Introductory Cyber Security | Module 1: Introduction and Basic Terminology by Prakhar Chauhan | Learn Smarter
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Module 1: Introduction and Basic Terminology

Cyber security encompasses the protection of digital assets and information systems against unauthorized access and attacks. The foundational principles are framed within the CIA Triad—Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability—each supported by various mechanisms. A comprehensive understanding of cyber threats helps in safeguarding against potential risks, while recognizing the importance of cyber-attack surfaces reveals vulnerabilities that need to be managed. Recent significant incidents highlight the critical need for robust security measures and proactive incident response plans.

Sections

  • 1

    Introduction And Basic Terminology

    This section provides an overview of cybersecurity and its foundational principles, including the CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) and the classification of common cyber threats.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.1

    Cyber Security: Defining The Digital Domain's Defense

    Cyber security entails protecting digital systems from unauthorized access, focusing on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA Triad).

    Learning Practice

  • 1.1.1

    Confidentiality

    Confidentiality is a key aspect of cybersecurity that ensures sensitive information is only accessible to authorized users.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.1.2

    Integrity

    Integrity in cybersecurity ensures data accuracy and trustworthiness throughout its lifecycle.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.1.3

    Availability

    This section explores the concept of availability in cybersecurity, ensuring that authorized users can access information and resources when needed.

    Learning Practice

  • 2

    Basic Cyber Threats To Cia

    This section covers various cyber threats aimed at compromising the foundational principles of the CIA Triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.1

    Threats Primarily Targeting Confidentiality

    This section outlines different cyber threats that primarily target the confidentiality of information systems.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.2

    Threats Primarily Targeting Integrity

    This section explores various cyber threats that primarily aim to compromise the integrity of information and systems, detailing specific types, methods of attacks, and their implications.

    Learning Practice

  • 2.3

    Threats Primarily Targeting Availability

    This section addresses various cyber threats that primarily affect the availability of information systems and data.

    Learning Practice

  • 3

    Cyber-Attack Surfaces

    The cyber-attack surface encompasses all possible vulnerabilities in an information system that attackers can exploit, highlighting the importance of understanding different types of attack surfaces.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.1

    Network Attack Surface

    The network attack surface comprises all potential entry points for unauthorized access, emphasizing the critical vulnerabilities present in network configurations and devices.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.2

    Software/application Attack Surface

    The software/application attack surface refers to all potential vulnerabilities within software applications that can be exploited by attackers.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.3

    Human Attack Surface (Social Engineering)

    The Human Attack Surface refers to vulnerabilities arising from human interactions and behaviors that can be exploited for malicious purposes, primarily through social engineering techniques.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.4

    Physical Attack Surface

    The physical attack surface represents the tangible risks associated with the physical access to data and systems, highlighting vulnerabilities that can be exploited by unauthorized individuals.

    Learning Practice

  • 3.5

    Supply Chain Attack Surface

    This section discusses the vulnerabilities in the supply chain that can be exploited during cyberattacks.

    Learning Practice

  • 4

    Recent Cyber Security Incidents And Their High-Level Analysis

    This section discusses significant recent cyber security incidents, analyzing their methodologies and impacts on the CIA Triad.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.1

    Example 1: Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Attack (May 2021)

    Learning

  • 4.2

    Example 2: Equifax Data Breach (March-July 2017)

    Learning

  • 4.3

    Example 3: Solarwinds Supply Chain Attack (Late 2020)

    This section details the SolarWinds Supply Chain Attack, focusing on its sophisticated nature, attack progression, effects on the CIA Triad, and the lessons learned.

    Learning Practice

References

Untitled document (18).pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Cyber security involves pro...
  • The CIA Triad—Confidentiali...
  • Recognizing and managing cy...

Final Test

Revision Tests