Cybersecurity Education

Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and digital devices from unauthorized access, theft, damage, or disruption. Cybersecurity is essential in today's digital world, as cyberattacks and data breaches are becoming increasingly common and sophisticated. Cybersecurity involves a combination of technologies, processes, and practices that work together to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of digital information.

Subfields of Cybersecurity

• Application security: the practice of securing software applications from attacks, vulnerabilities, and exploits. Application security involves various techniques, such as code reviews, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessments.
  
  
• Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): a type of cyberattack in which an unauthorized user gains access to a network and remains undetected for an extended period of time, often with the intent of stealing sensitive data.
  
  
• Cloud security: the practice of securing cloud-based services, such as software-as-a-service (SaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), from cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Cloud security involves various techniques, such as data encryption, access control, and threat detection.
  
  
• Cyber espionage: the use of technology to gather sensitive information from an individual, organization, or government without their knowledge or consent.
  
  
• Cyber insurance: a type of insurance that protects individuals and businesses from internet-based risks, such as data breaches, hacking, and other cyber-related crimes.
  
  
• Cyber terrorism: the use of technology to carry out acts of terror, such as cyberattacks against critical infrastructure, government agencies, or businesses.
  
  
• Cyber threat intelligence: the process of gathering, analyzing, and sharing information about potential cyber threats in order to prevent or mitigate attacks.
  
  
• Cybercrime: any illegal activity that is carried out using a computer or the internet, such as identity theft, financial fraud, or hacking.
  
  
• Data encryption: the process of converting data into a form that can only be read with a decryption key, in order to protect it from unauthorized access.
  
  
• Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks: a type of cyberattack in which multiple compromised systems are used to flood a target website or network with traffic, causing it to become unavailable to users.
  
  
• Denial of Service (DoS) attacks: a type of cyberattack in which a single system is used to flood a target website or network with traffic, causing it to become unavailable to users.
  
  
• Endpoint security: the practice of securing endpoints, such as laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, from malware, data loss, and unauthorized access. Endpoint security involves various techniques, such as antivirus software, device encryption, and access control.
  
  
• Firewall: a network security device that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
  
  
• Identity theft: the act of stealing someone's personal information, such as their name, address, social security number, or credit card number, with the intent of using it for fraudulent purposes.
  
  
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): security appliances or software that monitor network and system activities for malicious activity or policy violations and take action to prevent such activity.
  
  
• Incident response: the process of identifying, investigating, and resolving security incidents, such as data breaches or cyberattacks, in a timely and effective manner.
  
  
• Incident response playbooks: predefined plans or procedures that outline the steps to be taken in response to specific security incidents.
  
  
• Insider threats: security risks that originate from within an organization, such as employees, contractors, or business partners, who have authorized access to sensitive information or systems.
  
  
• Malware: malicious software that is designed to harm, disrupt, or exploit computer systems, networks, or devices.
  
  
• Mobile device security: the practice of securing mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, from cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Mobile device security involves various techniques, such as data encryption, access control, and remote wipe.
  
  
• Network security: the practice of securing computer networks from unauthorized access.
  
  
• Network segmentation: the practice of dividing computer networks into smaller, more secure subnetworks to reduce the risk of cyberattacks and limit the potential damage of any successful attacks.
  
  
• Phishing: the practice of using fraudulent emails, text messages, or websites to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.
  
  
• Public key infrastructure (PKI): a system of cryptographic protocols and technologies that enable secure communication over the internet, such as digital certificates and digital signatures.
  
  
• Red team/blue team exercises: a type of cybersecurity training and testing in which a red team of simulated attackers attempts to penetrate a system or network, while a blue team of defenders works to detect and respond to the attack.
  
  
• Risk management: the process of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing cybersecurity risks and implementing strategies to mitigate those risks.
  
  
• Security Awareness Training: the practice of educating employees or users about cybersecurity threats, best practices, and policies. Security awareness training can help prevent cyber attacks caused by human error or ignorance.
  
  
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): the practice of collecting, analyzing, and correlating security-related data from various sources, such as network devices, applications, and security technologies. SIEM can help detect and respond to security incidents in real time.
  
  
• Security Information Management (SIM): the practice of collecting, storing, and analyzing security-related data to support security management and compliance. SIM can help provide visibility into security threats and vulnerabilities.
  
  
• Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR): the practice of automating and orchestrating security processes, such as incident response, threat intelligence, and vulnerability management. SOAR can help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of security operations.
  
  
• Security Operations Center (SOC): a centralized unit within an organization that is responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents. SOC can help provide a proactive and coordinated approach to security operations.
  
  
• Social Engineering: the practice of manipulating people into divulging confidential information or performing actions that can lead to a security breach. Social engineering techniques can include phishing, pretexting, baiting, and tailgating.
  
  
• Secure Sockets Layer (SSL): a security protocol used to establish encrypted links between web servers and browsers. SSL ensures that data transmitted between a web server and a browser remains confidential and secure.
  
  
• Supply Chain Security: the practice of securing the entire supply chain of a product or service, including suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and customers. Supply chain security involves various techniques, such as risk assessment, security audits, and vendor management.
  
  
• Third-Party Risk Management: the practice of identifying, assessing, and managing risks associated with third-party vendors, suppliers, and partners. Third-party risk management involves various techniques, such as due diligence, contract management, and monitoring.
  
  
• Two-Factor Authentication: a security process that requires users to provide two forms of identification to access a system or application, typically a password and a unique code sent to a mobile device or email. Two-factor authentication enhances security by adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.
  
  
• Virtualization Security: the practice of securing virtualized environments, such as virtual machines, hypervisors, and virtual networks, from cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Virtualization security involves various techniques, such as access control, data encryption, and threat detection.
  
  
• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): a security technology that allows users to create a secure and encrypted connection to a private network over the internet. VPNs are commonly used to protect sensitive data and communications from unauthorized access and interception.
  
  
• Vulnerability Management: the practice of identifying, assessing, and mitigating vulnerabilities in software, systems, and networks. Vulnerability management involves various techniques, such as vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and patch management.
  
  
• Wireless Network Security: the practice of securing wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi networks, from unauthorized access and interception. Wireless network security involves various techniques, such as encryption, access control, and threat detection.