Top 20 Cybersecurity Domains: A Detailed Guide

As the world has advanced in the technological aspect, especially in the area of cyberspace, so have the cases of intruding into it for personal and unlawful reasons. Thus, cyber security has become more significant than ever. In order to correctly apply cybersecurity, one must know about cybersecurity domains.

 

According to a report by Statista, “Cybersecurity can be described as the coordinated effort of defending computer systems, networks, and programs against cybercrimes. Due to the recent increase in the demand for cybersecurity experts, it is a good field to be in. Revenue in the Cybersecurity market is projected to reach US$185.70bn in 2024. 

 

Security Services dominates the market with a projected market volume of US$97.30bn in 2024. Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 7.92%, resulting in a market volume of US$271.90bn by 2029.    

 

That is why many learners and working professionals are now turning to online Cyber Security training and other ways of acquiring cybersecurity knowledge such as books, tutorials, and certifications or cyber security classes for weekends.

 

In this article, we will discuss, what the cybersecurity domain is, what components are included in the cybersecurity domain & different types of names in the cybersecurity domain.

 

What are Cyber Security Domains?

 

Cybersecurity domains are the various forms in which cybersecurity methodologies can be applied. Application security, physical security, risk assessment, and threat intelligence are the most famous domains in cyber security.

 

The different domains of cybersecurity are taken into consideration while developing a cybersecurity policy in an organization. Hence, you can also refer to them as areas of cyber security policy.

 

Top 20 Cybersecurity Domains

 

 

Cybersecurity domains are also referred to as cyber security specialties, areas of concentration, and levels. As the number of cyber security domains and their subdomains is big,  Therefore, in this blog we will only describe the 20 domains of cyber security which are most widely used. So, here we go:

 

1. Network Security

A network can be thought of as a large, wide road. Many car units (data packets) are passing through it. Network security is like having gates and guards to allow only the right cars in and out, and no hooligans are allowed in. Firewalls work as traffic cops because they examine each car to determine whether it can pass through. Intrusion detection system is like security cameras on the highway observing for any suspicious or unlawful activity. If they witness something which they deem as unlawful, they inform the guards to apprehend and prevent it.

 

2. Information Security

It is therefore clear that Information security is much more than merely protecting the network, it is about protecting all your valuable information. However, your passwords, bank statements, personal documents, and secret recipes. It is like placing all these valuable things in a secure box that can only be accessed by those who know the combination to the box. Information security means protecting this safe from thieves and unauthorized people, so your important information will not be seen by the wrong people.

 

3. Cloud Security

Today, most of our information is saved on the internet in a cloud. Cloud security ensures that this data is safeguarded from hackers and other related risks. It is as if you have a locked door to an online closet where you store your documents and programs. Cloud security also entails ensuring that the firms that are hosting your data adhere to the laid down rules and standards, so as not to breach your privacy by invading your data.

 

4. Application Security

Application security is the act of embedding multiple layers of protection in all the software and services of an organization to shield them from various dangers. It just means protection of the application that an organization creates, implements and runs. To prevent the unauthorized access or modification of application resources there are several ways that are employed. This entails aspects such as designing secure application architecture, input validation, threat analysis, writing secure code among others. API security, S-SDLC, security QA, security UX, and source code scan are the different application security subcategories.

 

5. Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is defined as a detailed examination of the workplace for recognizing cases, activities, etc that may lead to the damage of assets, namely, people and systems that are associated with a particular company. In risk assessment, we determine the risks that are likely to cause some form of damage or harm. This is known as hazard identification. Risk assessment and risk analysis are conducted to assess and analyze the risks that are related to the mentioned hazards and risk factors. Risk control refers to the procedure of identifying the most effective means of avoiding the risks and hazards or minimizing the same when they cannot be avoided. Risk assessment’s subdomains include assets inventory, penetration tests, risk monitoring services, and vulnerability scans.

 

6. Enterprise Risk Management

ERM stands for Enterprise risk management and it is a technique that is unique to an organization and which focuses on aspects of risk in relation to finance, operations, and objectives of an organization. ISO 31000 2018  risk management  focused on an organization. Some people have a misconception of ERM thinking it is a product or service, which it is not. But it is not a single event, no, it is a process. This might be due to the fact that ERM is related to ORM, CRM, and ERP techniques that are commonly used in organizations. For ERM needs to be impactful, it requires integration into the work culture of an organization. A brand is an important asset and it is crucial to protect it and also focus on the sustainable business in the long-term perspective.

 

7. Governance

Cyber security governance provides a conceptual framework on how an organization establishes its risk tolerance, reporting structures, and choices. It consists of making decisions for executing the security policies.Governance is concerned with the realization of the vision and the mission, which is to guarantee that the organization gets to make the right decisions most of the times and put in place the right measures to manage risks at a reasonable cost. Laws and regulations, executive management involvement, company written policies, and executive governance are the four subdomains that comprise the larger subdomain of governance.

 

8. Threat Intelligence

This is also referred to as cyber threat intelligence (CTI), threat intelligence is the collection of information from various sources concerning current or potential threats on an organization.CTI gathers and processes information to reduce and prevent cyber threats as much as possible. It is also used together with other cybersecurity tools in order to shield an organization from cyber threats. Threat intelligence can be classified as either external or internal.

 

9. End-user Education

End-user education’s primary purpose is for employees to be aware and gain the necessary skills and tools to prevent data attacks or data loss in the organization.Employees can also self-educate themselves with the help of learning various topics concerning cybersecurity, such as information security or InfoSec. Cyber security is a broad field that has specialized in information security which concerns the protection of information and information systems.

 

10. Incident Response

At times, irrespective of all these measures, the worst can still occur, for instance, cyber-crimes. Incident response is all about having a plan for these situations. It involves recognizing what was wrong, correcting it and making sure the same mistake is not repeated in the future. I like to think of it as having a fire drill plan for the digital world that one is a part of. In the case of any negative event, people understand how to contain it, restore the situation, and enhance safety moving forward.

 

11. Cryptography

Cryptography can be described as the use of a secret code to ensure the safety of information. It requires daily information and distorts it into an unreadable message that only the person with the correct decryption code can decipher. This can be compared to writing a secret message to a friend in a code that two of you only know. If another person comes across the message, they will not be able to understand it without the key. This way, the information you are passing cannot be accessed by other people hence safe.

 

12. Frameworks & Standards

Cybersecurity risk management is the activities which are used to address the cybersecurity frameworks and standards. These make it possible to state risk appetite and to control it. In this regard, it is essential to note that most of the frameworks and standards are developed from the other frameworks and standards in the sphere of cybersecurity.

Nevertheless, for one to establish a good cyber security compliance program, one has to have adequate knowledge in cyberspace security standard. Some of the most popular cyber security frameworks and standards are: 

Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) Essential Eight, CIS (Center for Internet Security) Controls, The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard also known as the PCI DSS, SAML of OASIS which means Security Assertion Markup Language, ISA/IEC (International Society of Automation) 62443, ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute), CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency), IoTSF Internet of Things Security Foundation – Security Compliancy Framework, HITRUST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), TSS (Transportation Systems Sector) Cybersecurity, MITRE ATT&CK, NIST of the National Institute of Technologies Cybersecurity Framework, NIST SP 800-82 Guide to ICS Security California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and General Data Protection Regulation GDPR .

When an organization is selecting the right cybersecurity policy to model, then the organization should consider as many frameworks and standards as possible.

 

13. Security Operations

Security operations deal with activities that entail the actual implementation of security measures. It includes the aspects of applying resource protection measures, disaster response, incident handling, managing physical security, and learning about and providing support to investigations. This domain of cyber security also includes logging and monitoring services, demands for investigation types, and the protection of resources to be provided. 

 

14. Physical Security

Physical security is the safeguard of individuals, resources, and tangible items against occurrences and situations that may lead to harm or loss. Cybersecurity teams are divided into different categories and all these teams must coordinate in order to protect the digital and physical resources of an organization.This is because the physical security is becoming more complex because of the emerging technologies like the internet of things and artificial intelligence.

 

15. Career Development

Incredibly, career development is also recognized as one of the cyber domains. This is because more and more organizations require skilled and qualified cybersecurity personnel. Cyber security career advancement involves certification, conference, group, self-learning, training and so on. Also, learners can study various subjects and choose programs such as information security, risk analysis, or Ethical Hacking Certification Training.

 

16. Security Architecture

It refers to a security concept where security aspects of a certain condition or environment are dealt with in a single solution. Security architecture also defines who and when to apply security controls. This process is normally repeatable. It is found that the design principles and the detailed security control specifications are well documented and in different papers.

 

17. Endpoint Security

In the context of cybersecurity, any device that connects to the internet to get information such as computers, phones, tablets, etc., is referred to as an endpoint, Endpoint security is the protection of these devices against malicious software such as viruses, fake messages that are designed to lure one into providing personal information (phishing) and unauthorized access to one’s device. It is like every gadget you possess has its bodyguard who will do everything to ensure the gadget is safe.

 

18. Identity and Access Management

Suppose there is a large building that is secure and only a few individuals can access some rooms using the key cards. SailPoint - Identity Management Solution very useful in this case . IAM works like this but in the digital world, and it is a very useful tool in the organization of a company. It ensures that certain information and systems are only accessible by certain personnel. For instance, only you should be allowed to open your Email account or Bank account. IAM makes it possible for only you to open the door, hence protecting all the information and discouraging any form of intrusion.'

 

19. Security Awareness and Training

While implementing the security measures, people can become the weakest link in the security chain since people are capable of making mistakes. Cyber Security awareness and training help people to understand what threats exist and how they can be prevented. This includes such topics as how to recognize a phishing email, how to avoid creating weak passwords, and other things that they should not click on or download. It is like showing all the people how to avoid dangers in a jungle and not to get killed. The more people are aware of these threats, the better they are placed to guard against such threats and the organization. Cyber security courses are very useful to create more awareness.

 

20. Mobile Security

Smart phones are mini computers and contain a lot of our data. Mobile security makes sure that these devices are safeguarded against malicious software (malware), invasion by unauthorized persons as well as loss of vital information. Or, again, it is like having a small fortress around the phone, ensuring that only you are the one who can open it and see what is inside. Mobile security also refers to activities such as updating, passwords, and caution when it comes to the applications downloaded to the phone, to name a few.

 

Conclusion - Top Cybersecurity Domains

 

Cybersecurity is a very broad field that includes numerous concepts, software, standards, and so on. As the cyberspace is expanding exponentially, so there is a demand for cybersecurity professionals at an unprecedented level. As per the report by Fortune Market Insights, "the global cyber security market size is projected to grow from $172.32 billion in 2023 to $424.97 billion in 2030, at a CAGR of 13.8%". Therefore, the right time is now to build a career in cyber security. 

 

There are many approaches to obtain the knowledge of the cybersecurity domains, but what you have to do is practice it. Therefore, you can enroll in the Vinsys’s Cyber Security Certification Programs so that you can learn as well as practice Cyber Security concurrently.