Do you enjoy learning about new technology? Are you a person with methodical attention to detail? Becoming a cybersecurity specialist may be the right career path for you. If you want to become a cybersecurity specialist, CyberTex offers a Network Engineer program that reviews many of the fundamentals involved in cybersecurity. So, what is cybersecurity, and why is it important?
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is a branch of information technology (IT) that identifies vulnerabilities and protects computer systems and networks from malicious actors. Whether protecting a network from a DDoS attack or identifying a vulnerability with a penetration test, cybersecurity uses many tools to keep computers and networks secure. Some of those tools include:
Firewalls
A firewall monitors server traffic and blocks bad actors from the network. It is the first step in securing a network by preventing malicious software from penetrating it and gaining control.
Anti-virus Software
Anti-virus software prevents attacks, data theft, and spyware. The software can conduct network assessments to find vulnerabilities and potential threats. The anti-virus software can show you any risks and quarantine viruses from the computer, so they don’t corrupt data, gain access, or replicate.
Pen Testing
A penetration test simulates a cyberattack on a network to find exploits and vulnerabilities. In cybersecurity, you’ll conduct penetration tests to ensure the safety of your organization’s network.
SQL Injection Tool
SQL (Structured Query Language) is a programming language used in databases and systems that interface with databases. This is often a point of failure in cybersecurity since databases store everything about an organization. Hackers look for ways to penetrate an organization’s databases through SQL vulnerabilities using automated SQL injection tools. These tools can automatically run through various SQL commands to gain access to a system’s larger database. Cybersecurity specialists use SQL injection tools for penetration testing to replicate what a cybercriminal might find.
Password Auditing
Password audit tools attempt to breach system security using automated password algorithms. The software uses a combination of randomly generated and frequently used passwords to gain access. Password audits are commonly used during penetration testing.
Why is Cybersecurity Important?
Cybersecurity is essential and begins with the knowledge of what criminals want. In most cyber investigations, cybercriminals seek confidential information and customer identifications. The more extensive the network, the more critical it is to secure because it will have layers of security that can be vulnerable to cybercriminals.
Every day, internet users increase, and cybersecurity must start from the main access point, the internet service provider (ISP). Once the cybercriminal connects to an organization’s internet services, the next step is finding all vulnerable devices.
Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks have been in the news lately, and that is just the attacks people confirm. Many hospitals, government agencies, and other organizations are attacked with ransomware. Unfortunately, the only way to regain control of confidential information and the ability for customers and employees to access critical infrastructure is to pay the ransom. Organizations can opt to avoid paying for ransomware, but starting from scratch can be too costly to handle.
Securing Everyday Resources
Consider the everyday resources that we take for granted. Water, electricity, fossil fuels, and Wi-Fi are all critical for personal and business survival. Interruptions in these resources can have catastrophic consequences.
Economic Costs
In addition to losing confidential information, there is a cost to losing intellectual property, disruptions in network access, and repairing damaged network infrastructure. The economic cost of preventative cybersecurity is only a drop in the bucket compared to the financial cost that an organization may face after a cyberattack. This is why good cybersecurity prevents attacks before they happen.
Brand Reputation
Having an organization’s network attacked can hurt the trust of its customers and lead to significant revenue losses. If customers don’t trust that an organization will keep their personal information safe, they will think twice before purchasing their products or services.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what cybersecurity is and why it is important, it is time to learn more about CyberTex. Let us prepare you to manage network infrastructure with our Network Engineer program. Secure your future and help organizations secure their network. It’s a win-win.
Want to Learn More?
IT careers have become essential not just in Texas but globally, and there is no better time to pick up than now. In 2021 Austin was ranked #1 in Best Tech City for IT jobs by CompTIA, and the demand is only growing
Ready to start a rewarding and challenging career in IT as a network engineer? Network Engineer Program at CyberTex prepares you for advanced computer networking & security jobs. You will learn the skills and abilities necessary to setup, install, configure, repair, and manage modern computer networks and their security.
Contact us today to learn more about our Network Engineer program.
