are laws and ethics, upheld by cybersecurity legislation, such as the Federal Trade Commission, S. Department of Homeland Security, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and FBI. A person who commits themselves and follows cybersecurity laws & ethics stands out as a security professional among hackers.
5. Final Thoughts
It has become commonplace for social media accounts to post data leaks that could lead to identity theft. Not only this, the cloud now stores sensitive data such as social security numbers, credit card information, and bank account numbers.
Consequently, this digital era has made everything and anything possible to happen online, so it is better to secure our intellectual, financial, and personal data wisely. And that’s why what you learn in cybersecurity is a vital part.
