What is cyber security?

Posted 1 week ago

iHasco achieve recertification in Cyber Essentials Scheme

Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly more common year after year, and the cost of a data breach is growing too. In fact, according to an IBM 2024 report, the average cost of a corporate data breach was roughly £3.75 million.

But that’s not to say small businesses aren’t also being targeted. In fact, according to a 2023 government survey, cybercrime costs businesses that are breached or attacked around £15,300.

The National Cyber Security Centre defines cyber security as how individuals and organisations reduce the risk of cyber attacks. As we look at what is cyber security, we’ll explore the categories of cyber security and what they mean, as well as why cyber security is important.

Types of cyber security

Critical infrastructure security

Critical infrastructure is about the essential systems and assets that are vital to society and the economy, such as communications, dams, the public sector, transportation, and energy. Think power grids and water supplies.

Application security

This focuses on tackling application vulnerabilities in the development and publishing stages, making sure the software works correctly without exploitations. It also applies to the development of websites as well as applications.

Cloud security

Cloud services now have widespread use, making it a crucial focal point for cyber security. This means having measures in place to secure the cloud environments used, solidifying data integrity, confidentially, and availability when needed.

IoT (Internet of Things) security

This area mostly involves securing smart devices connected to the IoT. How can their vulnerabilities be identified and limited to minimise potential cyber security threats? This could be through things like regularly updating the firmware of smart devices so vulnerabilities are patched.

Network security

It’s the foundation of a secure IT infrastructure. It involves protecting the interconnected systems of your business, devices, and data, such as servers, firewalls, operating systems and more.

Why is cyber security important

Protects sensitive data

Cyber security is all about protecting sensitive data held on computer networks, and it’s one of the most important reasons businesses need to be cyber secure. Customer data, company information, and key credentials need to be safeguarded from cyber attacks, and strong cyber security makes sure of that.

Strong business reputation

Customers, clients and partners trust you to protect their data. With effective cyber security processes, you can prove to them that you’re committed to protecting their data, and retain your well-earned reputation.

Ensures business continuity

Minimise downtime caused by cyber attacks, by preventing them, or limiting their impact if they do happen. Backup systems and recovery plans can help get your business back up and running, so you can continue doing what you do best.

Helps you stay compliant with regulations

Being cyber secure can help you to stay compliant with GDPR regulations and other legal requirements. With data protection and privacy requirements becoming more stringent, it’s vital that your business meets them all.

Avoid financial losses from cyber attacks

Whether it’s legal consequences, costs of tackling the breach or any other financial burdens linked to the cyber attack, if your business is cyber secure then you’ll reduce the risks of these losses.

Train your staff in cyber security with iHasco

Providing your staff with the tools and knowledge they need to know about cyber security plays a pivotal role in a good cyber security strategy, as it allows your staff to work with you to protect your business against cyber threats. And we’ve got you covered!

Here at iHasco, we offer a CPD Accredited Cyber Security Awareness Training course that’s been designed for all businesses and employees of all levels to help protect your devices, networks, software, and data from attacks.

We also offer a range of other cyber-related courses including GDPR Training and Fraud Awareness and Prevention Training, to help you tick all the cyber protection boxes.

We’re already helping thousands of organisations just like yours with their cyber security training requirements. Let us help you too. Request a bespoke quote today and we’ll be in touch to discuss your unique training requirements.

You can also check out our guide to cyber security blog too for more support and information.