Types of Cybersecurity
Cyber security encompasses various domains, each addressing specific aspects of protecting digital systems, data, and users. Here are the primary types:
1. Network Security :
* Focuses on securing network infrastructure and data in transit from unauthorized access or attacks.
* Tools: Firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), VPNs, network segmentation.
* Example: Blocking a DDoS attack targeting a company’s servers.
2. Endpoint Security :
* Protects individual devices (computers, smartphones, IoT devices) from threats like malware or unauthorized access.
* Tools: Antivirus software, endpoint detection and response (EDR), device encryption.
* Example: Detecting and removing ransomware on a laptop.
3. Application Security :
* Secures software and applications by identifying and fixing vulnerabilities during development or deployment.
* Tools: Static/dynamic application security testing (SAST/DAST), secure coding practices, web application firewalls (WAF).
* Example: Patching a flaw in a web app to prevent SQL injection attacks.
4. Data Security :
* Ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data, both at rest and in transit.
* Tools: Encryption, data loss prevention (DLP), access controls, tokenization.
* Example: Encrypting customer data stored in a cloud database.
5. Cloud Security :
* Protects data, applications, and services hosted in cloud environments from breaches or misconfigurations.
* Tools: Cloud access security brokers (CASB), identity and access management (IAM), cloud-native security tools.
* Example: Securing an AWS S3 bucket to prevent public exposure of files.
6. Identity and Access Management (IAM) :
* Manages user identities and controls access to systems and data based on roles and permissions.
* Tools: Multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), role-based access control (RBAC).
* Example: Requiring MFA for employees accessing corporate email.
7. Mobile Security :
* Safeguards mobile devices and their data from threats like malicious apps, phishing, or unsecured Wi-Fi.
* Tools: Mobile device management (MDM), app vetting, secure containers.
* Example: Locking a stolen phone remotely to protect sensitive data.
8. Operational Technology (OT) Security :
* Secures industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA, and IoT devices used in critical infrastructure (e.g., power grids, manufacturing).
* Tools: Network segmentation, anomaly detection, OT-specific firewalls.
* Example: Protecting a factory’s control systems from a targeted cyberattack.
9. Information Security (InfoSec) :
* Broadly focuses on protecting information assets (digital and physical) from unauthorized access or disclosure.
* Tools: Data classification, secure document management, employee training.
* Example: Implementing policies to securely handle trade secrets.
10. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity :
* Ensures systems and data can be restored after a cyber incident or disruption, minimizing downtime.
* Tools: Backup solutions, disaster recovery plans, incident response frameworks.
* Example: Restoring operations after a ransomware attack using secure backups.
Each type addresses unique vulnerabilities and threats, often overlapping to provide comprehensive protection. Organizations typically combine these to create a layered cyber security strategy.
