II. Areas of cybersecurity

Areas of cyber security:

Cybersecurity is an extremely diverse field that encompasses many different aspects to protect digital systems, networks and data. Its main areas are:

• Network Security: Focuses on protecting network infrastructure, including hardware (e.g. routers, firewalls), software, and network traffic. Its purpose is to prevent unauthorized access, attacks and network disruptions. This includes, for example, the configuration of firewalls, the operation of intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and the use of secure network protocols (e.g. VPN, TLS/SSL).

• Endpoint Security: Aims to protect individual user devices (e.g. computers, laptops, smartphones, servers). This includes anti-virus, anti-malware, personal firewalls, data leakage prevention (DLP) and device management.

• Application Security: Includes security measures used during the design, development and testing of software applications. Its purpose is to detect and fix security holes in software (e.g. SQL injection, cross-site scripting) and to promote safe coding practices.

• Data Security: Focuses on the protection of data stored in digital and non-digital form during their entire life cycle. This includes data encryption, access control, data loss prevention, ensuring data integrity and making backups.

• Cloud Security: It deals with the protection of cloud-based services (e.g. SaaS, PaaS, IaaS) and the data stored on them. This includes understanding the shared responsibility model between the cloud provider and the user, access management, data encryption and compliance requirements.

• Identity and Access Management (IAM): Focuses on managing user identities and controlling access to system resources. This includes user identification (authentication), authorization and access logging.

• Incident Management (Incident Response): Covers the process of detecting, analyzing, preventing and learning from cyber security incidents (e.g. attacks, data loss). A well-developed incident management plan will help minimize damage and quickly restore normal operations.

• Cryptography: It ensures the confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of data by using encryption algorithms and techniques. Cryptography is fundamental to online communication, data storage and digital signatures.

• Security Audit and Compliance: Means regular review of the effectiveness of security measures and ensuring compliance with industry standards and legislation.

• Education and awareness raising (Security Awareness and Training): Aims to increase users' knowledge and awareness of cyber security risks and safe online behavior. This is crucial in preventing human-caused attacks (e.g. phishing).

These areas often overlap, and all must be addressed in order to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so professionals must stay up-to-date on the latest threats and defense methods.