Cybersecurity

 Cyber security definition

Cyber security is the application of technologies, processes, and controls to protect systems, networks, programs, devices and data from cyber attacks.

It aims to reduce the risk of cyber attacks and protect against the unauthorised exploitation of systems, networks, and technologies.

Cyber security basics

Before diving into advanced security measures, it's essential to understand the fundamental concepts and practices that form the foundation of effective cyber security.

Essential security concepts

Understanding these basic principles is crucial for protecting your organisation:

Authentication is how systems verify who's trying to access them. Think of it as showing your ID to prove who you are. Modern authentication often uses multiple factors:

Something you know (password)

Something you have (security key)

Something you are (fingerprint)

Authorisation determines what verified users can access. Just as employees have different access levels to building areas, digital authorisation ensures users can only access appropriate resources.

Confidentiality keeps sensitive information private. This means ensuring data is only accessible to those who need it, using tools like encryption and access controls.

Integrity ensures data hasn't been tampered with. Systems must maintain the accuracy and completeness of information throughout its lifecycle.

Availability means keeping systems and data accessible to authorised users when needed while protecting against disruptions like cyber attacks.

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What is Cyber Security? Definition and Best Practices

Find out everything you need to know about protecting your organisation from cyber attacks.

Further information

Cyber security definition

Cyber security is the application of technologies, processes, and controls to protect systems, networks, programs, devices and data from cyber attacks.

It aims to reduce the risk of cyber attacks and protect against the unauthorised exploitation of systems, networks, and technologies.

Cyber security basics

Before diving into advanced security measures, it's essential to understand the fundamental concepts and practices that form the foundation of effective cyber security.

Essential security concepts

Understanding these basic principles is crucial for protecting your organisation:

Authentication is how systems verify who's trying to access them. Think of it as showing your ID to prove who you are. Modern authentication often uses multiple factors:

Something you know (password)

Something you have (security key)

Something you are (fingerprint)

Authorisation determines what verified users can access. Just as employees have different access levels to building areas, digital authorisation ensures users can only access appropriate resources.

Confidentiality keeps sensitive information private. This means ensuring data is only accessible to those who need it, using tools like encryption and access controls.

Integrity ensures data hasn't been tampered with. Systems must maintain the accuracy and completeness of information throughout its lifecycle.

Availability means keeping systems and data accessible to authorised users when needed while protecting against disruptions like cyber attacks.

Common threat types

These are the most frequent cyber threats your organisation may face:

Social engineering involves manipulating people to reveal confidential information. The attacker might pose as a trusted person or authority figure to gain access or information.

Malware (malicious software) can damage systems or steal data. This includes:

Viruses that spread between systems

Spyware that monitors user activity

Trojans that appear legitimate but contain harmful code

Phishing attempts to steal sensitive data by masquerading as trustworthy entities. These attacks often arrive via email and can target specific individuals or organisations.

Ransomware encrypts your data and demands payment for its release. This can halt operations and cause significant financial damage.

Data breaches occur when unauthorised parties gain access to confidential information, often through a combination of the above methods.

Basic security measures

Implement these fundamental practices to establish basic protection:

Strong password practices

Create unique passwords for each account

Use at least 12 characters combining letters, numbers, and symbols

Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible

Consider using a password manager to secure and organise credentials

Regular software updates

Enable automatic updates where appropriate

Check for updates weekly on critical systems

Apply security patches as soon as they're available

Maintain an inventory of all software requiring updates

Data backup

Back up critical data at least weekly

Store backups in multiple locations

Keep at least one backup offline

Regularly test your ability to restore from backups

Access control

Give users only the access they need for their role

Review access rights quarterly

Remove access immediately when employees leave

Use role-based access control for systems and data

Warning signs of security issues

Watch for these common indicators of potential security problems:

         Systems running slower than usual

         Unexpected pop-up windows

         Password changes you didn't make

         Unusually high network traffic

         Disabled security tools or antivirus

         Unauthorised programs starting                                                                                      automatically

Strange outbound network connections

Understanding and implementing these basics creates a strong foundation for your organisation's cyber security strategy. These fundamentals support more advanced security measures and help protect against common threats.

What are the five types of cyber security?

1. Critical infrastructure cyber security

Critical infrastructure organisations are often more vulnerable to attack than others because SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems often rely on older software.

Operators of essential services in the UK’s energy, transport, health, water and digital infrastructure sectors, and digital service providers are bound by the NIS Regulations.

The Regulations require organisations to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to manage their security risks.

2. Network security

Network security involves addressing vulnerabilities affecting your operating systems and network architecture, including servers and hosts, firewalls and wireless access points, and network protocols.

3. Cloud security

Cloud security is concerned with securing data, applications, and infrastructure in the Cloud.

4. IoT (Internet of Things) security

IoT security involves securing smart devices and networks connected to the IoT. IoT devices include things that connect to the Internet without human intervention, such as smart fire alarms, lights, thermostats, and other appliances.

5. Application security

Application security involves addressing vulnerabilities resulting from insecure development processes in designing, coding, and publishing software or a website.