IEEE Computer Society Team

Cybersecurity has become vital to protect computer systems from cyber-attacks that could potentially steal or even destroy sensitive data. Cybersecurity works to protect and recover networks, programs, devices, and systems that have been breached. Without security, a business’s entire computer system could be vulnerable and unable to defend itself against these cybercriminals.

Acquiring a computer science certification with skills and knowledge to fight cyber warfare can help you land a job in the IT field. Below are five highly sought-after cybersecurity technologies that you should learn as an IT professional.

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Behavioral Analytics

Behavioral Analytics is a feature that businesses use to track and analyze any given user’s patterns, trends, and activities. They can see the individual’s typical behavior and interaction with their site, so they can alter their marketing or consumer experience to match them personally in a custom setting. Businesses also use these analytics to monitor their employees’ work habits and productivity.

The patterns and behavior created by a user can also be used to recognize any out-of-the-ordinary activity on the system. Monitoring the network itself, the assets, and the users will provide information such as how often a specific application or process is used, by whom, and how that user then interacts with other devices. This establishes a baseline for the analytics to track and trigger an alert when any anomalies occur. Once an issue is identified, an IT specialist can work to prevent any further breaches to the system.

Zero Trust Model

The Zero Trust Model takes the approach that, in essence, the network and those that use it are not to be trusted. This means that each section of the network is only accessible to those with specific roles that require the use of that system, application, or data. The user’s identity is verified throughout the login process to protect that element of the network from any unauthorized individuals.

Segregating the network in this way can aid in stopping cyber-attacks infiltrating an entire network. The system is protected from the inside out and builds security controls just where you need them. Each identity type, including users, network traffic, data, applications, and devices, are protected on their own without compromising the other identities.

If one identity is compromised, a potential breach will be recognized, and the attacker will be blocked from the rest of the network. They would need to get through the system trust, the network trust, and the behavior trust before accessing any vital data.

Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Learning work together to confirm a user’s identity and then learn and analyze transactions, logs, and real-time communication. The layers of authentication combined with the AI being utilized to understand how each user works can help protect a network from threats.

Deep Learning analyzes traffic using smart Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) that provide accurate monitoring. This lessens the number of false alerts and can help a cybersecurity team to quickly differentiate between good and bad activity on the network.

Algorithms can also be implanted to detect more advanced threats and, by learning the system’s behavior, can recognize any suspicious activity before any damage is done. This can keep the network up-to-date and protected against new malware without the IT team regularly updating the database of known threats.

Blockchain

Blockchain is a type of database that stores data in blocks. Once a block is full, it is chained to the previous block in chronological order. The data held in decentralized blockchains cannot be altered. If an error occurs in one block, all the other blocks will cross-reference each other to identify and correct the issue. No singular block of information can function without input from the rest of the chain.

The level of connectivity and transparency within a blockchain creates a nearly impenetrable system to safeguard data. All data is stored, unaltered, in chronological order meaning any errors or incorrect information is quickly identified. Any changes to the chain would then have to be agreed upon by the majority of the network.

If a cyber threat penetrated the blockchain system, any changes input into the block would easily be recognized by the rest of the users within that block and along the chain. The cyber criminal’s section of the chain would then be removed, preventing any further attack.

Embedded Authentication Hardware

Embedded Authentication Hardware is a step up in the security of logins onto a computer network. A chip is embedded directly into the hardware itself to provide multiple layers of protection for the network.

A user is required to pass several security checks before being allowed to enter the network. This could include a message sent to a mobile device, a PIN, or a fingerprint, all in tandem. You could also be asked to download a specific app which then pinpoints via Bluetooth your location, ensuring you are in the place you say you are in. These factors will help the system know that you are who you say and protect the network from potential threats.

Why Learn Cybersecurity?

Cyber-attacks are a real threat to companies large and small alike. The data a business holds within its network must be protected from cybercriminals. A recent study shows that ransomware attacks cost businesses over $75 billion annually, and it takes 34% of businesses at least a week to recover or have access to any lost data.

The amount of money lost and the potential damage of a data breach should move any company to work toward improving their cybersecurity. Having IT certifications and knowing the art of cybersecurity can open many possible jobs in various settings. Most businesses are online and base much of their day-to-day activity on a companywide shared network. Learning this highly desired skill and understanding the many technologies that go with it can help you land your next IT job.