1. What is a firewall and how does it contribute to modern cybersecurity?

A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between internal secured networks and external unsecured networks, such as the internet.

Firewalls contribute to modern cybersecurity by providing the first line of defense against cyber threats. They help protect against unauthorized access, malicious attacks, viruses, and other cybercriminal activities. Firewalls also allow for better control over network traffic, allowing organizations to limit access to sensitive information and prevent data breaches.

In addition, firewalls can also monitor and track network activity, detect abnormalities or suspicious behavior, and provide alerts when potential threats are identified. This helps organizations stay vigilant in their cybersecurity efforts and respond quickly to potential attacks.

Overall, firewalls play a crucial role in preventing unauthorized access to computer systems and sensitive data, making them an essential component of modern cybersecurity strategies.

2. How do firewalls protect a network from cyber attacks?

Firewalls protect a network from cyber attacks by monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic. They act as a barrier between the internal network and the internet, only allowing authorized traffic to pass through while blocking any malicious or unauthorized attempts to access the network.

Some ways in which firewalls protect a network from cyber attacks include:

1. Packet filtering: Firewalls can examine each packet of data that enters or leaves the network, based on predefined rules. These rules can be set to block certain types of traffic, such as known malware or unauthorized remote access attempts.

2. Application-level gateways: Also known as proxy servers, these firewalls can filter out specific types of application-level traffic, such as web browsing or email communication. This allows for more granular control over what types of data are allowed in and out of the network.

3. Stateful inspection: Firewalls using this method monitor the state of each connection to ensure that all packets in a session are coming from an authorized source and match previously approved criteria.

4. Intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS): Many advanced firewalls include IDS/IPS capabilities to detect and prevent known cyber attacks by analyzing traffic patterns for suspicious behavior.

5. Virtual private networks (VPNs): Firewalls can create secure tunnels for remote access users connecting to the network through VPN connections. This allows for secure communication without exposing sensitive data to potential threats on the public internet.

Overall, firewalls play a crucial role in protecting a network from cyber attacks by filtering out potentially harmful traffic and allowing only authorized connections to enter and exit the network. It is important for organizations to regularly update their firewall settings and configurations to keep up with evolving cyber threats.

3. What are the different types of firewalls and what makes them effective in cybersecurity?

1. Packet filtering firewall: This type of firewall examines each packet of data entering and leaving a network based on preset filtering rules. It can be effective in blocking unauthorized access, but it does not inspect the contents of the data.

2. Stateful inspection firewall: This type of firewall keeps track of the state of network connections and uses this information to determine if incoming packets are legitimate or not. It is more secure than a packet filtering firewall as it can evaluate more complex conditions.

3. Application-level gateway (proxy) firewall: This type of firewall acts as an intermediary between the user’s computer and the internet, intercepting all communication and inspecting data before allowing it to pass through. It can provide better security by screening application-level traffic, but it can also affect network performance.

4. Circuit level gateway (stateful packet inspection) firewall: Also known as transparent firewalls, these firewalls operate at the session layer of the OSI model, monitoring communication between two hosts at that level and deciding whether to allow or reject it based on predetermined rules.

5. Next-generation (NGFW) or unified threat management (UTM) firewalls: These are advanced firewalls that combine traditional packet filtering with deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention systems, antivirus software, and other security features in one device. They provide enhanced protection against a wide range of cybersecurity risks.

The effectiveness of a firewall depends on its ability to block unauthorized access while still allowing legitimate traffic to pass through. Features such as stateful inspection, application-level filtering, and advanced security capabilities like intrusion detection/prevention help make different types of firewalls more effective in protecting against cyberattacks. Regular updates and maintenance are also crucial for maintaining their effectiveness in cybersecurity.

4. Can firewalls prevent all types of cyber attacks?

No, firewalls cannot prevent all types of cyber attacks. While they can prevent certain types of attacks such as DDoS attacks and unauthorized access attempts, they cannot protect against all possible vulnerabilities or social engineering tactics used in cyber attacks. Firewalls should be used in conjunction with other security measures such as regular software updates, strong passwords, and user training to provide comprehensive protection against cyber attacks.

5. Why are firewalls considered a crucial part of any organization’s cybersecurity strategy?

Firewalls are considered a crucial part of any organization’s cybersecurity strategy for several reasons:

1. Protection against external threats: Firewalls act as a barrier between an organization’s internal network and the external internet, monitoring and filtering incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent harmful or unauthorized access by external entities.

2. Network segmentation: Firewalls allow for network segmentation, which divides a network into smaller subnetworks, providing additional layers of security by limiting access between different parts of the network.

3. Filtering capabilities: Firewalls have the ability to filter traffic based on predefined rules, such as blocking specific IP addresses or certain types of traffic (e.g., email attachments) that may carry malware or other malicious content.

4. Intrusion prevention: Many firewalls come equipped with intrusion prevention features that can detect and block suspicious activity, such as attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in the network.

5. Monitoring and logging: Firewalls provide valuable insights into network traffic by monitoring and logging all incoming and outgoing connections, enabling organizations to identify potential threats or unusual patterns that could indicate a security breach.

6. Compliance requirements: Depending on the industry, organizations may be required by law to implement firewalls as part of their cybersecurity measures in order to comply with various regulations related to data privacy and protection.

Overall, firewalls play a critical role in protecting an organization’s sensitive data from cyber attacks, making them an essential component of any comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

6. How do firewalls monitor and control network traffic?

Firewalls monitor and control network traffic through a process called packet filtering. This involves inspecting each packet of data that enters or leaves the network and making decisions based on predetermined rules.

1. Inspecting packets: As data travels through a network, it is broken down into smaller units called packets. Firewalls analyze each packet to determine its origin, destination, and contents.

2. Comparing packets to rules: Firewalls use predefined rules to determine if a particular packet should be allowed or blocked. These rules can include criteria such as the source IP address, destination IP address, protocol type, port number, or specific keywords in the data payload.

3. Determining action: Based on the comparison with the rules, firewalls will then decide whether to allow or block the packets. If a packet meets all of the specified criteria in a rule, it is allowed through the firewall; otherwise, it is rejected or blocked.

4. Creating access policies: Firewall administrators can create customized access policies that specify which types of traffic are allowed or denied based on individual security needs and company policies.

5. Logging and auditing: Firewall logs record information about all incoming and outgoing traffic, along with details about how the firewall handled each packet. This allows for monitoring and auditing of network traffic for security purposes.

6. Updating rules: Firewalls require regular updates to keep up with new threats and vulnerabilities. Administrators can update rule sets periodically to ensure that the firewall is properly configured at all times.

7. Application-level inspection: Advanced firewalls may also perform deep packet inspection (DPI) which examines not just the header information but also the content of application-layer protocols such as HTTP or FTP. This allows them to detect suspicious behavior within web applications or detect malicious files being transferred over these protocols.

Overall, firewalls play a crucial role in monitoring and controlling network traffic by enforcing security policies and protecting against malicious activities trying to penetrate the network.

7. What role do firewalls play in detecting and blocking malicious activities on a network?

Firewalls play a crucial role in detecting and blocking malicious activities on a network. A firewall acts as a barrier between the internal network and external networks, controlling incoming and outgoing traffic according to predetermined security rules. Some of the ways firewalls detect and block malicious activities include:

1. Filtering: Firewalls use filtering techniques to analyze incoming and outgoing traffic based on specific criteria, such as IP addresses, ports, protocols, or keywords. This allows them to identify suspicious or unauthorized traffic and block it from entering or leaving the network.

2. Intrusion Detection/Prevention: Many firewalls come with built-in intrusion detection/prevention capabilities that monitor network traffic for known attack signatures or suspicious behavior. If an attack is detected, the firewall can block the source IP address or take other preventive measures to stop the attack.

3. Application Control: Firewalls can also detect and block specific applications that are known to be vulnerable or suspicious. By controlling which applications are allowed to access the network, firewalls can prevent potential attacks through those applications.

4. Content Filtering: Firewalls can also analyze the content of incoming and outgoing traffic to identify any malicious code or malware embedded within files. This allows them to block potentially harmful content from entering or leaving the network.

5. Network Segmentation: By creating separate zones within a network with different security policies, firewalls can restrict lateral movement of threats and contain any malicious activity within a particular segment.

Overall, firewalls provide an important line of defense against malicious activities on a network by continuously monitoring, analyzing, and blocking potentially harmful traffic based on preset security rules. They act as a first line of defense against cyber attacks and help keep networks secure from various threats.

8. How does a firewall filter and block unauthorized access attempts to a network or system?

A firewall filters and blocks unauthorized access attempts to a network or system by monitoring incoming and outgoing network traffic based on a set of predetermined rules. These rules can be configured by the network administrator based on the organization’s security policies.

When a packet of data reaches the firewall, it is inspected for its source, destination, type of service, and other characteristics. If the packet matches one of the defined rules, it is allowed to pass through. If it fails to meet any of the criteria set by the firewall, it is either dropped or rejected.

The following are some common techniques used by firewalls to filter and block unauthorized access attempts:

1. Packet filtering: This is the simplest form of firewall protection where packets are filtered based on their source and destination addresses as well as their port numbers.

2. Stateful inspection: In this method, not only individual packets but also entire communication sessions are monitored and checked for any suspicious activities.

3. Application-level gateway: Also known as proxy servers, these firewalls can analyze application-layer data such as HTTP requests and FTP transfers to ensure they comply with predefined security policies.

4. Deep packet inspection: This technique involves analyzing every aspect of a packet’s data including header information, content, attachments, etc., to determine if it poses any potential threat.

5. Virtual Private Networks (VPN): Firewalls can also be configured to create secure tunnels between remote networks or users using VPN protocols such as IPSec or SSL/TLS.

Overall, firewalls play a critical role in protecting networks and systems from unauthorized access attempts by blocking them at various levels and ensuring that only legitimate traffic is allowed through.

9. Are there any limitations or vulnerabilities associated with using firewalls for cybersecurity?

There are several limitations and vulnerabilities associated with using firewalls for cybersecurity, including:

1. Limited Protection Against Advanced Threats: Firewalls primarily protect against known and predefined attacks, but they may not be able to detect or prevent advanced threats that are constantly evolving and do not have a signature or pattern that can be identified.

2. Incomplete Protection for Remote Users: Firewalls are less effective in protecting remote users who are not connected to the corporate network, as they cannot control user activities beyond the network perimeter.

3. Single Point of Failure: A firewall is a single point of failure, which means if it fails or malfunctions, it can bring down the entire network’s security defenses.

4. Limited Visibility: Firewalls only provide a limited view of network traffic and may not identify internal threats or anomalies happening within the network.

5. Insider Threats: Firewalls are not effective in protecting against insider threats since all communication within the network will be allowed by default.

6. Configuration Errors: Improperly configured firewalls can create vulnerabilities and open doors for cyber attacks, making them less effective in enhancing cybersecurity.

7. Resource Constraints: In some cases, firewalls may slow down network performance due to limited bandwidth or processing power, hindering productivity.

8. Social Engineering Attacks: Advanced social engineering attacks can bypass firewalls by manipulating people into revealing sensitive information through phishing emails or phone calls.

9. False Sense of Security: Relying solely on firewalls for cybersecurity can give a false sense of security, leading organizations to overlook other potential vulnerabilities and fail to implement additional security measures.

10. In what ways have firewalls evolved to keep up with evolving cyber threats?

1. Packet Filtering: The first generation of firewalls were simple packet filtering firewalls which controlled access based on rules defined by source and destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols.

2. Stateful Inspection: As hacking techniques became more sophisticated, stateful inspection was introduced in which the firewall maintains a record of all connections passing through it and evaluates each connection based on that information, making it more difficult for malicious traffic to pass through undetected.

3. Application Layer Firewalls: These firewalls can identify specific applications and protocols used in Internet traffic, allowing for more granular control over network access.

4. Deep Packet Inspection: This technique allows for deeper analysis of network traffic beyond just the header information. It can scan the contents of packets and filter out malicious code or keywords.

5. Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs): NGFWs combine traditional firewall functionality with advanced features such as Intrusion Detection/Prevention System (IDS/IPS), web filtering, antivirus, and virtual private network (VPN) capabilities.

6. Cloud Firewalls: With the increase in cloud computing and remote workforces, traditional firewalls are no longer sufficient to protect networks. Cloud firewalls are designed specifically for cloud-based environments and offer centralized management and real-time visibility into network traffic.

7. Threat Intelligence Integration: Some next-generation firewalls have integrated threat intelligence from external sources to provide real-time protection against known threats.

8. User Identity Awareness: Firewalls can now recognize user identities from login credentials or digital certificates instead of just IP addresses, providing more accurate security policies based on user behavior.

9. Automation & Machine Learning: To keep up with the ever-changing threat landscape, some firewalls use automation and machine learning algorithms to continuously monitor traffic patterns and detect anomalies that may indicate an attack.

10. Zero Trust Architecture: A zero trust approach assumes that every network request could be potentially malicious, so instead of relying on a single perimeter defense, these firewalls continuously monitor and evaluate each network request in real-time before allowing access to resources.

11. Can firewalls protect against insider threats and data breaches?

Firewalls can help protect against some insider threats and data breaches, but they are not a complete solution. Firewalls work by filtering incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined rules or policies. They can block unauthorized access attempts and prevent certain types of malware from entering or leaving the network.

However, firewalls cannot protect against all insider threats. They only control network traffic and cannot detect or prevent malicious actions from employees with authorized access to the network. Insider threats may include employees stealing sensitive data, intentionally introducing malware, or causing accidental damage to the network.

To fully protect against insider threats and data breaches, organizations should also implement other security measures such as access controls, encryption, and employee training programs. Regular audits and monitoring of network activity can also help identify suspicious behavior that may indicate an insider threat.

12. How do organizations ensure proper configuration and maintenance of their firewalls for maximum security?

There are several steps organizations can take to ensure proper configuration and maintenance of their firewalls for maximum security:

1. Regular software updates: Make sure your firewall is always up-to-date with the latest software releases and patches. This will address any known vulnerabilities and ensure maximum security.

2. Use default deny/allow rules: Set up your firewall to block all traffic by default, and only allow specific types of traffic that you have deemed safe. This will prevent unauthorized access to your network.

3. Harden the firewall settings: Configure strict rules for inbound and outbound traffic, restrict access to management interfaces, disable unnecessary services, and use strong passwords to secure your firewall.

4. Conduct regular security audits: Perform periodic audits of your firewall’s configurations and rules to ensure they are still effective in protecting your network. This will also help identify any misconfigurations or outdated rules that may have been overlooked.

5. Use intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS): These systems can monitor network traffic for suspicious behavior or patterns and alert you to potential threats in real-time.

6. Limit remote access: If you need to remotely manage your firewall, limit the number of people who have this access and use secure methods such as VPNs for connectivity.

7. Monitor logs and alerts: Configure your firewall to log all activity, review these logs regularly, and set up alerts for any unusual events or suspicious activity.

8. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of authentication will further secure remote access to your firewall.

9. Train employees on proper usage: Educate your employees on how firewalls work, why they are important, and how they should handle sensitive information while connected to company networks.

10. Hire a managed security service provider (MSSP): If managing a firewall seems overwhelming or time-consuming, consider outsourcing this task to an MSSP who can provide 24/7 monitoring, configuration management, maintenance, and support.

13. Are there any emerging technologies that work alongside firewalls for enhanced cybersecurity?

Yes, there are several emerging technologies that work alongside firewalls to enhance cybersecurity. Some examples include:

1. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): These systems work in tandem with firewalls to monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and block potential threats.

2. Sandboxing: A sandbox is a controlled environment where potentially malicious files or programs can be executed without impacting the actual system. Sandboxing technology can be integrated with firewalls to analyze incoming data packets before allowing them through.

3. Threat Intelligence: This is a process of gathering and analyzing information about potential cyber threats and using it to enhance network security measures, including firewalls.

4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML technologies can help improve the accuracy of firewall rules and identify new threats by analyzing large amounts of data in real-time.

5. Software-Defined Networking (SDN): SDN leverages virtualization techniques and centralized control to manage network traffic flows, making it easier to implement granular firewall policies.

6. Secure Web Gateways (SWGs): SWGs act as intermediaries between users and the internet, filtering out potentially harmful content or downloads before they reach the local network.

7. Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs): NGFWs combine traditional firewall capabilities with additional features such as intrusion prevention, SSL inspection, and application control for more advanced threat detection and prevention.

Overall, the combination of different technologies working alongside firewalls can provide a layered defense against cyber attacks, making networks more secure against a variety of threats.

14. Can multiple layers of firewall protection provide better cybersecurity than a single layer?

It is generally accepted that multiple layers of firewall protection can provide better cybersecurity than a single layer. This is because each layer can provide additional barriers and controls to prevent and detect malicious activity, which creates a more robust security posture.

Some potential benefits of using multiple layers of firewalls include:
1. Increased defense-in-depth: By having multiple layers of firewalls, an organization can create a defense-in-depth strategy where each layer provides a different type of protection. This can make it more difficult for attackers to penetrate the network as they would need to bypass each layer of protection.

2. Better segmentation: Multiple layers of firewalls can help segment the network into different zones or compartments, allowing for better control over network traffic and limiting the impact if one area is compromised.

3. Increased visibility: Each firewall in the layered approach can provide valuable insights and logs that can be used by security teams to monitor and investigate potential threats.

4. More granular control: Different firewalls can be configured with specific rules based on their location in the network, giving organizations more granular control over what types of traffic are allowed or blocked at each level.

However, it should be noted that having multiple layers of firewalls does not guarantee absolute protection against cyber threats. Firewalls alone cannot fully protect against all types of attacks, so organizations should also implement other cybersecurity measures such as regular updates and patches, intrusion detection systems, antivirus software, secure network configurations, employee education on best security practices, etc.

15. Do all devices connected to a network need to have their own individual firewall protection?

Ideally, all devices connected to a network should have their own individual firewall protection. This helps to ensure that each device is protected from potential security threats and can prevent the spread of malware or viruses from one device to another. However, depending on the network setup and security measures in place, a network may have a central firewall that provides protection for all connected devices.

16 . How does encryption technology work in conjunction with firewalls to secure data transmission over networks?

Encryption technology uses mathematical algorithms to convert plain text into ciphertext, which is unreadable without the proper decryption key. Firewalls act as a protective barrier between a secure internal network and an external unsecured network, such as the internet. When data is transmitted over a network, it passes through the firewall, which can be set to allow or block certain types of traffic. Encryption technology adds an extra layer of security by using a combination of public and private encryption keys to scramble data before it is transmitted through the firewall. This ensures that even if someone intercepts the data, they will not be able to understand it without the correct decryption key. Essentially, firewalls prevent unauthorized access to a network while encryption ensures that any intercepted data remains unreadable. Combining these two technologies helps to ensure secure data transmission over networks.

17 . Can advanced persistent threats (APTs) penetrate through properly configured firewalls?

Yes, advanced persistent threats (APTs) may be able to penetrate through properly configured firewalls. Firewalls are an important first line of defense against external threats, but they are not foolproof. APTs are highly sophisticated and often use a combination of social engineering tactics, programming exploits, and malware to bypass firewall protections.

In addition, APTs may also exploit vulnerabilities in applications and operating systems that are allowed through the firewall. They can also disguise themselves as legitimate traffic and hide within encrypted data packets to evade detection by firewalls.

It is important for organizations to have multiple layers of security in place to protect against APTs, including intrusion detection and prevention systems, network segmentation, regular vulnerability assessments and patching, user education, and incident response plans. A strong defense-in-depth approach can help reduce the likelihood of successful APT attacks.

18 . In what ways can employees be trained to use and manage firewall systems effectively for improved cybersecurity?

1. Basic cybersecurity training: Employees should be given basic cybersecurity training to understand the importance of firewall systems and their role in protecting the organization’s network from cyber threats.

2. Understanding the organization’s policies and procedures: Employees should be trained on the organization’s policies and procedures for using firewall systems, such as which websites are allowed and which are restricted.

3. Familiarity with different types of firewalls: There are different types of firewalls, such as packet filtering, stateful inspection, and application proxy. Employees should be trained to understand how each type works and when to use them.

4. Regular updates on latest threats: Cyber threats evolve constantly, and employees need to stay updated on the latest trends in order to effectively manage firewall systems. Regular training sessions or newsletters can help keep employees informed.

5. Practical hands-on training: Hands-on training sessions where employees can practice configuring settings and managing firewall rules can help them become more comfortable with using these systems.

6. Strong password management: Employees must be educated on creating strong passwords for firewall systems since weak passwords can compromise their effectiveness.

7. Phishing awareness: Often attackers try to gain access to a network by targeting employees through phishing emails. Training employees on how to identify and report suspicious emails can prevent unauthorized access through firewalls.

8. Monitoring system logs: Firewall logs contain crucial information about potential attacks or vulnerabilities in the network. Employees should be trained on how to monitor these logs regularly for any abnormal activities.

9. Incident response planning: In case of a cyberattack, it is important that employees know what steps they need to take to mitigate the damage caused by an attack through the firewall system.

10. Regular testing of firewall security policies: Organizations should conduct regular penetration testing exercises with their internal teams or third-party vendors to test the effectiveness of their firewall security policies, identify any weaknesses, and train employees accordingly.

11. Continuous education on emerging threats: Cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and new threats are constantly emerging. Regular training sessions should be conducted to educate employees on these emerging threats and how to prevent them from breaching the firewall system.

12. Collaboration with IT security teams: Employees should collaborate with the organization’s IT security team to ensure that all necessary security measures, including firewalls, are in place and functioning effectively.

19 . Are there any legal implications surrounding the use of firewalls in protecting sensitive data from cyber attacks?

Yes, there are legal implications surrounding the use of firewalls in protecting sensitive data from cyber attacks. Organizations that handle sensitive data, such as personal information or financial information, have a legal responsibility to protect this data from unauthorized access. Failure to do so could result in legal penalties and liabilities.

There are several laws and regulations that require organizations to implement proper cybersecurity measures, including the use of firewalls. These may include:

1. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – This legislation applies to companies operating within the European Union and sets strict rules for the protection of personal data.

2. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) – This law requires healthcare organizations to secure patient health information through measures such as firewalls.

3. Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) – This set of requirements applies to organizations that process credit card payments and requires them to use firewalls to protect cardholder data.

If an organization fails to comply with these laws and suffers a data breach due to inadequate firewall protection, they may face fines, lawsuits, and damage to their reputation.

Moreover, it is also important for organizations to ensure that their use of firewalls does not violate any privacy laws or infringe on individuals’ rights. For example, in some countries or regions where there are strict privacy laws, using certain types of firewalls that monitor or restrict employees’ online activities may be considered illegal without proper consent.

Overall, using firewalls for protecting sensitive data from cyber attacks is not only a best practice but also a legal requirement for many industries. It is important for organizations to always stay updated on relevant laws and regulations related to cybersecurity and ensure compliance when implementing firewall protections.

20 . How important is it for organizations to keep up-to-date with the latest advancements in firewall technology for optimal cybersecurity defense?

It is extremely important for organizations to keep up-to-date with the latest advancements in firewall technology for optimal cybersecurity defense. Firewalls serve as the first line of defense against cyber threats, such as malware and unauthorized access, and are essential in protecting organizational networks and sensitive data.

With the constantly evolving landscape of cyber threats, staying current with firewall technology is crucial for organizations to effectively defend against these threats. New advancements in firewall technology, such as next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) which incorporate features like intrusion prevention, advanced threat protection, and application control, provide enhanced security capabilities that traditional firewalls may not have.

In addition, keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements also ensures that organizations remain compliant with industry regulations and standards. As regulations continue to evolve and become more stringent, organizations must invest in the latest firewall technology to maintain compliance and avoid legal consequences.

Furthermore, regular updates to firewall technology help address newly discovered vulnerabilities or exploits. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to bypass traditional security measures, making it essential for organizations to regularly update their firewall technology to stay ahead of potential attacks.

Overall, investing in the latest advancements in firewall technology is vital for organizations to maintain a strong cybersecurity defense and protect their sensitive data from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.