CYBERSECURITY SOLUTIONS AND PRACTICES: FIREWALLS, INTRUSION DETECTION/PREVENTION, ENCRYPTION, MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION

Abstract

In today's digitally interconnected world, cybersecurity is paramount for protecting sensitive information from sophisticated threats. This literature review examines four key cybersecurity solutions—firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), encryption, and multi-factor authentication (MFA)—highlighting their roles, advancements, and challenges based on 105 articles. Firewalls (n=35), including packet-filtering, stateful inspection, proxy, and next-generation firewalls (NGFWs), act as barriers controlling network traffic. NGFWs integrate deep packet inspection and application awareness, enhancing security despite complex maintenance issues. IDPS technologies (n=30) have evolved from anomaly detection to AI-integrated systems, improving threat detection while facing false-positive rates and zero-day exploit challenges. Encryption (n=25) ensures data confidentiality, progressing from basic ciphers to algorithms like AES and post-quantum cryptography, though it grapples with computational and key management complexities. MFA (n=15) enhances security through multiple verification factors, evolving from passwords to biometrics and behavioral analytics, yet faces user inconvenience and potential bypass methods. A comparative analysis reveals that firewalls and IDPS effectively prevent and detect threats but require meticulous management; encryption demands efficient key management; and MFA strengthens authentication but may encounter user resistance. Integrating these solutions within a layered security framework provides comprehensive protection, leveraging their strengths for a resilient security posture. Case studies affirm that multi-layered security approaches reduce breaches, underscoring the effectiveness of integrated cybersecurity practices. Continuous innovation, user education, and adaptive management are vital for addressing dynamic cyber threats, reinforcing the need for a robust, multi-faceted cybersecurity strategy.