Mathematics is a “basic science” that has paved the way for many of the world’s most significant influences and innovations today. And Cybersecurity is one such influence that derives from several concepts of mathematical origin to create a range of digital solutions in use today.
So, if you’re wondering if you need math skills to chart a path through cybersecurity training, the answer is “yes.” And if you’re good with crunching numbers and mulling over random figures, variables, and constants, the ACS in Cybersecurity offered by Cumberland College in Montreal should suit you down to a tee.
What You Stand to Gain From Cybersecurity Training
Cybersecurity involves protecting against unauthorized attempts to access computer networks. It seeks to secure electronic data against malicious attacks that make their host networks ultimately inaccessible or damaged. So, a training program in Cybersecurity will equip you with the technical skills and resources needed to create safe, secure, and impenetrable networks and databases.
The rapid growth of the information security sector, projected at 9.12% over the next five years, as per Statista, informs the popularity of cybersecurity training programs. As technology advances, cyber-attacks become more sophisticated and vicious, and organizations and their data are only partially safe from organized cyber attacks. This makes cybersecurity professionals particularly valuable in today’s IT climate.
Our cybersecurity training program covers topics like Ethics, security and privacy, Risk Management, Cryptography, and Asset security. And such cybersecurity courses also demand a good grasp of foundational math (among other things) to break down.
Math and Cybersecurity
You don’t necessarily need to have been a high-flier in math class to excel in cyber security. However, some math models form the building blocks of most cybersecurity training and practice resources. These include:
Binary Math
Binary Math builds from binary numbers and their system of bits – each valued at 0 or one to influence the computation of various computer operations. Also, all the data used by computer systems are stored in multiples of these bits (called bytes).
Therefore, basic knowledge of binary math is key to understanding how computers take in data. And in turn, understanding binary math helps cybersecurity experts devise the programs that safeguard computer networks.
Hexadecimal Math
Hexadecimal math increases binary systems’ dual-number options (0 – one) to 16 different options (0 – 15). In this case, number strings depict single-digit numbers (up to nine) while the letters A-F round up the remaining spots.
This hexadecimal math model finds application in computer memory addresses like IP addresses. In cyber security, IP addresses contain location tracers that can be used to track a hack threat.
Boolean Values
Boolean math is a branch of Algebra that derives from the expression of information in “true” and “false” values. It uses a set of rules and logical operators such as AND, OR, and NOT to manipulate binary values (0s and 1s).
In cybersecurity, Boolean logic defines rules that determine what actions to take when specific conditions are met. For example, a firewall may allow or block network traffic based on particular situations, such as the source or destination IP address, port number, or protocol type. These rules are defined using Boolean logic to specify the conditions that must be met before a particular action is taken.
Cryptography
The cryptography concept borders on data protection using complex computations and algorithms that are difficult to break down. The concept builds on specific mathematical theories that involve primary and advanced mathematical models to develop encryption technology. Today, this technology is key to data confidentiality.
Cryptography is used in cybersecurity to secure communication channels, prevent unauthorized access, and protect data from theft, interception, or modification. For example, encryption can protect data at rest, such as files stored on a hard drive, and data in transit, such as email or internet traffic.
Programming Math
Contemporary computer programming derives from algorithms which are, in themselves, computer-implementable directions that enable computations. These algorithms are complex codes that use mathematical logic to produce data in the language a computer understands. And in cybersecurity, experts can probe these codes to find and address network weaknesses.
Static and dynamic code analysis are two standard techniques cybersecurity experts use to look for weaknesses in a system’s network. Trained cybersecurity professionals also use penetration testing (the simulation of cyber attacks on a network by cybersecurity experts to identify vulnerabilities) and reverse engineering to identify potential weak spots in a system’s security. In each of these processes, cybersecurity professionals rely on exploring programming math.
These math types/models are used in various forms and iterations to create the operational framework that forms the thrust of cybersecurity. To thrive in a cybersecurity career, you should have a basic understanding of these math types.
Are you interested in a cybersecurity career?
Contact Cumberland College Montreal to learn how to get started.
