L-25: Introduction to Cyber Security

Cyber security 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 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 Links to an external site. 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, the International Data Corporation Links
to an external site. predicts that worldwide spending on cyber-security solutions will reach a
massive $133.7 billion by 2022. 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 Links to an external site.. 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 Links to an
external site.”, guidance provided by the U.K. government’s National Cyber Security Centre. In
Australia, TheAustralian Cyber Security Centre Links to an external site.(ACSC) regularly
publishes guidance on how organizations can counter the latest cyber-security threats.

Types of cyber threats

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

1. Cybercrime Links to an external site.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 Links to an external site.: 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 Links to an external site. 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 Links to an external site..
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 Links to an external site. 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 Links to an external site. warned national
organizations about a widespread global cyber threat from Emotet malware.
Emotet Links to an external site. 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 Master Boot Record Links to an external site. (MBR) and are
designed to encrypt or wipe data from computer’s hard drive.
Electronic security protocols also focus on real-time malware detection Links to an external site..
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.