Revision Notes: Cybersecurity Midterm Questions PDF

Revision Notes Introduction to Cybersecurity Cybersecurity is a critical aspect of modern business that involves protecting systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. Understanding key concepts in cybersecurity is essential for safeguarding organizational assets. Key Concepts - Confidentia...

Revision Notes Introduction to Cybersecurity Cybersecurity is a critical aspect of modern business that involves protecting systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. Understanding key concepts in cybersecurity is essential for safeguarding organizational assets. Key Concepts - Confidentiality: This principle ensures that sensitive information is accessible only to those authorized to have access. Protecting confidentiality helps maintain trust and compliance with regulations. Integrity: Refers to the accuracy and completeness of data. Organizations must implement measures to ensure that information is not altered or tampered with by unauthorized individuals. Availability: This principle ensures that information and resources are accessible to authorized users whenever needed. Disruptions can lead to significant business losses. Cyber Threats and Vulnerabilities Cyber threats are potential dangers that can exploit vulnerabilities in an organization's systems. It’s essential to identify and understand these threats to mitigate risks effectively. Common Cyber Threats - Phishing: A common tactic where attackers impersonate legitimate entities to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords or financial details. This can occur via email or malicious websites. Social Engineering: This involves manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information through psychological manipulation rather than technical means. It can take various forms, including phishing and pretexting. Understanding Vulnerabilities A vulnerability refers to weaknesses in a system that can be exploited by cyber threats. Organizations should regularly assess their systems to identify and address these vulnerabilities. Consequences of Cyber Breaches Financial Consequences Direct Financial Losses: This includes theft of funds, fraud, and costs associated with mitigating a breach. Legal Penalties: Businesses may face fines and penalties for non- compliance with regulations due to inadequate security measures. Reputational Damage A breach can lead to a loss of customer trust, negatively impacting a company's reputation and customer relationships. Operational Disruption Cyber incidents can disrupt business operations, leading to downtime and reduced productivity. Risk Management in Cybersecurity Risk management is a systematic process for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with cyber threats. Key Steps in Risk Management - Identifying Assets, Threats, and Vulnerabilities: Recognizing what assets need protection, understanding potential threats, and identifying vulnerabilities is the first step in risk management. Conducting Risk Assessments: Regular assessments help evaluate the likelihood of risks and their potential impact on the organization. Risk Management Strategies Risk Avoidance: This involves eliminating activities or processes that introduce risk. Risk Transference: Sharing or shifting the risk to a third party, such as through insurance, helps mitigate potential losses. Risk Acceptance: Sometimes, organizations may choose to accept certain risks when the cost of mitigation is higher than the potential loss. Risk Mitigation: Implementing controls to reduce the likelihood or impact of risks is a fundamental aspect of cybersecurity. Implementing Security Controls To reduce risks, organizations must implement various security controls. These can include: Technical Controls Firewalls: These act as barriers between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks, filtering incoming and outgoing traffic. Encryption: This process converts data into a secure format that can only be read by someone with the correct decryption key. Administrative Controls Security Policies: Establishing clear policies regarding data access and usage is crucial for guiding employee behavior. Security Training: Regular training and awareness programs help employees recognize and respond to potential threats, such as phishing attacks. Physical Controls: Access Control Measures: This includes measures like keycard access to restricted areas to protect physical assets. Continuous Monitoring and Updating Cybersecurity is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and updating of risk management plans. Regular reviews ensure that: Organizations adapt to evolving threats and vulnerabilities. Risk management strategies remain effective and relevant. Vendor and Third-Party Risk Management Organizations must assess potential risks associated with third-party vendors. This involves: Conducting Regular Security Assessments: Evaluating the security posture of vendors ensures they meet your organization's security requirements. Including Security Requirements in Contracts: Contracts should outline security expectations and include provisions for accountability in case of breaches. X END OF DOCUMENT