1. How is cybersecurity defined and why is it important?
Ans:
The technique of preventing unwanted access, damage or attacks on computers, networks and sensitive data is known as cybersecurity. It helps organizations and users stay safe, prevents data breaches and reduces financial and reputational losses caused by cyber incidents.
2. How are IDS and IPS different from each other?
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An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) monitors network activity and alerts administrators when suspicious actions occur but does not block them. An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) detects threats and actively blocks harmful traffic or stops attacks in real time, providing immediate protection.
3. What are common types of cyber threats?
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Cyber threats include phishing, malware, ransomware, DDoS attacks, SQL injection and man-in-the-middle attacks. Phishing tricks users into revealing sensitive information via fake emails or messages, making it one of the most frequent and dangerous attack methods.
4. How can networks be protected effectively?
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Networks can be secured through firewalls, access controls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, antivirus software, regular system updates and continuous monitoring. These practices prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of cyberattacks keeping both data and infrastructure safe.
5. How does encryption work and what are its types?
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Encryption converts readable data into coded text to prevent unauthorized access. Synchronous encryption, such as AES, employs a single key for all operations, while asymmetric encryption, such as RSA, uses a private key for data encryption and a public key for data decryption. Both methods protect sensitive information in different ways.
6. What is the difference between vulnerability assessment and penetration testing?
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While penetration testing aggressively mimics assaults to exploit vulnerabilities, vulnerability assessments find possible flaws in systems without actually exploiting them Both aid businesses in bettering their overall security defenses and understanding dangers.
7. How can cybersecurity professionals keep up with new threats?
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Staying updated requires following trusted security blogs, subscribing to threat intelligence feeds, attending webinars, joining professional communities, earning certifications and reviewing research reports. These steps help track emerging attack methods and new vulnerabilities.
8. What is multi-factor authentication and why is it important?
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Multi-factor authentication (MFA) uses two or more verification methods, such passwords, one-time codes or biometric information like fingerprints, to add additional layers of security. MFA ensures accounts remain protected even if one credential is compromised, making unauthorized access more difficult.
9. How should organizations respond to a ransomware attack?
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Affected systems are isolated immediately to stop the malware from spreading. Data is restored from backups while the attack is analyzed to identify weaknesses. Security measures are strengthened, monitoring is improved and employees are trained to prevent future incidents.
10. Can you provide an example of a major cybersecurity breach?
Ans:
The SolarWinds breach involved hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in supply chain software to access multiple organizations. Timely patching, continuous monitoring and effective threat detection could have reduced the impact, highlighting the importance of proactive cybersecurity practices.
