Cybersecurity Fundamentals - IT Documentation

🔒 What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity encompasses all practices, technologies, and processes designed to protect networks, devices, programs, and data from digital attacks, damage, or unauthorized access.

Cybersecurity Pillars

Confidentiality: Protecting sensitive information
Integrity: Ensuring data accuracy and completeness
Availability: Ensuring reliable access to information
Authentication: Verifying user identities
Authorization: Controlling access to resources
Non-repudiation: Preventing denial of actions

Types of Cyber Threats

Malware: Viruses, worms, trojans
Ransomware: Data encryption attacks
Phishing: Social engineering attacks
DDoS: Denial of service attacks
Zero-day exploits: Unknown vulnerabilities
Insider threats: Internal attacks

Fundamental Security Principles

🛡️ Defense in Depth Strategy

Multiple layers of security controls that provide redundancy if one layer fails:

Physical Security: Controlled access to facilities
Network Security: Firewalls, segmentation, VPNs
Host Security: Antivirus, host-based firewalls
Application Security: Input validation, secure coding
Data Security: Encryption, access controls
User Training: Security awareness programs

Authentication Methods

Something you know: Passwords, PINs
Something you have: Smart cards, tokens
Something you are: Biometrics (fingerprint, face)
Somewhere you are: Geolocation
Something you do: Behavioral patterns
MFA/2FA: Multi-factor authentication

Access Control Models

MAC: Mandatory Access Control
DAC: Discretionary Access Control
RBAC: Role-Based Access Control
ABAC: Attribute-Based Access Control
Zero Trust: Never trust, always verify
Least Privilege: Minimum necessary access

Common Cyber Attacks

Web-Based Attacks

SQL Injection: Database manipulation through input fields
XSS (Cross-Site Scripting): Malicious script injection
CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery): Unauthorized actions
Clickjacking: UI element manipulation
Session Hijacking: Cookie theft and reuse

Network-Based Attacks

Man-in-the-Middle: Traffic interception
DNS Spoofing: Domain name redirection
ARP Poisoning: Address resolution manipulation
SYN Flood: Resource exhaustion
Port Scanning: Service discovery

🚨 Most Common Security Vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10)

Injection: SQL injection, OS command injection
Broken Authentication: Session management issues
Sensitive Data Exposure: Unprotected data
XML External Entities: Processor vulnerabilities
Broken Access Control: Authorization failures
Security Misconfiguration: Default settings
Cross-Site Scripting: XSS attacks
Insecure Deserialization: Object manipulation
Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities: Outdated software
Insufficient Logging and Monitoring: Lack of detection

Security Tools and Technologies

Essential Security Tools

Wireshark: Network protocol analyzer
Nmap: Network scanning and discovery
Metasploit: Penetration testing framework
Burp Suite: Web application security testing
Hashcat/John the Ripper: Password cracking tools
VirusTotal: Online malware scanner

Security Frameworks

NIST Cybersecurity Framework: US government standards
ISO 27001: Information security management
PCI DSS: Payment card security
HIPAA: Healthcare data protection
GDPR: EU data protection regulation
CIS Controls: Center for Internet Security

Implementing Basic Security Measures

Hardening Checklist:

🔐 Strong Passwords: 12+ characters, mixed case, numbers, symbols
🛡️ Multi-Factor Authentication: Enable on all critical accounts
🔄 Regular Updates: Patch operating systems and applications
🖥️ Antivirus Software: Use reputable protection and keep updated
🌐 Firewall Configuration: Block unnecessary ports and services
📡 WiFi Security: WPA3 encryption, strong passwords, guest networks
💾 Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive files and communications
🗂️ Backup Strategy: Regular backups, test restoration procedures
🎭 User Awareness: Security training for all users
📊 Monitoring: Log review and intrusion detection

Cybersecurity Career Paths

Entry-Level Positions

Security Analyst: Monitoring and incident response
Penetration Tester: Ethical hacking and vulnerability assessment
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst: Threat monitoring
Compliance Analyst: Regulatory compliance and audits

Mid-Level Positions

Cybersecurity Engineer: Security system implementation
Information Security Analyst: Risk assessment and mitigation
Security Consultant: Advisory and implementation services
Forensic Analyst: Digital evidence collection and analysis

Senior-Level Positions

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): Strategic security leadership
Security Architect: Security system design and strategy
Cybersecurity Program Manager: Program implementation and oversight
Incident Response Manager: Breach handling and recovery

Key Certifications

CompTIA Security+: Entry-level security certification
CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional
CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor
CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker
CISM: Certified Information Security Manager
GIAC Certifications: Various security specializations

🎓 Getting Started in Cybersecurity

Learn Fundamentals: Networking, operating systems, programming
Get Certified: Start with CompTIA Security+ or Network+
Practice Skills: Use labs like TryHackMe, HackTheBox, or CTF platforms
Learn Tools: Master essential security tools and techniques
Gain Experience: Participate in bug bounty programs or internships
Stay Current: Follow security news and emerging threats
Network: Join cybersecurity communities and conferences

Cybersecurity Comprehensive Guide