Cybersecurity| Advanced protection for a connected world

In today’s accelerating world connected to the Internet, cybersecurity has become more than just data protection. Rather, it is the first barrier against threats that are not visible to the naked eye, but are capable of destabilizing countries, bankrupting companies, and stealing the identities of millions of individuals in moments. While we browse the Internet and carry out our daily work, new dangers await us that develop at an amazing speed, requiring constant vigilance and profound knowledge from us. Therefore, in this article, we will explore the dimensions of this security, and unveil the technologies and strategies that stand on the front lines of defending our digital world. So, follow along.

What is cybersecurity?

It is a field that focuses on protecting technical systems from multiple digital threats, which include:

• Computers.
• networks.
• Software applications.
• In addition to data, and other vital systems.

Organizations bear a great responsibility in securing their data, as they rely on a variety of measures and tools to achieve cybersecurity. These tools include:

• Firewalls.
• Antivirus software.
• Intrusion detection systems.
• Encryption techniques…and others.

What are the types of cyber security?

Below we review the most important different types of cybersecurity and the importance of each type within the framework of a comprehensive and effective approach:

Cybersecurity of critical infrastructure

Critical infrastructure refers to the digital systems on which society relies heavily, such as energy, communications, and transportation networks.

It is worth noting that organizations working in these areas require a systematic approach to cybersecurity; To ensure service continuity and prevent any interruption that may affect social stability, this is achieved by applying strict security measures and using advanced technologies to detect and address threats.

Network security

Network security forms the backbone of cybersecurity in any organization, as it aims to protect computers and devices connected to the network from unauthorized access and malicious attacks.

It is worth noting that IT teams use multiple technologies, such as: firewalls and access control systems to organize access to the network and manage permissions effectively, which contributes to maintaining the integrity of digital assets.

Cloud security

As organizations increasingly rely on cloud services, cloud security has become a key focus to ensure the protection of data and applications running in the cloud environment. The cloud security strategy includes a shared responsibility between the cloud provider and the organization and includes multiple applications, such as encryption, identity management, and access, to ensure a secure and reliable cloud environment.

Internet of Things (IoT) security

Internet of Things (IoT) security is becoming increasingly important with the proliferation of Internet-connected devices in our daily lives. These devices, such as smart alarms and connected home appliances, require strict security policies due to potential security risks resulting from constant connectivity and hidden software errors. It is worth noting that this requires assessing the security risks of Internet of Things devices and adopting measures to protect them from threats.

Data security

Data security aims to protect data during transit and at rest through secure storage and transfer systems. Developers adopt technologies such as encryption and isolated backups to ensure flexibility and continuity of operations when dealing with potential breaches.

Application security

Application security in cybersecurity is concerned with protecting applications from fraud attempts and malicious attacks from the design and development stages until testing, as software programmers work to write secure code to prevent vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. It is worth noting that reviewing codes and conducting periodic security tests are part of these efforts.

Endpoint security

Endpoint security focuses on protecting individual devices that connect to an organization’s network, especially when accessed remotely, and includes scanning files, reducing threats by detecting them early, and preventing them from spreading. You should know that this type of security helps protect the network from threats that may come from employees’ devices.

What is the definition and nature of cyberattacks?

Cyberattacks are deliberate attempts to harm individuals, groups, or organizations by attacking their digital systems, such as computers, to steal confidential data or applications, tamper with them, disrupt access to them, or destroy them. These attacks are more common when systems are connected to the Internet, as attackers exploit this connection to carry out their malicious operations.

What are the types of cyber attacks?

Cyberattacks are one of the most serious threats facing individuals and organizations in the digital age. It is worth noting that the methods and goals of these attacks vary, so here are the most common types of cyber attacks and the most important points related to them:

Malware Attacks

Malware is malicious software designed to harm computers, servers, or networks to access confidential data without the user’s knowledge. This software can be installed in several ways:

• Suspicious links: When you click on links on untrusted websites,.
• Untrusted: downloading or using applications that contain malware.
• Trojan horse: These are programs that appear legitimate but contain malicious software that acts as an entry point for other software.

Types of malware

• Viruses infect files and spread to other devices.
• Worms: spread through networks; damage the entire system.

Denial of Service attacks (DRDOS/DDOS)

Denial-of-service attacks aim to paralyze the system by exhausting server or network resources. These attacks are classified according to the number of devices used in the attack into:

• DOS: Use only one device to flood the system.
• DDOS: Using multiple devices to launch the attack.
• DRDOS: Using deceptive methods to make traffic appear legitimate.

It is also classified according to the target segment:

• Volume attacks: sending a huge number of packets; To disable the service.
• Protocol attacks: target firewalls and middlemen to exhaust resources.
• Application Layer: Flooding web servers and other systems with overwhelming requests to crash them.

The most famous recent DDOS attacks

In September 2021, the Internet witnessed the largest DDoS attack in its history, which targeted the Russian company Yandex, one of the largest search engines in the world. The attacks continued for an entire month, as the attackers deliberately flooded Yandex servers with a barrage of fake messages and requests to disrupt the company’s systems and services.

It is worth noting that despite the severity of the attack, Yandex confirmed that user data and services were not significantly affected, thanks to the efforts of the company’s cybersecurity teams, which were able to address a large number of fake requests. Yandex also used advanced technologies in monitoring and classifying traffic on its network, which allowed it to distinguish real requests from fake ones.

Phishing attack

Phishing aims to reveal confidential data and use it in illegal ways. It is done by disguising itself as a trusted entity to attract users to click on malicious links. It is worth noting that the forms of phishing vary as follows:

• Spear phishing: targeting specific people or groups.
• Whaling: targeting figures in important positions to obtain broad powers.
• Smishing: Using text messages to defraud.
• (Vishing): Fraud via phone calls.
• Email phishing: sending deceptive messages to a large number of people.
• (SEO Poising): Creating malicious websites that appear in the first search results to deceive users.

The most famous spearphishing attacks in 2022

In 2022, the world witnessed a series of high-profile cyber attacks that used spear phishing and were linked to the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Russian cyberattack on Ukraine

As tensions escalated between Russia and Ukraine, cyberattacks began to form a new front in the conflict. In February 2022, Microsoft issued warnings about a new phishing campaign launched by a Russian hacking group known as Gamaredon. This group was intensively targeting Ukrainian government agencies and non-governmental organizations.

Campaign objectives

Since 2021, Gamaredon has focused on sensitive organizations that play an important role in responding to emergencies and ensuring the security of Ukrainian territory. These organizations have been a prime target because any breach in them could affect Ukraine’s defence capability and rapid crisis response.

Attack methods

Gamaredon based its attacks on phishing messages that included fake links containing malware. These messages were usually sent with a tracking code that enables the attackers to know whether the victim opened the link or not.

Once the link is clicked, the malware installs itself on the victim’s device, allowing hackers to access sensitive information and use it for their malicious purposes.

Man-In-The-Middle Attack

This type of attack involves eavesdropping on electronic communication between users to spy on transmitted data, as the attacker disguises himself as a legitimate party in the communication to send malicious links or extract sensitive information. Types of man-in-the-middle attacks include:

• Wi-Fi eavesdropping: intercepting data transmitted over unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
• Email or SSL theft: Tampering with email exchanges or security certificates.
• IP, HTTPS, or DNS spoofing: Trick users by switching IP addresses or using forged HTTPS and DNS certificates.

What are the information security laws in Saudi Arabia and their importance?

Information security laws in Saudi Arabia focus on protecting data, networks, and information from cyber threats, so here are some of the main laws:

Developing laws and legislation

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia seeks to strengthen the legal framework to combat cybercrime by developing and updating relevant laws and legislation. The Cybercrimes Law has been put in place, which punishes harmful electronic acts such as:

• Electronic fraud.
• Spreading false information.

Establishment of the National Cybersecurity Authority

The National Cybersecurity Authority was established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to strengthen national capabilities in the field of cybersecurity and coordinate joint efforts to combat cybercrime. The Authority identifies needs and develops the necessary policies and procedures to enhance cybersecurity and protect vital infrastructure in the Kingdom.

Strengthening international cooperation

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an active member of international organizations and bodies concerned with combating cybercrime, as Saudi Arabia participates in international initiatives to enhance cooperation and exchange information and expertise in the field of cybersecurity. It also enhances bilateral and multilateral cooperation with other countries to combat cybercrime and exchange information and expertise in this field.

The role of Qoyod’s ERP system in cybersecurity

Qoyod’s ERP system plays a vital role in enhancing cybersecurity through a set of advanced technologies that ensure data is protected from theft or loss. The system relies on the latest cloud information security technologies, which makes its use safer and more confident. Among the most important technologies it uses are the following:

• Full Encryption (SSL): The Qoyod system provides full data encryption using the SSL protocol, ensuring that the information is encrypted.
• Backup: It provides multiple data backup options, ensuring that you always have a copy of your data.

Conclusion

In a world where reliance on technology is increasing at an unprecedented speed, cybersecurity has become not just an option but an imperative necessity to protect our data and our digital lives. It is worth noting that through continuous awareness and application of the latest technologies, we can build a strong defense wall against growing cyberattacks. We must always remember that cybersecurity begins with each of us because it involves concerted individual and institutional efforts. We can make the digital space a safer place for everyone. So let us be guardians of this digital world and establish a safe and sustainable future.

It is worth noting that the Qoyod program cannot be dispensed with in this regard, and do not forget that it also provides electronic invoice systems as well as points of sale systems, warehouses, customers, etc., which makes it the best accounting program.

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