How to ensure data security on the network. The most common types of cyberattacks

Why are data protection solutions necessary?

Data is an important asset for any organization, so it is important to protect it from online criminals. Organizations around the world invest heavily in information technology to deploy the best cyber defense capabilities. Essentially, organizations focus on protecting three common elements: people, processes, and technology. This inherently protects intellectual capital, critical infrastructure, customer information, the brand, and much more. Data security is important not only for organizations.

Data protection comes into play on personal computers, tablets, and mobile devices, which may become the next targets of cybercriminals. Remote devices that connect to an organization usually become targets for attackers seeking access to confidential information. This is where endpoint protection comes into play: it helps protect and maintain devices connected to the network. The number of data breaches and cyberattacks is expected to increase over time as computer networks expand. It is important to have the right data protection solutions to counter sophisticated threats.

Types of data protection and their importance

Data security software protects a computer/network from online threats when connected to the Internet.

Data protection software can also protect other areas, such as programs or the operating system for an entire application. Its purpose is to identify rules and actions that can be applied against internet security attacks. There are several types of security, namely: Network-level security. Cryptographic methods also protect TCP/IP (Internet Protocol) along with other internet protocols that were developed to protect email on the Internet. Methods include SSL and TLS for website traffic, PGP for email, and network security supported by IPSec.

IPSec protocol

The IPSec protocol was originally developed to protect communications using TCP/IP. It was developed by the IETF and provides security and verification using cryptographic methods; data is modified using security methods. The two main aspects of modification that form the basis for IPSec are the Authentication Header (AH) and Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP). Email security Protective measures used to protect access to and the contents of an email account or service are called email security. Essentially, email is composed, stored, and delivered through several step-by-step procedures that begin with the message structure. Email security software is implemented by the service provider to protect email accounts and subscriber data from hackers.

Data security versus system security

Data security refers to the efforts an organization makes to ensure that stored information is not deliberately accessed or accidentally deleted, altered, manipulated, or otherwise used to make money illegally. System security is closely related to data security. System security protects everything an organization wants to secure across its networks and resources. Simply put, data security is intended to protect information, while system security protects the information-containing devices and the network.

Let's look at some of the common methods of cyberattack.

Backdoor attack.

Not all computer networks are as secure as they seem. Programmers sometimes leave code open that allows troublemakers to gain full access to a network. Essentially, cybercriminals look for these exploits and take advantage of weak points. Always carefully check the code of any customized software used in your organization, and make sure that software-as-a-service and platform-as-a-service providers are not vulnerable to such attacks.

Denial-of-service (DoS) attack.

Instead of breaking into a computer network to steal valuable data, attackers may try to take over the network by sending it many service requests, slowing access and network-dependent operations to a crawl. A typical denial-of-service attack can be stopped by blocking the attacker's IP address. However, a more sophisticated type of attack, a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, is difficult to contain because it involves many IP addresses. But today, many providers sell solutions that reduce the impact of DDoS attacks.

Direct access attack.

People who gain access to physical assets in your organization can easily gain access to your most confidential information. Scammers desperate to obtain data can easily steal hard drives, flash drives, and laptops, or break into your office and copy the information they need. So, it is safer to improve security by providing employee training and encrypting information.

Malware attack.

Malware attacks are very common these days. An attacker gains access to a computer network and then encrypts all valuable data without a trace. To access your data, you need to obtain the encryption key and pay a ransom. Payments are made through Bitcoin, and there is a chance that the ransom price will rise over time. Malware infiltrates your system or network using a virus or worm, so inform employees about the online threats of clicking suspicious links or opening unknown attachments.