Experts in the information security industry make use of cybersecurity tools to defend against threats to data. In this article, you’ll get an overview of cybersecurity, why it’s necessary and the top 9 tools to ensure security in an organization.
What are cybersecurity tools?
Cybersecurity tools have one primary purpose: to identify potential security risks to data and assets. Considering the high rate of cyber insecurity, such tools are a necessity for organizations and individuals alike. These tools ensure that organizations are at least one step ahead of the opposition since they send alerts of potential risks in real-time.
Some tools take it a step further; in addition to the identification and assessment of risks, they also protect against identity theft, password trafficking, and other cybercrimes. Basically, cybersecurity tools are used to protect an organization, data, network, systems, and intellectual property from cyber threats.
Overview of Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity, although different, is sometimes called data security. It is the process by which organizations protect their networks, computer systems, and other devices against external threats. There are different types of cybersecurity: network security and application security.
Often times, people mistake the terms cybersecurity and data security for each other. However similar they are, there are still major differences. Data security encompasses all procedures for the protection of data directly, while cybersecurity protects the sensitive information, the computer system, and every other device that can access it. Still confused? It’s simple: data security is a type of cybersecurity that safeguards data only.
Why is cybersecurity important?
Every business, organization, and what have you thrive on the importance of data. Further made important by the digital era we’re in now, data faces constant threats to its integrity. The relationship between organizations and data makes the former a sitting target for cybercriminals.
According to Forbes, cyberattacks on organizations increased steadily in recent years. Why don’t businesses just fight back? Cyberattacks constantly change their mode of attack, and they employ technologies beyond what organizations can handle. So, businesses must use several technologies to protect their hardware and software from data breaches.
Now, cybersecurity saves the day! Businesses are free from the financial and reputational costs of a successful data breach.
Check here for the importance of data security.
Top cybersecurity tools you should know.
Starting a business is a tedious yet exciting process. You have to conduct market analysis, kickstart production, and push digital marketing. In all of these, cybersecurity ranks low on the to-do list of many entrepreneurs. Probably it’s the complex nature, or they just don’t know how.
To help you achieve maximum cybersecurity, here are the top cybersecurity tools you’ll need for your business.
Network security monitoring tools
These tools are used to identify external threats to the organization’s network. By using network monitoring software, a network can be assessed for chinks in its system and potential risks are identified. Besides that, through the evaluation of past data, these tools can detect threats from inside the organization.
Network monitoring tools give a bird’s eye view of the network, devices connected, and the general flow of data. Below are some types of network monitoring protocols.
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol): Routers, servers, and other network devices use the Internet Control Message Protocol to send IP operations information and generate messages when devices fail.
SNMP (The Simple Network Management Protocol): This protocol checks the status of devices such as switches and printers and can be used to watch the status and configuration of systems.
ThousandEyes Synthetics: An internet-aware synthetic monitoring system that detects problems in the performance of modern networked applications.
Vulnerability scanners
To get a clear picture of how to fight, organizations must clarify the nature of threats. Vulnerability scanners help figure out the kinds of vulnerabilities in the IT infrastructure. They scan websites, dissect the files, and expose the chinks found. These help organizations reduce the cost of compliance with data security laws, amongst others.
Some examples of cybersecurity scanners are:
GFI Languard: This type of vulnerability scanner is for network and web applications. It can send patches across web browsers, operating systems, and third-party applications.
Tripwire IP360: A scanning tool that can scan the entire environment of an organization, including assets discovered previously.
some other examples are: Acunetix and Nessus.
Encryption Tools
Encryption tools play a vital role in safeguarding personal and sensitive data from unauthorized access. These tools scramble up data such that it makes no sense, rendering it unreadable and thus safe from unauthorized persons.
Meanwhile, the intended recipient can read it but once it’s in transit or storage, it reverts to the unreadable state.
Some examples of encryption algorithms used are:
Triple DES
RSA
TwoFish
Advance encryption standard (AES)
Firewalls
Hardly can you say you’ve never heard of firewalls, even when you don’t know exactly what it means. Sci-fi movies ensure their fans know a bit about fire walls. Firewalls are cybersecurity tools that monitor the flow of data in and out of a network. It prevents unauthorized users from accessing a private network—more like its name, Fire Wall. Using a set of predetermined requirements, firewalls act as filters for data packets and block packets that don’t meet security requirements.
There are different types but these are the 3 common types of firewalls.
Packet filter: This is the most basic type of firewall cybersecurity experts use. It scrutinizes the packets exchanged between computers based on a provided list. The list contains the criteria with which packets be investigated, rejected, or accepted. This type of firewall is outdated and no longer guarantees concrete cybersecurity.
Connection tracking: Connection tracking firewalls, also called second generation firewalls, work similarly to the first generation. This type of firewall records the port number the IP address uses to receive and send information. So, the exchange of data is monitored in addition to the packet content.
Application/layer 7: Application firewalls are more intense than the packet filter and connection tracking types. They identify non-standard ports and toxic applications thanks to their ability to understand various applications. Such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
Antivirus Software
At some point, most people in today’s world have heard—if not used—antivirus software. With AVS, you can identify, block, and remove viruses from your computer system. It guards devices against a wide range of viruses, ransomware, botware, browser hijackers, adware, Trojan horses, etc. Every phone and computer user is advised to install antivirus software for maximum protection.
As of now, the most effective antivirus software is the “next-gen software.” This type uses machine learning like AI, cloud-based file detonation, and behavioral detection in its programming.
Penetration Testing
Penetration testing, also known as ethical hacking or pen testing, is a cybersecurity technique that imitates a cyberattack. This pretense attack exposes the vulnerabilities of a system and estimates the occurrence of an external data breach. The weaknesses can be a faulty code, poor settings, and operational flaws.
At the end of a penetration test, the ethical hacker has to file a comprehensive report on how he hacked the system and the identified vulnerabilities. The organization then improves on the faulty areas.
Some of the cybersecurity tools used for penetration testing include Kali Linux, Metaspoilt, Intruder, Core Impact, etc.
In summary
Cybersecurity tools are important for businesses to protect sensitive data, networks, and systems from cyber threats. With tools such as firewalls, encryption, antivirus software, and vulnerability scanners, organizations can consciously defend against evolving cyberattacks, ensuring data integrity and business continuity.
It’s important to use more than one type of tool to get the maximum result.
