Cybersecurity Controls Explained in Detail

Cybersecurity Controls Explained in Detail

Introduction to Cyber Security

Cybersecurity is a fast-growing industry in this era, where the main aim is to reduce cyberattacks. Cybersecurity professionals are responsible for protecting IT infrastructure and controlling devices, networks, and data. So what is cybersecurity? Why is it so important? What are the effective controls used to oppose cyberattacks? Let us learn in detail in this article.

Cybersecurity is a technique that protects internet-connected systems such as computers, servers, mobile devices, and networks from malicious activity. Cyber refers to technology that includes networks, programmes, systems, and data. And security refers to safeguarding all the above-mentioned cyber assets.

Cybersecurity is also called electronic information security or information technology security.

 

Types of Cyber Security

Every organization wants to have an advantage when it comes to securing the systems and information. So the systems should contain strong security features that should keep the organization's data secure.

Therefore, cyber security provides the following domains:

cybersecurity controls-1

  • Network security: It implements hardware and software devices in a system to secure its computer network from unauthorised entry, intruders, attacks, disruption, and misuse. Network security helps an organization protect its data from internal and external threats.
  • Application security: It protects software and devices from unwanted threats. This security function can be used frequently by updating the apps and ensuring they are free from attacks. Effective security begins in the design stage, with the writing of source code, verification, threat modeling, etc. before deploying the program or a device.
  • Information or data security: implementation of a strong data mechanism to maintain the integrity and privacy of data, both in storage and in transit, i.e., (in transformation)
  • Identity management: It determines the level of access that each individual has within an organization.
  • Operational Security: This cyber security type processes and makes decisions to handle data and secure resources.
  • Mobile security: It secures the regular incoming and personal data stored on mobile devices.
  • Cloud security: It protects the information stored in a digital environment or data in the cloud for the organization. Cloud security uses various service providers known as AWS, Azure, Google, etc., to verify security against multiple threats.
  • Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning: It reviews the monitoring process, alerts, and plans of an organization responding to any malicious activity causing loss of data or operations. This security deals with policies that instruct to resume lost operations after any disaster takes place to the same operating capacity as before the event.

The above-discussed types are essential to bringing cyber security to life.

 

Why is Cyber Security Important?

We live in a digital era where all of our lives revolve around the computer and other electronic devices. All of the critical infrastructures like a banking system, healthcare, financial institutions, governments, and manufacturing industries use internet-connected devices, to perform core operations.

Some of their important information, such as intellectual property, financial data, and personal data, can be sensitive. To protect that data from intruders and threat actors who would want financial gain, cyber security is implemented.

Cyber-attacks have now become an international concern because hacking, and all other security attacks will endanger the global economy. Hence, it is important to have an excellent cyber security strategy, to protect sensitive information from high-profile security breaches.

Governments around the world are paying more attention to cybercrimes. GDPR i.e. General data protection regulation is the best example of how changes are made in cyber security.

Cybersecurity contains essential security goals, which makes it more effective. Let us learn about cyber security goals in the following sections.

 

Cyber Security Goals

The main objective of cyber security is to ensure data protection. Cyber security offers three related principles to protect data from breaches; the principle is called the CIA triad. CIA can be broken into three parts,

  • Confidentiality: It gives access to only authorized users, unauthorized users will be blocked. An example of this is Data encryption.
  • Integrity: This principle makes sure that the data is authentic, accurate, and safeguarded from unauthorized modification or accidental user modification.
  • Availability: Information will be made available only to authorized users. It ensures that malfunctions and cyberattacks are blocked to secure the system.

To secure data from malicious activities Cybersecurity contains essential controls, let us know in the following what it has to offer in detail.

Read more about cyber security and the best protocols used for cyber-attacks.

 

What is Cyber Security Control?

The controls are created to ensure the CIA triad i.e. confidentiality, integrity, and availability of an organization’s information and technology assets. And controls revolve around four essentials of people, technology, processes, and strategy.

Cyber security control is a mechanism that is used to prevent, detect and reduce cyber-attacks and threats. Cyber security controls are every organization's need, as it is used to manage the security program of a company/organization.

Cyber security is the top priority of organizations, where they determine what control they need. Here are some of the effective smaller controls used by every organization,

Update OS: when a threat or intrusion is found in the software, the technical staff try to work on it and will provide an updated version of the software. Keeping the system updated will help control the threats and security features will get better.

Granted applications: Meaning that a computer is configured to only run an application that is permitted by the organization. This control is hard to manage application in cyber security if done, there will be no cyber-attacks or data breaches taking place.

Reinforce system’s security: Being aware of the programmable settings in the OS i.e. operating system and applications are configured for security. And it is recommended to regularly re-install parts of the OS that will never be used.

Implement Multi-factor authentication: adding two-step verification is going to do good, to keep your data secure. The best example is Gmail, where you can set two-step verification so that no one can get into your mail details.

Suggestion: get CISM certification and become a certified security manager

 

 

Need for Cyber Security Controls

All systems contain weaknesses where some might be simple and some are complex. If a cyber attacker gets to know about the weak points in the system they will try to exploit it. Measures taken by an organization to stop these threats are known as security control.

Cyber security controls are the countermeasures taken up to reduce the chances of a data breach or system attack. The essential and tough work to do in cyber security is to select the right control, but most organizations do it wrong.

Cyber threats are automated and aimed at by cyber attackers. The attacks can be in the forms of malware, formjacking, Cryptojacking, Domain name system attacks, and in various ways they try to get into the system. It becomes a challenge to face all these, cyber security controls help to mitigate most of the threats. Reducing the threats is always a need, errors that happen in the system can be controlled using essential cyber controls like,

  • Applying antivirus solutions.
  • Emphasize employee training and awareness
  • Maintain secure portable devices
  • Securely encrypt and backup data

 Controls in cyber security contain different classes that split up the types of controls, which are considered based on their importance and classification.

 

Types of Cyber Security Controls

The essential cyber security controls are divided into three types, technical, administrative, and physical. The main goal of implementing security control is preventative, detective, corrective, compensatory, or deterrent. Let us understand each of them in the following,

cybersecurity controls-2

Technical Controls

Technical controls are also known as logical controls. That is used to reduce attacks on both hardware and software. And automated software tools are installed to protect the system.

Examples of technical controls that are used to protect the system are as follows,

  • Encryption
  • Antivirus and anti-malware software
  • Firewalls
  • Security information and event management (SIEM)
  • Instruction Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

Technical control is implemented using two methods,

Access Control Lists (ACL): ACL is a network traffic filter that controls incoming and outgoing traffic. They are commonly used in routers or firewalls, but they can also be programmed in any device that runs on the network, from hosts to servers.

Configuration Rules: It is a set of instructional codes used to guide the execution of the system when information is passed through it.

Administrative controls: Administrative security controls refer to policies, procedures, and guidelines that define the roles or business practices of an organisation’s security goals.

To implement administrative controls, additional security controls are necessary for monitoring and enforcement. The controls used to monitor and enforce them are as follows,

Management controls: This control is used to mainly focus on risk management and information security management.

Operational controls: The security controls that are primarily implemented, like technical and managerial controls executed by people, are saved by operational controls.

Physical controls: Physical security controls in cyber security are implemented based on cyber measures in a defined structure. That is used to detect or prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Examples of physical controls are as follows:

  • Closed-circuit surveillance cameras
  • Motion or thermal alarm systems
  • Security guards and picture IDs
  • Locked and dead-bolted steel doors
  • Biometrics

 

Preventative controls

These controls are used to prevent loss or errors. Examples of preventative controls are as follows,

  • Hardening: It’s a process of reducing attacks and tightening security controls.
  • Security awareness training: is the process of providing formal cyber security education to employees and stakeholders about security threats and the organization's policies and procedures.
  • Change management: Measures taken by an organization to describe and implement changes both internally and externally in the system that include preparing and supporting employees to take the necessary steps for change.
  • Account disable policy: This policy will disable the account when an employee leaves the organization.

 

Detective controls

It is an accounting term, that uses internal control to find errors within the organization. Examples of detective controls are as follows:

  • Log monitoring – analyzing real-time data.
  • SIEM- A set of tools and services are offered to analyze various system operational logs.
  • Trend Analysis – Identifying the pattern from an application’s log output, to gather relevant information.
  • Security Audits- set of measures that focus on cyber security standards and guidelines.
  • Video Surveillance - Digital images and videos that are sent over communication networks are monitored.
  • Motion Detection – Sensors are attached to detect nearby motions.

 

Corrective controls

After a system malfunction, corrective controls are used to make the system more effective to use. Examples of corrective controls include,

  • IPS: detection of anomalies in traffic flow to quickly prevent malicious activity.
  • Backups and system recovery: the Process of creating and storing data copies that can be used as backups when data is lost.

 

Deterrent controls

Deterrent controls are used to reduce deliberate attacks, which are usually in the form of a tangible object or person. Examples of deterrent controls include

  • Cable locks
  • Hardware locks
  • Video surveillance and guards

 

Compensating controls

Compensating control is an alternative method that is used to satisfy the requirement for security. And certain security measures can’t be implemented due to financial or simple impractical reasons at the time.

Example of Compensating control,

Time-based OTP- One of the best examples for compensating control is OTP, i.e., One-time password, where a code is generated by an algorithm that uses the current time of day as one of its authentication factors.

CISSP Certification Training Course

 

Conclusion

Cyber security is one of the important aspects of the growing world. Threats are hard to deny and overcoming them is also a difficult task. But there is a need to learn how to defend them and also to manage the security activities of organizations and individuals. That could be done by using proper security controls. Monitor the valuable assets and keep your organization away from cyber threats.

Learn more about networking and security and get certified by CompTIA through Sprintzeal.

Subscribe to our Newsletters

Niveditha P

Niveditha P

Content Writer at Sprintzeal

Trending Now


Top 5 COMPELLING REASONS TO GET A CYBER SECURITY CERTIFICATION

ebook

How to Become IT Security Expert with CISSP Certification

ebook

Top 20 Reasons You Should Get a CISSP Certification

ebook

What is CISSP? – Everything about CISSP Certification Explained

ebook

Pass CISSP Exam - How to Clear CISSP Exam in First Attempt 2024 (UPDATED)

ebook

CISSP Certification – Top 25 Career Benefits in 2024

ebook

Cybersecurity – Everything You Need to Know About it

ebook

Updated Google Certification Training Course list 2024

Article

Which Certification is best for Cybersecurity?

ebook

Which Cybersecurity Certification Should I Get First?

ebook

Cysa+ certification – Should you get it?

ebook

List of Top Security Certifications

Article

Easiest Security Certification to Get

ebook

CISM certification cost and career benefits

ebook

Cybersecurity Fundamentals Explained

ebook

ISACA Certifications List 2024

ebook

List of Top Information Security Certifications in 2024

ebook

CISM certification cost details

Article

Mitigate the Cyber-Attack Risks with Best Cyber Security Protocols

ebook

Cybersecurity Interview Questions and Answers 2024

ebook

Top Cybersecurity Software Tools In 2024

ebook

Information Security Analyst - Career, Job Role, and Top Certifications

ebook

Cyber Security Analyst - How to Become, Job Demand and Top Certifications

ebook

CompTIA A+ Certification Latest Exam Update 2024

Article

What is Data Security - Types, Strategy, Compliance and Regulations

ebook

Data loss Prevention in Cyber Security Explained

ebook

Cybersecurity Framework - A Complete Guide

ebook

What is Cryptography - A Comprehensive Guide

ebook

Data Leak - What is it, Prevention and Solutions

ebook

Cybersecurity Career Paths Guide

ebook

Future of Cybersecurity - Trends and Scope

ebook

Cyber Security Careers and Outlook - 2024 Guide

ebook

5 Cybersecurity Predictions in 2024 - Trends and Challenges

ebook

Scope for Cybersecurity in 2024 - Update for 2024

ebook

Ethical Hacking Career: A Career Guide for Ethical Hacker

ebook

Application Security: All You Need To Know

ebook

Cybersecurity Roles - Top Roles and Skills to Consider in 2024

ebook

How to Get Cyber Essentials Certified

ebook

Top 10 Cyber Security Threats and How to Prevent Them

ebook

Top 10 Network Scanning Tools of 2024

ebook

Cyber Incident Response Plan: A Comprehensive Guide

ebook

Information Assurance Careers - Exploring Career Paths

ebook

What is the Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 8140

ebook

Cybersecurity Mesh Architecture: What It Is and How to Build It

ebook

What is Threat Modeling? Methodologies, Types, and Steps

ebook

What is Digital Forensics? Types, Process & Challenges

ebook

Information Assurance Model in Cybersecurity

ebook

How to Become an Information Security Analyst Salary, Skills, and More

Article

List of Top Department of Defense (DoD) Approved 8570 Certification Courses

ebook

Top 5 Ransomware Attacks to Watch Out for in 2024

ebook

Job Prospects for DoD Certified Professionals: A Pathway to Success in cybersecurity

ebook

10 Biggest Data Breaches of the 21st Century

ebook

What is a Cybersecurity Incident?-Types, Impact, Response Process and More

ebook

Cyber Security Planning - A Detailed Guide for Risk Mitigation

ebook

What is Cybercrime? Exploring Types, Examples, and Prevention

ebook

Recent Cyber Attacks & Data Breaches in 2024

ebook

Cybersecurity Strategy: Building a Strong Defense for Business

ebook

Cybercrime Impacts On Business: 6 Major Effects

ebook

5 Types of Cyber Attacks You Should Be Aware of in 2024

ebook

Cloud Cyber Attacks: Causes, Types, Prevention and Protection

ebook

Cloud Malware: Types of Attacks and Security Measure

ebook

Cyber Attack Statistics and Trends to Know in 2024

ebook

List Of Top Cybersecurity Threats In 2024

ebook

Safeguarding Digital Domain: 10 Most Common Cybercrimes

ebook

Demystifying Cloud-Based Cyber Attacks: A Comprehensive Guide

ebook

Prevent Cyber Attacks: Strategies to Protect Your Digital Assets

ebook

List of Top 10 Cybersecurity Careers in 2024

ebook

Top 20 Cybersecurity Trends to Watch Out for in 2024

Article

How to Become Cybersecurity Engineer

Article

Understanding Risk assessment in audit planning

Article

Fundamentals of Risk-Based Auditing: A Strategic Framework

Article

Risk-based Audit Planning Guide for Beginners

ebook

Top 8 Types of Cybersecurity Jobs and Salary Insights

Article

A Comprehensive Guide to Building Risk-Based Internal Audit Plan

Article

Risk-Based Internal Auditing Approaches: 7 Steps to Explore

Article

CompTIA Security+ 601 vs. 701: Understanding Key Differences

Article

Why and How to Perform a Risk-Based Internal Audit

Article

Risk-Based Auditing Techniques Explained

ebook

Trending Posts

What is a Cybersecurity Incident?-Types, Impact, Response Process and More

What is a Cybersecurity Incident?-Types, Impact, Response Process and More

Last updated on Jul 18 2023

Safeguarding Digital Domain: 10 Most Common Cybercrimes

Safeguarding Digital Domain: 10 Most Common Cybercrimes

Last updated on Aug 14 2023

Top 20 Cybersecurity Trends to Watch Out for in 2024

Top 20 Cybersecurity Trends to Watch Out for in 2024

Last updated on Aug 18 2023

Cyber Attack Statistics and Trends to Know in 2024

Cyber Attack Statistics and Trends to Know in 2024

Last updated on Aug 9 2023

Cyber Security Planning - A Detailed Guide for Risk Mitigation

Cyber Security Planning - A Detailed Guide for Risk Mitigation

Last updated on Jul 19 2023

CompTIA Security+ 601 vs. 701: Understanding Key Differences

CompTIA Security+ 601 vs. 701: Understanding Key Differences

Last updated on Jan 4 2024