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Fundamentals of Cyber Security

Welcome to the world of cyber security! This guide is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in the principles and practices of protecting digital systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. As a student of computer science pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, understanding these fundamentals is crucial for your future career.

What is Cyber Security?​

Cyber security refers to the practice of protecting networks, devices, programs, and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. It involves a set of technologies, processes, and practices designed to protect against various types of cyber threats.

Key Concepts​

  • Confidentiality: Protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access
  • Integrity: Ensuring data accuracy and preventing unauthorized modifications
  • Availability: Maintaining system accessibility and functionality

These three pillars form the CIA triad, which is fundamental to understanding cyber security.

History of Cyber Security​

The concept of cyber security dates back to the early days of computing. However, it gained significant importance after the 1980s when personal computers became more prevalent and interconnected.

Early Threats​

  • Computer viruses (e.g., Brain virus)
  • Trojan horses
  • Worms (e.g., Morris worm)

Modern Threat Landscape​

Today's cyber threat landscape includes:

  • Malware (viruses, trojans, ransomware)
  • Phishing attacks
  • Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks
  • Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
  • Social engineering tactics

Types of Cyber Attacks​

Understanding different types of cyber attacks is crucial for developing effective defense strategies.

Network-based Attacks​

  • Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks
  • Replay attacks
  • DNS spoofing

Application-based Attacks​

  • SQL injection
  • Cross-site scripting (XSS)
  • Buffer overflow

Physical Attacks​

  • Shoulder surfing
  • Tailgatin
  • Insider threats

Data-based Attacks​

  • Data breaches
  • Data exfiltration
  • Data tampering

Cyber Security Frameworks​

Several frameworks have been developed to help organizations assess and improve their cyber security posture.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework​

Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), this framework consists of five functions:

  1. Identify
  2. Protect
  3. Detect
  4. Respond
  5. Recover

ISO/IEC 27001​

An international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).

MITRE ATT&CK​

A knowledge base and model for cyber adversary behavior.

Cyber Security Tools and Technologies​

Familiarizing yourself with common tools and technologies is essential for a career in cyber security.

Firewalls​

Network firewalls act as a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)​

Monitor network traffic for signs of unauthorized access attempts.

Antivirus Software​

Protects endpoint from malware infections.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)​

Create secure connections over public networks.

Encryption​

Transforms plaintext data into unreadable ciphertext.

Secure Communication Protocols​

HTTPS, SSH, SFTP, etc.

Best Practices in Cyber Security​

Implementing these best practices is crucial for maintaining a strong cyber security posture:

  1. Keep software updated
  2. Use strong passwords
  3. Implement multi-factor authentication
  4. Conduct regular security audits
  5. Train employees on cyber security awareness
  6. Use encryption for sensitive data
  7. Implement least privilege principle
  8. Regularly backup data
  9. Monitor systems and networks
  10. Stay informed about emerging threats

Career Opportunities in Cyber Security​

As a field, cyber security offers numerous exciting opportunities:

  • Penetration tester
  • Incident responder
  • Security analyst
  • Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
  • Ethical hacker
  • Digital forensics specialist
  • Cloud security engineer
  • Mobile device security specialist

Conclusion​

This guide has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of cyber security. As you progress in your studies and career, you'll delve deeper into each of these topics and explore specialized areas within the field.

Remember, cyber security is an ever-evolving field. Staying current with the latest trends, threats, and technologies is crucial for success in this industry.

Happy learning!