What Is Cybersecurity? The Ultimate Guide

Cybersecurity is the main line of defense against a vast number of digital adversaries. It involves protecting computer and network systems against intrusion, theft, or damage.

Most organizations rely on different cybersecurity frameworks to defend themselves from attacks. These frameworks define best practices — including security auditing, security policy development, important cybersecurity tools, and methods for monitoring security conditions over time.

In this in-depth article, we’ll discuss the evolution of cybersecurity, the most common risks and threats that face an enterprise, and best practices for improving your cybersecurity posture.

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computers, servers, electronic systems, mobile devices, networks, and data from malicious attacks. It's also called information technology security. Cybersecurity plays a key role in:

• Protecting sensitive data. 
• Maintaining trust. 
• Ensuring business continuity.

(Related reading: cybersecurity events to attend & podcasts to follow.)

Personal & societal impacts of cybersecurity

Over time, attackers became more sophisticated. Their malware evolved from tools that had once been designed to be little more than a nuisance to code snippets that could cause real damage by deleting files or corrupting software. These attacks have evolved in recent years to become much more nefarious:

• Turning PCs into “zombie” members of a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) botnet. 
• Encrypting files to demand a ransom from the victim in exchange for the keys to decrypt them.
• Installing surreptitious software on victims’ machines.

Malware that runs cryptocurrency mining software while the victim is unaware is one of the most common types of exploits in use today.

Nut all that is the technical side of failures of cybersecurity. Let’s zoom out and look at some personal and societal impacts of cybersecurity, too.

Protection of personal information

Today, data is the key to success. Effective cybersecurity measures protect individuals' sensitive data, such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, and medical records, from being accessed by unauthorized parties. This way they help in preventing identity theft and financial loss.

Financial security

As businesses are moving online, you're now able to make transactions with a laptop or a mobile device. By securing online transactions and banking activities, cybersecurity reduces the risk of fraud and unauthorized access to financial accounts, helping you protect your financial assets.

National security

Infrastructure including power grids, water supplies, and communication networks are the backbone of a nation.

A strong cybersecurity posture helps safeguard a nation's critical assets from cyberattacks. These attacks could otherwise lead to significant disruptions and threats to public safety.

Public trust in technology

The use of any digital technology is always a matter of trust. For example, you'll likely use a mobile app that protects your personal data and maintains integrity. Effective cybersecurity fosters public trust in digital services and technologies. This trust is essential for the adoption of new technologies, such as smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things (IoT), which rely on secure and reliable digital infrastructures.

Social stability

Cybersecurity helps protect against the spread of misinformation and cyberbullying, which can have significant social and psychological impacts. By ensuring a safer online environment, cybersecurity contributes to the well-being and stability of society.

How has cybersecurity evolved?

Cybersecurity emerged and gained momentum in the 1970s. The original principles were built around discovering specific attacks — including viruses, worms, or other primitive types of malware — and developing tools to stop them.

By the 1980s and 1990s, these types of attacks had become extremely commonplace, to the point where desktop security software (such as Norton Antivirus and McAfee VirusScan) became essential to stave off attacks arriving via removable floppy disks and, later, through electronic messages and web browsing. By 2000, there were more than 50,000 computer viruses in the wild. And by 2008, those numbers had skyrocketed, with Symantec reporting that that number had topped 1 million.

Thankfully, managing cybersecurity is getting easier, and collaboration stands as one of the main reasons. A recent go-to strategy for predicting whether a certain activity is likely to be malicious is using technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

Apart from this, the rise in generative AI technologies has uncovered a lot of potential on the cybersecurity side. According to Splunk's annual report on The State of Security , 91% of security teams have adopted GenAI. Its use cases include identifying risks, analyzing threat intelligence, detecting and prioritizing threats, and summarizing security data. To know more about GenAI’s applications in cybersecurity, check out The State of Security report.

Modern cybersecurity threats & security risks

Risks, threats, and vulnerabilities are often confused because they're closely related to one another. How do they differ?

• A vulnerability exposes your organization to threats.
• A security threat is something that can cause damage to a digital asset. Malware, a malicious hacker, or a misconfigured cloud server are all examples of security threats.
• A security risk opens the potential for damage. The avenue by which a threat becomes a risk is known as a security vulnerability, a point of weak security in a computer system.

Common cybersecurity threats today

Some of the most common security threats include the following:

• Phishing attacks: These social engineering schemes allow perpetrators to masquerade as someone else — often a financial institution or another service provider — in hopes of obtaining your login credentials. Armed with your password, the attacker can then drain your bank accounts or cause other types of havoc.
• Ransomware attacks: In this type of cybercrime, attackers can infect a system or a network by encrypting files on the host and then demanding payment in exchange for the decryption key.
• Wireless threats: WiFi networks are notorious for their general insecurity. Cellular networks increasingly use nearby WiFi networks to offload data traffic. So, as 5G and other wireless services grow, the risk of an associated exploit grows accordingly.
• IoT-based attacks: Security flaws in everything from smart home and mobile devices to industrial sensors to medical technologies are opening up broad new avenues for attackers to find a way into your network and gain unauthorized access to your sensitive information.

Common types of security risks

The most common and costly security risks include the following:

• Loss of sensitive data: Sensitive data can include anything of value to an attacker that's present on your network: trade secrets and intellectual property, internal documents and emails, and credit card numbers, as well as patient and medical data.
• Compromised systems and computing resources: This includes the risk of a business’s systems being infected with malware and turned into a DDoS zombie, cryptocurrency mining bot, spam relay, or other malicious threats.
• Direct financial loss: A compromised system allows an attacker to gain access to a business’s financial accounts, presenting a massive and financially devastating security risk.

(Related reading: risk appetite vs. risk tolerance.) 

Modern cybersecurity tools

Let's be clear: cybersecurity tools are not the only thing you need for a strong defense: you need a smooth, modern security operations center (SOC), run by experts of all security domains. Still, the tooling itself cannot be overlooked.

Some of the most powerful cybersecurity tools, all of which are essential parts of any cybersecurity infrastructure, include the following:

• Firewall: This is the first line of defense against any number of attacks, a network security system that monitors network traffic and serves as a barrier between the enterprise and the internet.
• Anti-malware: These suites (commonly known as antivirus software) typically reside on client PCs to prevent malicious software such as trojans and other APTs from being installed, often via email attachments, malicious websites, or removable media.
• Authentication and authorization: This software uses next-generation authentication technologies, whether two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication, to detect unusual patterns of behavior and ensure people accessing your network are who they claim they are.
• Data encryption and end-to-end encryption: If an attacker breaches the network, the best way to protect your enterprise’s data is to ensure it's encrypted in storage and in transit.
• Penetration testing/vulnerability scanning: Using the latest known exploits, these tools scan your network for vulnerabilities to attempt to bypass your security defenses, alerting you to weaknesses they identify in your system.
• Intrusion detection systems and intrusion prevention systems: This works as the perimeter security on your network, monitoring for malicious behavior in real time and reporting any violations to the security operations staff.
• Network monitoring tools: Networking monitoring tests for security violations and device health. It can help to prevent downtime from a burst of malicious traffic or simple device failure.
• Security information & event management (SIEM): Modern SIEM solutions can strengthen your cybersecurity posture by giving full, real-time visibility across your entire distributed environment, along with historical analysis. SIEM technology also increases organizational resilience.  

(Related reading: Splunk is a 10-time leader in SIEM solutions.)

Creating a cybersecurity strategy

To create a cybersecurity strategy, you need to first understand your cybersecurity environment and then improve upon your organizational security posture.

Understand your cybersecurity environment

Understanding your cybersecurity environment and related cyber threats involves following a few key steps:

• Develop a map of your enterprise assets, including an understanding of all computing systems and all of the enterprise’s data.
• Rank these systems and data stores based on their level of sensitivity and how critical they are to business operations. (Related reading: risk scoring.)
• Build a plan and developing technology tools to protect and monitor these systems. Prioritize security strategies based on the level of risk to each asset.
• Create a culture of awareness around cybersecurity that focuses on education, training, and contingency planning for all employees in the enterprise. 

Improve organizational security posture

An organization’s security posture is defined by its overall readiness and preparation level to guard against a cyberattack. There are several cybersecurity measures your organization can take to strengthen your security posture.

• Begin with a security audit: Assess risk to identify all of your technology assets and assign a vulnerability level to each of them based on their underlying technology and importance to the business. Doing this allows you to prioritize the systems most in need of protection.
• Create a strong security policy: To maximize security and safety, organizations need rules governing how end users may access their technology systems. These policies should include rules around password length and reuse; the use of unauthorized equipment, software, and services; protocols for incident response; and points of contact for the cybersecurity operations team.
• Expand cybersecurity tools: Security posture can be dramatically improved by implementing solutions that can automate large portions of your security defenses, including firewall devices, anti-malware, authentication and access management, encryption software, penetration testing and vulnerability scanning tools, intrusion detection software, and network monitoring tools.
• Monitor service providers: Today’s typical network involves myriad third parties, largely in the form of cloud services. Each of these represents a potential cybersecurity risk requiring the same careful monitoring as if it were part of your own internal network.
• Track security metrics over time: After determining your key metrics — total number of discovered vulnerabilities per day, mean time to correct a vulnerability, etc. — your organization can track them over time to determine whether overall security posture is improving or degrading.
• Implement employee training: The above tactics are useless without dedication to ongoing employee training that ensures workers are aware of and are following the security policies you’ve carefully designed.

Popular cybersecurity frameworks

There are dozens of security frameworks designed to help organizations develop a strong cybersecurity posture. Some of the most notable and widely adopted include

• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)IST Cybersecurity Framework: This presidential initiative was designed to enhance the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure. It has broad applicability to private businesses as well.
• ISO/IEC 27001 and 27002: A pair of international standards that define a risk-based approach to cybersecurity, ISO/IEC have a focus on detecting threats and creating specific controls that should be put into place to secure enterprise systems.
• CIS Critical Security Controls: This framework comprises a set of 20 tactics designed to protect an organization from “known cyberattack vectors.”
• IASME Governance: Billed as an alternative to ISO 2700, IASME may be more attainable for small and medium-sized businesses.
• COBIT: Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies aims to integrate cybersecurity with other business processes and transformation activities.

(Related reading: cybersecurity frameworks & risk management frameworks.)

How to approach risk management

Cybersecurity frameworks like those outlined above specify specific approaches and practices each organization should undertake in order to improve security. This process begins by developing an understanding of the organization’s tolerance for risk. At a large bank, this risk tolerance is likely to be zero, while the cybersecurity risk tolerance of a middle school PTA may be considerably higher. With this tolerance in mind, the organization can then begin to prioritize its specific cybersecurity investments.

Whether you decrease risk, eliminate it entirely, transfer it to someone else, or simply accept it, the approach involves a strategic decision applied on a case-by-case basis.

Cybersecurity FAQs

What are some approaches to secure development?

Software development occupies a particular (and unique) place in the broader cybersecurity landscape. Secure software is not only able to protect the organization’s infrastructure; it's also able to protect any customers who may use externally facing software tools.

Secure development today is commonly defined by the security development life cycle, an approach originally pioneered by Microsoft in 2002 and defined by 12 practices:

• Provide training.
• Define security requirements.
• Define metrics and compliance reporting.
• Perform threat modeling.
• Establish design requirements.
• Define and implement cryptography standards.
• Manage third-party security risk.
• Use approved tools.
• Perform static analysis security testing (SAST).
• Perform dynamic analysis security testing (DAST).
• Perform penetration testing.
• Establish a standard incident response process.

(Related reading: secure AI development.)

How can organizations get started building cybersecurity defenses?

Organizations can start building cybersecurity defenses by following the advice for improving their security posture and reducing the number of security incidents.

Audit your existing hardware, software, and services ecosystem to get a solid understanding of where you stand. Create policies built to protect the systems that are most at risk of attack (including third-party services, such as cloud providers). Then, acquire the appropriate tools needed to protect those systems. After implementation, develop metrics to track performance and ensure staff are appropriately trained on your policy expectations and the aforementioned cybersecurity tools.

What is the future of cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity continues to grow in importance and size as an industry. Allied Market Research projects the total value of this industry to hit more than $300 billion by 2027. Increased incidences of insider-based attacks and updated approaches to security frameworks play a significant part in this expansion.

Looking ahead, one of the most noteworthy security trends is the growth of cloud-based security services in lieu of traditional hardware. The expansion of privacy legislation will further enhance the need for companies to take cybersecurity more seriously.

What is the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)?

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is a US federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security. Established in 2018, CISA is responsible for protecting the US’s critical infrastructure from physical and cyber threats. Its mission is to enhance the security, resilience, and reliability of the US’s cyber and physical infrastructure.

What is the role of CISA in cybersecurity?

CISA works to safeguard critical infrastructure sectors, such as energy, finance, healthcare, and transportation, from cyber threats. It offers a range of cybersecurity services, including assessments, threat intelligence, and incident response support. CISA also develops and circulates best practices, guidelines, and frameworks for cybersecurity.

Finally, it works to raise awareness about cybersecurity threats and promote good cyber hygiene practices among individuals, businesses, and government entities.

How does CISA aid in strengthening defenses against cyberattacks?

CISA collects, analyzes, and shares threat intelligence with public and private sector partners. By providing timely and actionable information about emerging threats and vulnerabilities, CISA helps organizations take proactive measures to defend against cyberattacks. If an incident occurs, CISA provides technical assistance and expertise to help organizations mitigate the impact and recover from the attack. Moreover, it conducts cybersecurity exercises and training programs to help organizations prepare for and respond to incidents.

(Related reading: OSINT open-source intelligence.)

In what ways does CISA help organizations communicate & manage current cyberattacks and trends?

CISA issues alerts and advisories about current cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and incidents. These alerts include detailed information on the nature of the threat, potential impacts, and recommended mitigation strategies. CISA also enables collaboration through platforms like the Information Sharing and Analytics Centers (ISACs) and Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations (ISAOs).

With the help of these platforms, CISA collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders. This includes government agencies, private sector companies, and international partners, to enhance cybersecurity.

How can organizations report anomalous cyberactivity to CISA?

Organizations can report anomalous cyber activity to CISA through several channels, including the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC). Upon receiving a report, CISA may follow up with the reporting organization to gather additional information. It then provides technical assistance and offers guidance on mitigating the threat. Also, CISA’s online portal provides a streamlined process for reporting cybersecurity incidents. This portal allows organizations to submit detailed information about the incident and receive timely feedback from CISA experts.

The bottom line: High-quality cybersecurity requires ongoing vigilance

The headlines detailing massive damage, data breaches, and financial losses due to cyberattacks tell the story best. The cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, often in unpredictable and frightening ways. Now more than ever it is critical to understand your security posture and the risks faced by your organization. Building a strong cybersecurity defense requires expertise and attention to shifting conditions and emerging threats.