Cybersecurity is one of the most complex projects. An expert needs years of practice and knowledge to be good in cybersecurity fields. Experts follow very critical methods to find and remove security threats in IT infrastructures. Cybersecurity tools make an expert’s job easier, faster, and more automated.
What are Cybersecurity tools?
Tools used to prevent or detect cyber threats are called cybersecurity tools. These tools are not physical; they are software. Commercial companies offer these kinds of tools to provide basic security for business firms. You don’t have to be a whole expert to use cybersecurity tools, but you need quality knowledge about the uses of the tools. Cybersecurity tools automate the job of an expert.
Do we need automated tools?
“Never send a human to do a machine’s job.”
—Agent Smith
There are several reasons to use cybersecurity tools. Some of them are here:
- Less Complexity: Fixing cybersecurity issues can be very complex; however, a cybersecurity tool can simplify the job. You don’t need to deal with the entire complexity.
- Saves time: Guess you had to check your every file manually for malware. It would take a million years to check every file in your IT system. Cybersecurity tool automates an expert job. Because of automation, you don’t have to repeat, or manually some tasks which saves a lot of time.
- Saves money: Guesses you need to check your every file through a malware analysis expert. Can you imagine the cost? A tool (an antivirus program) can do the job frequently at a lot less cost.
- Instant solution: Due to a shortage of quality cybersecurity experts, they are only sometimes available, or it can take time to consult with an expert. You can just run a tool for a quick fix.
Must have cybersecurity tools for your business:
Just like we must drink water, there are some tools that you must have for your business. Here is a list of them:
- Antivirus Software: In a business, you always have to work with files. It’s a threat to the business to work with unchecked files. It is impossible to check for malware manually every time you receive one file. An antivirus program can help you with checking files each time instantly.
- Firewall and Web Application Firewall (WAF): In computing, a firewall is a network security system that monitors network traffics, checks every device that connects or is connected to the network, and bans any kind of threat to ensure the protection of your IT system. WAF protects your website from malicious visitors, bot traffics, and also attacks like DDoS. Firewalls and WAFs both are must-have basic security systems for a business.
- Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB): The cloud service is very popular among different kinds of businesses, but these businesses need strong control over the access system to the cloud. Failure to secure access to the cloud can lead to data breaches. A CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker) tool can help protect your business firm from cloud data breaches.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM): Identity access management (IAM) is like a security tool placed at the front door of an office. It operates similarly to requiring individuals to present their ID cards to gain entry. IAM tools centralize all identities, enabling administrators to control the access and privileges of other users.
- Breach and Attack Simulations (BAS): A BAS (vulnerability assessment) tool can perform tests against all known vulnerabilities, but it is not the same as an actual penetration test (pentesting). Pentesting involves a more time-consuming process that tackles more complex aspects. However, a BAS tool can quickly check your system against known vulnerabilities and provide valuable insights into the security of your IT system.
- Transport Layer Security(TLS): TLS is a cryptographic network protocol that provides end-to-end security for your data sent between applications over the internet which can protect your network from attacks like DDoS (Denial of Service) and MiTM (Man in The Middle). TLS encrypts your data before it is sent over the internet.
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Data loss prevention tools can save your business from leaking sensitive data like tokens, API keys, etc. DLP software monitors your network traffic and blocks any attempts to send sensitive data outside your network. DLP is a basic necessary security tool for your business.
- User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA): UEBA (User and Entity Behavior Analytics) uses machine learning and algorithms to monitor users’ behavior and detect any kind of suspicious activities. Not only the users but also the routers, servers, and any kind of devices attached to the network or using the system get monitored by UEBA. UEBA also checks if there are any bots in your system or network by analyzing users’ behavior. It is a highly effective measure against bot attacks.
- Private Data Encryption Tool: Encrypted data protects you from a data breach because even if, somehow, your data gets leaked to an attacker, they wouldn’t be able to use or understand the data due to encryption. However, the encryption tools used must be private, as public encryption methods can be easily cracked.
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): EDR also has another name Endpoint Detection and Threat Response (EDTR). EDR monitors end-user devices to detect and respond to cyber threats. EDTR uses various data analytics methods to detect suspicious system activities, provide contextual information about suspicious activities, block every threat against the system, and suggest all possible ways to restore the affected system. EDTR’s other important task is to record and store endpoint-system-level behaviors.
The Summary:
- Cybersecurity tools automate easier and faster security tasks, allowing for increased efficiency.
- Cybersecurity tools can provide instant support and generate reports on threats.
- Additionally, cybersecurity tools can save you both time and money.
- There are specific steps where cybersecurity tools are essential, such as checking for malware during file sharing.
