Our dependance on the internet and digital technology is now greater than ever. Everyone, from governments to individuals, relies on interconnected digital systems for commerce, finance, and communication. Protecting personal info and critical data is harder as technology use grows.
Key Takeaways
- Protecting personal information and critical data has become increasingly challenging as technology usage expands.
- Cyber threats are widespread, driven by various motivations such as politics, social activism, or greed.
- Understanding network fundamentals is essential in navigating the realm of cybersecurity. Networks consist of interconnected computers, devices, or nodes that facilitate communication and resource sharing.
- Different types of networks, such as LANs (Local Area Networks) and WANs (Wide Area Networks), serve various purposes and require tailored security measures.
- Network security tools and policies play a vital role in safeguarding against cyber threats. Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, and access controls are among the key components of a robust security strategy.
- The CIA model (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) provides a foundational framework for evaluating and enhancing information security. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
- Familiarity with notable cybersecurity attacks, such as those targeting Adobe, Sony, and Yahoo, underscores the ongoing battle against cyber threats and the need for robust security measures.
- Implementing strong network security measures, including physical, administrative, and technical controls, is crucial in protecting against data breaches and ransomware attacks.
Threats, whether driven by politics or greed, are global and constant. Even wars now involve cyber battles. Cybersecurity is crucial, but there are not that many skilled professionals that can handle the threats. The workforce needs more people with technical cybersecurity skills. Keep reading as we’re about to introduce you to the field of cybersecurity.
The Definition of a Network
A network is a system of interconnected computers, devices, or nodes that communicate with each other to share resources, data, or services. Linking them together, we create crucial business functions.
Several network types and measures are depending on the variant. Let’s explore this in more detail.
What are the main network types?
- LAN – A Local Area Network is a network that connects devices within a limited area, such as a home, office building, or school campus. LANs are typically managed by a central device called a router, which directs network traffic and assigns IP addresses to connected devices. Common examples of devices found on a LAN include computers, smartphones, printers, IoT devices, and gaming consoles. LANs facilitate communication and resource sharing among devices within the same physical location.
- WAN – A Wide Area Network, on the other hand, spans a larger geographical area and connects multiple LANs. WANs are commonly used by businesses with multiple locations or branches to enable communication and data sharing between distant sites. The internet itself is considered the largest WAN, connecting networks and devices across the globe. WANs often utilize various technologies, such as leased lines, satellite links, or fiber optic cables, to transmit data over long distances.
- SD-WAN – Software-defined Wide Area Networks are a modern approach to WAN technology that offers greater flexibility and control over network management. SD-WAN overlays traditional WAN connections with software-based controls, allowing for centralized management and dynamic traffic routing.
This enables organizations to optimize network performance, prioritize critical applications, and enhance security through features like encrypted tunnels and firewall integration. SD-WAN solutions are particularly valuable for businesses looking to improve the performance and reliability of their wide area networks while reducing costs and complexity.
What are Network Devices?
Network devices are hardware components that are connected to a computer network and help with communication and data transfer between different devices on the network. These devices include routers, switches, hubs, bridges, gateways, access points, servers, workstations, and firewall equipment. Each type of network device serves a specific purpose in managing, directing, or securing network traffic.
Hubs: They link multiple devices within the network.
Routers: Responsible for communicating information across the network.
Switches: They complement routers by efficiently directing traffic.
Bridges: Connect different sections of the network.
Workstations: They connect to router devices, providing secure access for staff.
Gateways: Establish connections between network areas with varying protocols or security profiles.
Firewall equipment: Safeguards network edges against malicious traffic.
Access points: Offer wireless access for authorized devices.
Servers: These store information and software.
Why Is Network Security Important?
Network security safeguards networks from potential threats using both software and hardware solutions. They are designed to detect and prevent malicious activity. This includes applying access control measures, organizing networks effectively, and establishing security policies.
Networking security is closely connected with cybersecurity and information security. Cybersecurity defends against digital threats, while information security deals with safeguarding data. Both are essential components in protecting network infrastructure from external threats.
The importance of network security lies in the need to protect data and applications. Businesses rely on consistent access to workloads and databases, but they must also ensure the security of confidential information from unauthorized access. A well-planned security strategy balances access and protection while also aligning with compliance requirements.
The Main Network Security Tools
Networking security policies consist of various key components. Common types include:
- Firewalls: Firewalls act as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the Internet. They monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): IDPSs monitor network traffic for signs of suspicious activity or known attack patterns. They can detect and respond to security threats in real time to prevent unauthorized access or damage to the network.
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): VPNs encrypt data transmitted over public networks, such as the Internet, to ensure secure communication between remote users and the corporate network. They establish a secure tunnel for data transmission, protecting sensitive information from interception or eavesdropping.
- Access Control: Access control mechanisms regulate who can access specific resources or areas within the network. This includes user authentication, authorization, and accounting to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive data or network resources.
- Network Segmentation: Network segmentation divides a larger network into smaller, isolated segments to contain security breaches and limit the impact of potential attacks. It reduces the attack surface and prevents lateral movement of threats within the network.
- Encryption: Encryption transforms data into an unreadable format using cryptographic algorithms, making it unintelligible to unauthorized parties. Encrypted communication protocols, such as SSL/TLS, protect data privacy and integrity during transmission over the network.
Encrypted communication protocols, such as SSL/TLS, protect data privacy and integrity during transmission over the network.
Control Types of Network Security
| Control Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical Controls | – Secure physical devices with multiple access credentials – Locks and access controls protect servers and storage devices – Enhance security with cameras and biometric scanners – Cover both local and remote working devices |
| Technical Controls | – Safeguard data flow within the computer network – Protect data on network devices, including servers and workstations – Ensure security without compromising network performance |
| Administrative Controls | – Manage user behavior through Identity and Access Management systems – Define user privileges with security policies – Provide staff training to address security challenges |
The CIA Model
The CIA model, in cybersecurity, stands for Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. It is a fundamental framework used to evaluate and enhance the security of information systems and data.
Confidentiality: This principle focuses on ensuring that sensitive information is accessible only to authorized individuals or entities. Measures such as encryption, access controls, and data classification are implemented to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, or exposure of confidential data.
Integrity: Integrity ensures that data remains trustworthy and accurate from creation to deletion. It involves safeguarding data against unauthorized changes, alterations, or corruption. Techniques such as data validation, checksums, digital signatures, and access controls help maintain data integrity and ensure that it remains intact and unaltered.
Availability: Availability emphasizes the accessibility and usability of information and resources when needed. It ensures that authorized users can access data and services without disruption or delay. Measures such as redundancy, fault tolerance, backup systems, and disaster recovery plans are implemented to mitigate downtime and ensure continuous availability of critical resources.
Famous Cybersecurity Attacks
Adobe
In October 2013, Adobe disclosed a massive hack of its IT infrastructure, resulting in the theft of personal information from 2.9 million accounts. Stolen data included logins, passwords, names, and credit card numbers with expiration dates. Subsequently, another file surfaced on the internet, increasing the affected accounts to 150 million. Hackers exploited a security breach related to password security practices.
Sony
Sony’s PlayStation Network (PSN) suffered an attack in April 2011, leaking personal data from 77 million users, including banking information. In November 2014, Sony Pictures Entertainment, a subsidiary, fell victim to a malware attack by the “Guardians of Peace,” compromising 100 terabytes of data.
Yahoo
In 2014, Yahoo disclosed a cyberattack affecting 500 million user accounts, compromising names, dates of birth, telephone numbers, and passwords. Subsequently, it was revealed that as many as 3 billion user accounts may have been affected.
Alteryx
Alteryx, a marketing analytics firm, exposed sensitive information for approximately 123 million U.S. households by leaving an unsecured database accessible online. This data, containing 248 fields for each home, ranged from addresses and income to ethnicity and personal interests. Names were omitted from the exposed information.
ILOVEYOU Virus
The ILOVEYOU virus infected over ten million personal computers worldwide in May 2000. Disguised as an email with the subject line “ILOVEYOU” and an attachment named “LOVE- LETTER-FOR-YOU,” it wreaked havoc on computer systems.
Marriott
Personal information from up to 500 million guests at Marriott-owned Starwood hotels was compromised, beginning in 2014 and detected in September 2018. Data exposed included payment information, names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, passport numbers, and details about Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) accounts.
TJ Maxx
In March 2007, TJX Companies confirmed a network intrusion resulting in the loss of 45.7 million consumer records, marking one of the most significant breaches at the time.
Target
Target experienced a massive cyberattack in December 2013, compromising bank card records of 40 million customers and personal data of another 70 million customers between November 27 and December 15.
Keep Your Network Safe
Strong network security is essential for blocking data breaches and ransomware attacks. Implement the CIA model to develop a detailed security plan, incorporating physical, administrative, and technical controls. Choose either agent or agentless monitoring to ensure complete awareness of potential threats.
