Chapter 2Cybersecurity Basics

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, understanding the basics of cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a necessity, particularly for board members tasked with overseeing their organization's cybersecurity posture. This chapter provides a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental concepts and principles that underpin cybersecurity, serving as a foundation for the more advanced topics discussed in later chapters.

We begin by introducing the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) framework, a cornerstone of cybersecurity that outlines the three main objectives of any robust security strategy. Understanding this framework is crucial for board members as it provides a lens through which to view and evaluate the effectiveness of their organization's cybersecurity measures.

Next, we delve into key cybersecurity concepts and terminology that board members need to know. This includes an overview of common cyber threats and risks faced by companies today. From malware and phishing attacks to insider threats and data breaches, understanding these threats is the first step in building a resilient cybersecurity strategy.

As the cyber landscape is continually evolving, we also discuss emerging threats that companies need to be aware of. This includes an exploration of the latest technologies and defense strategies that can be employed to mitigate these threats. Understanding these technologies and strategies is vital for board members ...

Get Cyber Guardians now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.