Top Cyber Security Applications and Use Cases

Cyber Security Applications

Let’s begin with different areas and methods  that help in safeguarding the data, finances and reputation:

1. Network Security

Network security involves protecting the network components so that no unauthorized access, attack or misuse is obtained or carried out. It also involves avoiding denial-of-service attacks and identifying intrusive behaviors in a timely manner.

The protection here is imparted via security tools such as antivirus software, firewalls and IDPs. Network security is done through email security, access control, network segmentation, sandboxing, and web security.

2. Cloud Security

It involves the security of cloud computing systems to maintain data privacy. Cloud systems encompass online infrastructure, platforms and applications. Cybersecurity is provided to operating systems, data servers, physical networks, runtime environments, end-user hardware, computer virtualization frameworks, and others. Protection is to be obtained from third-party data storage service disruptions, internal and external threats like phishing, malware and DDoS attacks. 

Cybersecurity in the cloud environment is achieved through third-party cloud services, software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service, and infrastructure as a service. It also involves security and recovery services from data loss due to human negligence and reducing the impact of system or data compromise. 

3. Endpoint Security

Cyber security applications are also applicable at the endpoint. Here, the security involves protection from cyberattacks and malicious threats and is implemented on servers and devices like workstations, laptops, IoT devices and others. This is achieved by inspecting files entering the networking and comparing them with the existing database to identify their quality.

Endpoint security is also achieved via application control, where users are restricted from downloading content deemed unsafe or unauthorized by the organization. Cyber security apps that offer endpoint security include advanced antimalware and antivirus protection. They also involve data and machine learning classification and possess integrated firewalls, email gateways, actionable threat forensics and other measures.

4. Application Security

One cyber security application is application security, where software application codes and data are protected from cyber threats. Safety is offered using security standards and tools during the application design and development stages. Cyber security best practices and procedures, such as strong authentication, are also implemented.

Application security also involves using security systems such as Web Application Firewalls (WAF) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS). The security measures used here include logging analysis to identify time-based records, encryption for safe transmission, authorization to access specific areas and authentication to verify user identity. 

5. Information Security

It deals with safeguarding digital and analog information across multiple IT domains. Information security covers mobile computing, cryptography and social media. It protects against non-human threats, including natural disasters, Advanced Persistent Threats (APT), Business Email Compromise (BEC), Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, service failures and others.

This cyber security application is achieved through authentication and authorization to prevent information modification, theft or loss. Other protection strategies include Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM), usage of data loss prevention tools, attack surface management, blockchain cybersecurity, and others.

Gain the latest skills and expertise in the fastest-growing field of cybersecurity. Enroll today in the best Cybersecurity Expert Masters Program and stay updated with the latest trends. 🎯

6. Mobile Security

It encompasses protection against financial and personal data theft, as well as cyberattacks carried out on different platforms like smartphones and tablets. The cyberattacks are carried out here via server-side vulnerabilities and insecure data storage and exchange. Cyber security apps offering mobile security include penetration scanners that offer automatic scanning to find vulnerabilities.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) protects through data encryption from the device to the internal network. Application sandboxing and secure authentication methods are also effective security measures.

7. DDoS Security

These attacks aim to cause reputational and financial damage through loss of operations. DDoS attacks generate requests much greater than the website's capacity, making it challenging to differentiate malicious traffic from legitimate requests. They are carried out via botnet members and can impact computers and networked resources like IoT devices.

Security measures are available through Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) that spread the traffic, Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) that block malicious requests and cloud-based DDoS mitigation services that filter malicious traffic from reaching the server and others. Cyber security apps that prevent DDoS attacks include AWS Shield, Azure DDoS protection, and Cloudflare.

8. Identity and Access Management (IAM)

The framework concerns digital identity management and offers controlled user access. It assigns users specific roles and restricts their access to corporate sources and networks. It also acts through automatic de-provisioning and human and device identification. Hence, IAM can be considered a cyber security application that enhances business security and encourages cloud adoption and remote working facilities.

It is based on four core components: identity lifecycle management, access control, authentication and authorization and identity governance. IAM prevents attackers from entering through ransomware, malware, and phishing attacks. The cyber security apps for IAM include OneLogin, Okta, Ping Identity and others.

9. Threat Intelligence and Risk Management

Threat intelligence is data analysis that obtains information on existing and potential threats. Cyber security benefits from it by offering quality protection and allowing logic-based decision-making. It also contributes to a proactive approach to combatting attacks. Threat intelligence has four types: tactical, strategic, operational, and technical. This cyber security application is implemented via detailed analysis coupled with structured processing. It also involves using essential techniques and technologies to prevent cyber attacks.

Another cyber security application is risk management, which encompasses identification, analysis, evaluation and threat management. Risk management is achieved by promptly identifying potential risks and internal weaknesses and mitigating them through training programs, policy development, and internal control.

10. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity

This cyber security application protects data and systems during and after cyber attacks, natural disasters and other disasters. It ensures minimal disruption to workflow, lower downtime and reduced reputational damage. This is achieved through regular data backup and offsite data storage. It also innovates cyber resilience planning by isolating compromised systems and implementing rapid recovery procedures. Business continuity focuses on identification, encryption, testing, and education about the plan.

Other Cyber Security Applications  

Apart from these, additional cyber security applications include:

• Compliance with regulatory requirements
• Developing new regulatory policies
• Dealing with critical issue attacks performed over large servers
• Offering security during software development
• Imparting physical security
• Ensuring child online safety

Did You Know? 🔍

Cybersecurity statistics indicate that there are 2,200 cyber attacks per day, with a cyber attack happening every 39 seconds on average.

Real-World Use Cases of Cyber Security

Cyber security applications are performed in real-world environments to prevent various losses. Here are the insights into the same: 

1. Preventing Ransomware Attacks in Enterprises

Ransomware attacks can be handled via two approaches. Preventive one requires enterprises to ensure data backup to allow continued operations and no workflow disruption. It is done in alignment with the 3-2-1 rule, which involves keeping 3 separate copies of data on 2 different online storage types and 1 offline storage.

The second approach offers safety and includes protection through installing antivirus software and firewalls, keeping cyber security apps and other software updated, email protection, application whitelisting and other measures.

2. Securing Financial Transactions in Banking & FinTech

Centralizing digital financial information, which is available through access control and authorization, is one of the primary steps in cyber security applications. It helps with timely risk identification. Further, the incorporation of Transport Layer Security (TLS), biometric authentication, and advanced threat intelligence techniques are also widely used techniques. 

3. Enhancing Data Protection in Healthcare

The digitization of healthcare records contributes to enhanced storage and retrieval efficiency. Data encryption through implementing industry-standard encryption algorithms, HTTPS and TLS, is a widely used procedure for effective security. Securing the IT infrastructure, including Mobile Device Management (MDM), clear data classification policy and adoption of access control are common data protection strategies.

4. Strengthening Cloud Security for Remote Workforces

The remote workplace maintains security and privacy following Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies and technologies. The incorporation of zero-trust architecture and data encryption helps handle access requests and secure information flow. Regular security assessments and tests, along with security awareness training, are also essential strategies for security in such an environment.

5. Safeguarding Government and Defense Systems

The defense systems use GPS spoofing as a defense mechanism against missile attacks. The technology involves the manipulation of GPS signals to deceive the receivers, informing them of the discrepancy in location. For Government data-based security, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), zero trust architecture, advanced threat analytics and other such strategies are common and effective practices.

6. Cybersecurity in IoT and Smart Devices

The protection of IoT and smart devices is achieved through regular updates of the devices and securing IoT gateway solutions. The latter is an essential checkpoint that allows only the authorized traffic to be passed to connected devices. The security practice also comprises sign-in attempts, policy changes, resource access, securing cloud APIs and tracking and managing the devices. Protected data storage and endpoint protection are also critical steps in obtaining security.

Unlock your potential as a cybersecurity expert with our CEH - Certified Ethical Hacking Course. Learn to protect systems from threats using the latest tools and techniques. Enroll now to enhance your skills and boost your career. 🎯

Future of Cyber Security Applications

The persistence and rise of malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats, as well as the rise in social engineering attacks, will remain.  Hence, cyber security applications will also witness increased face recognition, threat detection, and natural language processing automation.

Better security in remote access and technological advancements will also be seen. Quantum computing, embedded devices, biometrics, and cyber insurance are emerging technologies that will be more common in organizations with refinements and advancements. Further, the flexibility and scalability of cloud computing can also be expected.

Conclusion

Cyber security is growing, with around 33% of job growth expected by 2033. However, the current job market is witnessing a shift in skill requirements. With repetitive tasks easily performed by AI, the shift is toward leveraging its power to develop advanced security systems. Hence, candidates aiming for a career must upskill themselves according to the new demands. 

Given this, Simplilearn offers a Cyber Security Expert Masters program. Accredited by the EC-Council, it covers key skills necessary for qualifying for the exam and assists students in meeting job requirements. The program is best suited for professionals entering the field of cyber security. Click now to take a step toward making a difference.