Optic media cybersecurity
(SECURE DIGITAL ASSETS IN THE AGE OF CONSTANT THREAT)
Wireless connectivity has become a crude need for various applications, services, and infrastructures. Advanced technologies will use IoT (Internet of Things) systems that enable data sharing, creation, and processing across all devices. Safe and dependable wireless connectivity is crucial for autonomous IoT operation. This article explores how optical wireless communications might allow high-speed, safe, and reliable access for fifth-generation and future wireless networks.
Optic media cybersecurity is a transmitting technology that transmits data or information over long distances. It uses light beams to transmit data, which is considered a more powerful way to transmit data safely than wire.
What is Optic Media?
We deal with data in our daily routine. Data can be stored on different devices. Those devices that use laser technology to read and write data from removable plastic disks are called optical media. Disk metal coating is used to write most optical discs. Computer’s A computer’s optical drive is used to write recordable discs, such as Blu-ray discs, digital versatile discs, and compact discs.
We can use these storage devices for different purposes, like storing application software, music, and backups. There are three types of optical media read-only, write-once, and rewriteable
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is protecting computers, electronic systems, networks, mobile devices, and data from theft and cyberattacks and mitigating their impacts. The main focus of cyber attacks is to access sensitive information and interrupt normal business processes. Level-up skill bridge Cyber security helps to protect sensitive data such as financial data and intellectual property that may be compromised through cyber attacks.
Cyber security common categories
Network security
The combination of hardware, software, and policies to protect computer networks from unauthorized access.
Application security
Application security protects software and hardware from threats. A successful security strategy starts at the design stage.
Information security
Information security is used to protect data in storage and transit from cyberattacks.
Advantages of optical media
Cost
Aluminum foils and plastics are used to produce optical media devices. Users buy optical media devices in bulk. Mostly manufacturers already install optical discs in computers and users don’t need to buy optical discs.
Durability
Optical media devices have greater durability than volatile and non-volatile media devices. Power failure cannot cause data loss. Optical media devices can be used for a long time. Heat can damage optical media devices.
Simplicity
Users can effortlessly create backups with optical media. Burnt data can be effortlessly placed in the drive icon. Users just click on the burn disk to create a backup.
Portability
Optical media devices can be effortlessly portable. Users can place into their bags to move to different places.
Cybersecurity Concerns with Optical Media
In this digital age, the use of optical devices is not now as common as it used to be before, but they play a vital role in data recording, distribution, and personal backups. Hackers have also developed new ways to hack data as technology has evolved. They look for security holes and target vulnerable systems. Hackers can use optical media as a platform to insert scams into the system, such as
Data interception
Data pass through the fibre optic cable, and hackers can tap this fibre cable to access sensitive information such as financial records, personal records and trade secrets.
Corporate espionage
Competitors can use tapping to access sensitive information to gain a competitive advantage.
Cyber terrorism
Fibre optics cables are used in power grids, transportation systems, and other systems; malicious actors can tap into the cable and disrupt critical infrastructure.
Malware Insertion
Hackers place a copy of the malicious application on the disk. When a user inserts a disc in the computer, it can unknowingly be installed on that device.
Physical damage
A disc can be physically damaged, resulting in loss of data. However, hackers can even use this event to attack a system through these damaged disks.
Data Theft
Hackers can easily hack that information on the disk; this is not encrypted carefully. Besides optical discs, optical networks are also exposed to cyber threats from hackers.
How to mitigate these risks
Physical security measures
Robust security measures can be taken around fiber optic cables to save the data from unauthorized access.
Encryption
Data transmitted over fiber optic cables can be encrypted for protection purposes.
Signal monitoring
The advanced monitoring system monitors suspicious activity on the network, such as fiber-tapping attempts.
Regular audits
Periodic security audits identify potential vulnerabilities in the optical media network.
Data Leakage in Optical Networks or media
Even though there are many possibilities that information can leak from optical fiber infrastructures, we cannot correctly identify or classify the leakage methods, but the fundamental division is possible. The first category includes link route interruption attacks; many methods and mechanisms are used to control the network. The second group of attacks is that in which optical fiber infrastructure change is not included, like various interception points for the physical properties of optical fibers.
Following are some possible methods for the 1st type of attack in which line interruption is included:
Placing a splitter/coupler
There is a confusing belief that fiber networks are secured against tapping copper and wireless technologies. Fibre networks are vulnerable because they carry standard techniques such as man-in-the-middle, re-routing, and exploiting protocol vulnerabilities.
Physical interference and tapping are also risky. Fibre networks are vulnerable to both traditional copper and physical tapping. Attackers can use multiple methods to breach systems, but the most common is using optical splitters and clip-on couplers to bend the fiber. Hackers transmit signals in multiple directions, making network traffic reserved for others.
Injecting a demultiplexing component
In this process, data streams are divided into channels; hackers took advantage of this opportunity and inserted their generated code into the system to make it vulnerable.
Adding an active device
It is a technique that copies the classic man-in-the-middle attack and is rooted in placing an active device surrounded by two other devices transmitting data with each other.
Following are some possible methods for the 2nd type of attack in which line interruption is not included.
Fiber tapping
Tapping practice has been performed in various ways. Network users are connected to fiber networks directly or indirectly. Fibre tapping is not much safer, even if criminals use it for their end goals. Due to these technologies, fiber networks are facing attacks.
Back-reflection measurement
As a back-reflection measurement technique, it is used to encounter signal loss. Hackers can use it to detect security holes.
Crosstalk between channels
Crosstalk refers to the interference of signals from different channels; hackers took advantage of this and gained unauthorized access to data.
Malicious devices in passive optical networks
Malicious devices pass harmful data in the streams, breaking the system or disturbing data flow.
Monitoring ports of active devices
Monitoring provides a facility for hackers to track data flow.
Why Optical Media Still Matters in Cyber Security?
Despite multiple threats to data breaches, optical media still gain importance because of some key reasons, including:
Archiving and Long-term Storage
Optical media is used traditionally to keep copies of required data.
Backup and Redundancy
Optical discs recover data that might be lost for some reason. Like a thief has easy access. Or you forgot about it, in which place you placed it.
Distribution of Content
Optical media transmit or move large amounts of data, such as applications, software, videos, pictures, and games. Due to its wide use, reform should be done to protect it from risks or threats.
Cybersecurity Risks of Optical Media
The following are some primary security risks:
1. Malicious Software Insertion (Malware)
Hackers primarily use optical media to spread malicious applications, trojans, viruses, and ransomware. To fulfill their purpose, they often use CS or DVD. When a CD or DVD is inserted into the system, the harmful programs can infect the entire associated system and allow hackers to steal information. In this way, security holes compromise sensitive data.
2. Data Leakage
If a hacker or false gainer accidentally accesses an optical disc, he can easily extract sensitive data. People prefer storing their necessary data and information on an optical disc. These optical discs can be lost or stolen, or even one can forget the disc in the drawer after placement and leave it unattended. It is a plus point for stealers to access physical devices.
3. Exploitation of Vulnerable Hardware
Former optical devices are not very rich in encryption and lack advanced security features. This makes them open to threats. Hackers can easily identify vulnerabilities and easily attack correlated systems. Hackers insert code that bypasses security protocols.
Best Practices for Securing Your Optical Media
We have discussed threats and risks in the previous section. Following are some practices to keep optical media safe from cyberattacks.
1. Use Encryption for Sensitive Data
Ciphertext is a term used for encrypted data. Encryption is a process that uses algorithms and keys to change data or information into ciphertext. One of the best practices to keep data safe and secure on optical media is data encryption. Once data is encrypted, if the disc is stolen, a hacker cannot read this data efficiently. It’s almost impossible for hackers to read data without a decryption key.
2. Regularly Update Your Optical Media Devices
Manufacturers are responsible for continuous security maintenance. They ensure that optical devices are up to date and that security patches and firmware are updated regularly. Manufacturers also update systems to mend vulnerabilities.
3. Secure Storage Practices
Also, physically secure optical discs by putting them in a locked cabinet. Don’t put them in the reach of children so they may not be used as toys, and don’t put the optical disc where it can be stolen easily.
4. Use Trusted Anti-Malware Software
Use updated antivirus software to detect scams or other suspicious activity. Also, install anti-malware software on all computers where you use optical discs. Antivirus or anti-malware software can detect viruses and spam and give you alerts so that you may fix them.
5. Test and Verify Optical Media Before Use
It is also essential to test optical media before its use. Integrity tests are important for storing optical media and data on optical media.
How Businesses Can Protect Their Optical Media
Some businesses use optical media to handle their data. It’s crucial to ensure integrity and keep data safe from cyber threats. Some key points businesses follow to keep data safe
1. Implement Corporate Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies
Companies should integrate or add policies to ensure data is appropriately managed over optical media. Corporate Data Loss Prevention (CDP) is software that is used by businesses to track and monitor DVDs, CDs, and other kinds of optical media. Monitoring helps stop unauthorized access.
2. Create Backup Redundancy Systems
Redundancy means you get copies of lost or stolen data. You can get it back if you have a backup strategy. One cannot wholly rely on optical media for data backups. You should maintain various drives, such as cloud, optic media cybersecurity, and other drives. This hybrid system will secure your sensitive data and provide a protected backup.
3. Employee Training
Train your employees by providing them with enough knowledge of expected loss. Brief them on why data and information are essential, teach them why you want to secure optic media cybersecurity, and train them on how they can help fulfill this purpose. Employee training will help to avoid risks and security threats.
The Future of Optic Media Cybersecurity
As technology influences daily, some people think it is almost at its end. Using CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs is not as it once was. Businesses and individuals use cloud-storage USB drives and solid-state drives to store data.
However, optic media cybersecurity is still vital in some industries for storing, transmitting, and archiving data, which holds its durability and reliability in high regard.
Along with advantages, there are also some security risks in optical media for which proper security measures must be implemented. It is crucial to understand the link between cybersecurity and optical media.
Evolution and Adaptation of Optical Media
Manufacturers are working to keep optical devices up to date. They are struggling to develop new strategies that may increase storage capacity and flexibility to accommodate changes, if necessary, in optical media.
CDs and DVDs have become old now; they have less storage space than Blu-ray discs, which are the latest and have a good storage capacity. Reading and writing abilities in these technologies will be faster than those of traditional systems.
As cloud storage is growing fast, it may work as a hybrid approach with the combination of optical media. Optical media will act as a backup solution for critical or sensitive data. These devices will be physical backups for the data stored in the cloud.
Advanced Encryption
Encryption and decryption technologies read and write data on optical drives. Developers are working to generate robust algorithms so that hackers may not find any security holes or vulnerabilities to break these algorithms.
Durable, Scratch-Resistant Discs
Manufacturers focus on making discs with an extra resistive layer for scratches so that optical discs may not face environmental damage.
Secure Manufacturing and Distribution
We should tightly control the manufacturing and distribution of optical discs to ensure hackers do not insert suspicious software or viruses and gain unauthorized access to our system to make unauthorized modifications.
Hybrid Storage Solutions
Use optical media and cloud storage in combination to backup. If one medium is compromised, try backing up from the other portion of the hybrid system.
Regulatory Compliance
Embed this strategy in your system and make sure to follow the rules and regulations so that you may avoid penalties.
Conclusion
Try to linger one step ahead in the digital age. Like technology keeps changing, we must stay updated about cybersecurity, whether about new or older technologies like optical media. We should have updated information about them—techniques such as encryption, DLP, and employee training help.
Optic media cybersecurity will be used in the long term. We should make digital reforms to secure optical discs and take physical steps to protect devices adequately.
Frequently Asked Question
Q 1. What is media in cybersecurity?
Ans. Physical devices are used to store, record or print information such as disks and USB drives to store or backup data.
Q 2. What are the different types of cyber media?
Ans. Cyber media has various types, such as podcasts, the Internet, RSS feeds, social networks, text messaging, Blogs, wikis, virtual worlds, etc.
Q 3. What are the 3 A’s of cyber security?
Authentication, authorization, and accounting
