Cybersecurity is a set of actions and techniques to protect systems, programs, networks and equipment from invasions .
This way, it is possible to ensure that valuable data is not leaked or violated in cyber attacks.
These attacks may be intended to access servers, steal passwords, hijack data or even defraud financial transactions.
Cybersecurity is often confused with information security practices , and we will explain the differences between the two concepts later.
How does cybersecurity work?
Computer security goes far beyond conventional antivirus and antimalware software .
In the context of companies, much more needs to be done to ensure the integrity of networks, systems and machines.
Cybersecurity works as a shield to protect the entire IT sector , its devices and its operations.
To do this, it carries out procedures such as:
- Automated penetration testing with vulnerability analysis
- Implementation of centralized security platforms to control, monitor and neutralize threats on the network, endpoints and distract potential attackers
- Protection for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices
- Shielding of confidential data .
- Encryption, firewalls and updates
- Intrusion detection systems (IDS).
Main categories of cybersecurity
The cybersecurity segment encompasses a wide variety of categories , each with its own professional challenges and advantages.
There are functions for all tastes.
From the more theoretical, who work with research, to those who work more “in the field”, there are plenty of alternatives for those who choose to work with IT security.
In fact, although training in Information Technology is the most common, nothing prevents professionals from other areas from working with cybersecurity.
It is relatively common, for example, for engineers and even marketing and communications professionals to specialize through postgraduate courses.
Check out the areas you can work in when entering this segment.
Information
Since the publication of the General Personal Data Protection Law (LGPD) in 2018, the importance of cybersecurity professionals has grown even more.
They are responsible for implementing the policies, standards and conditions for collecting, processing and sharing customer and internal data.
They are also responsible for so-called data governance and information security, that is, all administrative aspects and processes related to this topic.
Access point
Many cyberattacks exploit vulnerabilities in access points , thus requiring a preventive stance on the part of companies operating on the network.
An example of this type of attack is the “evil twin” type, when an attacker creates a fake WiFi access point to collect data from people who log in.
Additionally, cybersecurity works to increase protection on endpoints, that is, devices that connect to a network .
Access management
No matter how protected a network is, computer security is only complete when cybersecurity also monitors who accesses it .
Access management works to detect any suspicious behavior from people trying to access a network, taking the necessary security measures.
It can, for example, implement stricter authentication protocols if it detects any unusual activity by registered or unregistered users.
This is what professionals who take care of Identity and Access Management (IAM) work for, working in synergy with professionals from other categories.
IoT
The dissemination of the Internet of Things (IoT) concept has caused a series of productive activities to migrate to the digital environment .
By working in a network, companies have gained much more agility in their routines, especially in areas such as customer service and relationships.
Mass data began to travel online, increasing exposure to potential attackers and malicious hackers .
Cybersecurity works to ensure that companies benefit from the best that IoT has to offer, shielding systems and devices so that they are always connected.
Data protection
Data management and protection has become a critical issue in recent years , especially after the publication of data laws in the United States and Europe.
This has opened up a vast field for cybersecurity professionals to work in , whose duties include maintaining the integrity of data in companies in accordance with the law.
Applications
One category in the cybersecurity field that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves is that of applications.
In fact, apps can be a point of vulnerability, since, as research published by CISO points out , attacks on applications increased by 137% between 2022 and 2023.
Event management and security information
Depending on the company and the area in which it operates, participating in events such as fairs, congresses, symposiums and webinars related to cybersecurity may be part of your routine.
This is a category that, although it may not seem that relevant, is fundamental for the development not only of companies, but of the entire segment.
In them, professionals exchange information, experiences and do business that can boost their activities in strategic and operational terms.
Training and development
The cybersecurity area is characterized by being highly technical .
Therefore, it is necessary for the people who work there to be constantly improving to keep up with the evolution of technology .
To this end, there are professionals who work to develop training programs , each one adapted to the needs of their companies.
There are also those who dedicate themselves to teaching full time, lending their IT experience to teach in schools and cybersecurity training courses.
Regulatory compliance
In a regulated market, cybersecurity also falls into the category that deals with compliance with laws .
Furthermore, with the creation of the LGPD, the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) was also founded, which acts as a supervisory arm.
Therefore, companies need to be much more vigilant so as not to be caught off guard and fined due to security breaches or failures .
Operational safety
It is on the “front line”, that is, in the operational part, that cybersecurity experts and professionals working in the field encounter the main threats .
At this level, they work to equip their organizations with the appropriate hardware and devices to preserve data integrity.
As we have seen, one of the critical points in this regard is access, but the work does not end there.
Cybersecurity Governance
There is corporate governance and, as a response to this sector, the company can also create one dedicated to cyber governance.
The main function of this area is to take care of the rules, protocols and contingency measures essential for the systems to remain secure.
It also operates in synergy with the ANPD, cooperating in cases of attacks and invasions that put sensitive data at risk.
Security architecture
In turn, security architecture deals with the design to be implemented by IT teams to ensure the security of systems and networks.
To do this, professionals need to define a series of issues, such as the number of endpoints in a network, access protocols and much more.
Cybersecurity Research and Development
Finally, one category of the cybersecurity segment in which the professional can work is in research and development .
In this case, they work with higher education or research funding institutions, which may be with private or public resources.