If you’re considering a career in cyber security, then you’ll need to have a good understanding of the terminology of the industry as well as many of the cyber security tools and techniques that are used to fight cybercrime, including:
If you’re considering a career in cyber security, then you’ll need to have a good understanding of the terminology of the industry as well as many of the cyber security tools and techniques that are used to fight cybercrime, including:
Whether you know exactly where you're heading, or you're still planning your next steps, it all starts with a simple conversation. Let’s talk.
DeVry University’s Cyber Security curriculum is acknowledged and verified as an approved provider by NICCS.
If you've spent any time around IT professionals or even just watched a sci-fi film, you've probably heard about a cyber security tool called a firewall. Firewalls are a security system within a network that monitors the flow of both incoming and outgoing data. They evaluate the data moving along their borders and use a set of predetermined rules to decide what data can pass through the barrier and what data cannot.
There are a variety of different firewall types, but the three most common are:
Anti-malware is a type of software-based cyber security tool that prevents malware (malicious software) from infecting a computer and removes existing malware from devices and systems. There are three common types of anti-malware software, each with its own method for identifying and removing malware:
Anti-virus software is a cyber security tool that many computer user are probably familiar with, whether they have cyber security skills or not.. It’s generally recommended that everyone install some sort of anti-virus software on their devices to keep dangerous software from infecting them and your files.
Currently, the most powerful anti-virus software is called “next-gen software.” It has been in use since 2014 and is known by a shift toward signature-less detection. This type of anti-virus software may implement machine learning such as artificial intelligence, behavioral detection and cloud-based file detonation into its programming.
Cyber security professionals need to keep up to date on the latest developments in anti-virus software in order to keep the companies they work for safe. Because viruses are constantly evolving, it’s essential that companies are aware of the most effective, cutting-edge anti-virus technology and make upgrades to existing software when it becomes available.
Penetration testing is a cyber security technique that simulates a cyberattack on a system. This may also be known as a pen test or ethical hacking. The test is designed to identify weaknesses within a system and determine the likelihood of a breach. It also helps cyber security experts determine which parts of the system are strongest and do not currently require improvement.
To perform a penetration test, the ethical hacker will typically go through six different phases:
Once completed, the ethical hacker compiles a report on how they were able to break into the system. The network administrator or cyber security expert at the company who owns the network will then use this information to bolster the network's defenses.
Cyber security professionals actually use a combination of both hardware and software to build security. While a good portion of their work does include employing using cyber security tools like anti-virus software or firewalls, using the correct type of hardware to build networks and infrastructure is important too. Just as they make recommendations for new security software upgrades, a cyber security professional can recommend that a company upgrade its hardware if it’s incapable of supporting the software.
If you’re interested in learning how to utilize cyber security tools and techniques to combat cybercrime, then DeVry can help. Our Undergraduate Certificate in Cyber Security is a great way to get started, or to upskill if you’re already working. Or if you’re looking to learn cyber security techniques in a full-length degree program, our Bachelor’s Degree Specialization in Cyber Security can a can help you discover the basics of programming and cyber security so you can better understand how to keep systems secure. Classes start every 8 weeks.