Key Cybersecurity Topics

Explore essential areas in cybersecurity to build a strong foundation.

Network security involves protecting the integrity of networks and their data from unauthorized access. Key concepts include firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems.

Examples: Using firewalls to block unauthorized traffic, setting up VPNs for secure remote access, and deploying IDS to detect suspicious activity.

Tools: Wireshark, Nmap, Snort.

Ethical hacking, or penetration testing, involves simulating attacks to identify vulnerabilities. Tools like Metasploit and techniques such as social engineering are common.

Phases: Reconnaissance, scanning, gaining access, maintaining access, and reporting.

Tools: Metasploit, Burp Suite, Kali Linux.

Cryptography is the science of securing communication. It includes encryption algorithms like AES and RSA, and concepts like public-key infrastructure.

Applications: Secure messaging, digital signatures, SSL/TLS for web security.

Tools: OpenSSL, GnuPG.

Web security focuses on protecting websites and web applications from threats like SQL injection, XSS, and CSRF. Best practices include input validation and secure coding.

Common Vulnerabilities: OWASP Top 10 including injection flaws, broken authentication, and security misconfigurations.

Tools: OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite.

Incident response is the process of identifying, containing, and mitigating cyber incidents. It involves planning, detection, response, and recovery phases.

Phases: Preparation, identification, containment, eradication, recovery, and lessons learned.

Tools: SIEM systems, forensic tools.

Cloud security protects data, applications, and infrastructure in cloud environments. It includes identity and access management, data encryption, and compliance with standards like GDPR and HIPAA.

Key Concepts: Shared responsibility model, multi-cloud strategies, serverless security.

Tools: AWS IAM, Azure Security Center, Google Cloud Security Command Center.

IoT security focuses on securing internet-connected devices, which often have limited resources and can be entry points for attacks. Challenges include device authentication, firmware updates, and network segmentation.

Common Threats: Botnets, eavesdropping, physical tampering.

Tools: IoT security frameworks, device management platforms.

Mobile security protects smartphones, tablets, and apps from threats like malware, data leaks, and unauthorized access. It involves app vetting, encryption, and mobile device management (MDM).

Best Practices: Use strong passwords, enable biometric authentication, avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.

Tools: Mobile antivirus apps, MDM solutions like Jamf or Microsoft Intune.

Digital forensics involves collecting, preserving, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence in legal contexts. It helps in investigating cybercrimes and understanding attack methods.

Phases: Identification, preservation, analysis, presentation.

Tools: Autopsy, EnCase, Volatility for memory analysis.