The Cybersecurity Tools You Need to Secure Your Data
As technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into our lives, protecting sensitive and private information has become a top priority. Cybercriminals use advanced techniques like phishing, ransomware, malware, and data breaches to exploit vulnerabilities, which makes strong cybersecurity measures essential. Governments, businesses, and even individuals should all be aware of basic cybersecurity tools that are critical to securing important data.
Types of Cybersecurity Tools
Cybersecurity tools play a crucial role in protecting data. By using cybersecurity best practices, individuals and organizations can keep their data safe from cyberattacks and other security risks. Let’s take a look at some of the many types of cybersecurity tools.
Encryption Tools
An encryption tool protects data by converting it into an unreadable format that can only be accessed with the proper decryption key or password. Some common encryption software includes BitLocker, VeraCrypt, and SSL/TLS protocols.
Packet Sniffers
Packet sniffing involves detecting, capturing, and analyzing data packets transmitted through the transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), which connects devices to wired or wireless networks. These packets contain data including login credentials, passwords, IP addresses, and more.
Network Security Monitoring Tools
Network security monitoring (NSM) is the continuous process of responding to security threats within a network in real time. NSM helps security professionals detect security infractions and other potential threats by analyzing data and other system behaviors.
Web Vulnerability Scanning Tools
Web vulnerability scanning tools are automatic security applications that identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in websites, web applications, and servers. Common web vulnerability scanners include OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, and Acunetix.
Penetration Testing
Penetration testers conduct “pen tests,” which involve simulating cyberattacks to uncover vulnerabilities in an organization’s technology infrastructure and providing recommendations for improving security. This practice is known as ethical hacking.
Antivirus Software
Antivirus software finds, blocks, and extracts malicious software (malware) like ransomware, Trojans, and worm from technical devices. Some popular antivirus programs include Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender.
Firewalls
A firewall can be either hardware or software and uses predetermined security rules to monitor and regulate network traffic, whether incoming or outgoing. These security devices shield internal networks from unknown and potentially untrustworthy networks like the internet.
Network Intrusion Detection Tools
Network intrusion detection tools (NIDTs), or network intrusion detection systems (NIDS), are security applications that monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and identify potential attacks and unauthorized access. They can be signature-based, anomaly-based, or hybrid. Popular NIDTs include Snort, Suricata, and Zeek.
Managed Detection Tools
Managed detection tools provide continuous monitoring and management of an organization’s network and systems to identify, detect, and respond to security threats. These tools are often used combined with human expertise as part of a managed detection and response (MDR) service. Cybersecurity professionals use these tools, as well as techniques like behavioral analysis and threat intelligence, to oversee real-time security events. Popular managed detection tools include SentinelOne, Field Effect, and Alert Logic.
Where to Learn About Cybersecurity Tools
Cyberthreats are becoming increasingly complex, fueling the demand for skilled professionals. This perpetual need for problem-solving and innovation makes cybersecurity a dynamic and rewarding field. A bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity offers a broad range of career opportunities, and a master’s degree program in cybersecurity and certifications can lead to advancement, including higher salaries. You can specialize in ethical hacking, network security, digital forensics, cryptography, and many other areas.
If you want to learn about implementing popular cybersecurity tools, Excelsior University can help get you started on a path toward a fulfilling career. Our cybersecurity programs prepare you with the knowledge and experience you need to tackle the complex challenges of cyber defense.
