Cyber security protects data, digital information and networks from any cyber attack – an evolving danger to consumers, employees and organisations. Cyber attacks aim to access sensitive data to extort money or destroy the data – which can damage businesses and people’s personal lives, especially if you are a victim of identity theft.

Cyber attacks are also on the rise. A recent survey by the UK Government revealed that 39% of UK businesses identified at least one cyber attack on their operations in the last 12 months. The most common threat identified by the affected companies was phishing attempts (83%).

So, what is cyber security, and what are the five types of it?

What is cyber security?

The National Cyber Security Centre defines cyber security as “how individuals and organisations reduce the risk of cyber attack.” Its “core function is to protect the devices we all use (smartphones, laptops, tablets and computers) and the services we access – both online and at work – from theft and damage.”

It is also vital to prevent unauthorised access to the vast amounts of personal information we store on these devices and online.

What are the five types of cyber security?

Cyber security can be broken down into five distinct types:

#1 Application Security

Application Security addresses vulnerabilities resulting from insecure development processes in the coding, designing and publishing of software or a website. There are different kinds of application security, such as authentication, authorisation, encryption and logging.

#2 Cloud Security

Cloud Security is concerned with securing the cloud’s applications, data and infrastructure. This has become more important over recent years with the rise in hybrid working models meaning the global public cloud services market is expected to grow by 22% this year alone.

#3 Critical Infrastructure Security

Organisations that make up our country’s Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) tend to be more vulnerable than other organisations as their Supervisory Control, and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems rely on older software. In the UK, the following areas of the industry are classed as CNI:

  • Chemicals
  • Civil Nuclear
  • Communications
  • Defence
  • Emergency Services
  • Energy
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Government
  • Health
  • Space
  • Transport
  • Water

The Network and Information Systems Regulations 2018 (NIS) covers companies within these industries, as they are becoming increasingly digital, increasing the risk of cyber attacks. These regulations require organisations to implement the appropriate organisational and technical measures to manage their security risks.

#4 Internet of Things (IoT) Security

IoT security ensures that any smart devices or networks connected to the IoT are secured. IoT devices connect to the internet without human intervention, e.g. fire alarms, lights and thermostats. Many IoT devices are built without enough memory to have encryption tools and security solutions to protect them from threats, meaning end-users must take different measures to protect their devices.

#5 Network Security

Network Security involves addressing any vulnerabilities that affect your network architecture and operating systems, such as firewalls, hosts, network protocols, servers and wireless access points. Network security is vital for companies dealing with data to help protect themselves from data breaches.

As you can imagine, cyber security jobs are a growing sector in cloud and data recruitment, with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport revealing that more than 6,000 new jobs were added to the existing 50,000-strong cyber workforce in 2021 alone.

£5.2 trillion is expected to be invested in the digital transformation of companies by 2023, which will also cover the need to develop cyber security procedures. Therefore, the demand for skilled cloud and data professionals in this area will only grow.

To start your career in cyber security or strengthen your existing cyber security team, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the experienced recruitment consultants at Agile Recruit today at 0330 335 5545 or at info@agilerecruit.com

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