What is cybersecurity? Types, threats and best practices

Definition of cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorised access, disruption, or destruction caused by cyber threats such as malware, phishing, and data breaches. According to the UK National Cyber Security Centre and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), cybersecurity employs a range of strategies, technologies, and policies to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA Triad) of digital information (NCSC Guidance, NIST Glossary).

Why is cybersecurity important?

• Individuals: Protects personal data, online identities, and devices from threats like identity theft and viruses.
• Businesses: Safeguards customer data, intellectual property, and operations from cyberattacks that can cause financial loss or reputational damage.
• Governments: Maintains the resilience of critical national infrastructure and protects against cyber espionage and state-sponsored attacks.

According to the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey (2023), 32% of businesses identified cyberattacks in the previous 12 months, highlighting the increasing significance of robust cybersecurity measures (GOV.UK Survey).

Core functions and principles

1. Prevention: Introducing controls such as firewalls, endpoint security, and multi-factor authentication.
2. Detection: Using intrusion detection systems and monitoring to identify cyber threats quickly.
3. Response: Enacting incident response plans to minimise damage during an active threat.
4. Recovery: Restoring systems and data following an incident through backups and patching vulnerabilities.

The CIA Triad underpins all cybersecurity strategies: ensuring confidentiality (only authorised access), integrity (accuracy of information), and availability (information accessible when needed).

Types of cybersecurity

Common cybersecurity threats

• Malware: Malicious software such as viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware.
• Phishing: Fraudulent messages designed to trick users into disclosing sensitive information.
• Social engineering: Manipulation of individuals to gain confidential data.
• Data breach: Unauthorised disclosure of sensitive information.
• Cyberattack: Any attempt to disrupt, disable, or control computer systems.
• Zero-day exploit: Attacks that target vulnerabilities before they can be patched.
• Advanced persistent threat (APT): Prolonged and targeted cyberattacks, often carried out by organised groups.

Cybersecurity best practices

• Use strong, unique passwords and change them regularly.
• Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
• Update and patch operating systems and applications promptly.
• Verify email senders and beware of unexpected attachments or links (phishing protection).
• Install and maintain up-to-date antivirus and firewall software.
• Back up important data securely and regularly.
• Limit access based on the principle of least privilege.
• Follow cyber hygiene routines and educate staff about social engineering risks.
• Develop an incident response plan and conduct regular security training.
• Adopt a zero trust approach by continuously verifying devices and users.

Cybersecurity roles and careers

The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow. Typical roles include:

• Security analyst
• Penetration tester (ethical hacker)
• Security architect
• Incident responder
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Qualifications such as CISSP, CompTIA Security+, and NIST Framework knowledge are often required for advancement.

Cybersecurity vs information security

While cybersecurity focuses on protecting digital assets from cyber threats, information security encompasses the protection of all information assets, both digital and physical. Cybersecurity is thus a subset of information security.

Glossary of key cybersecurity entities

• Malware: Harmful software aimed at damaging or stealing data.
• Firewall: Hardware or software for controlling traffic based on security rules.
• Encryption: Transforming data so it is unreadable without a key.
• Phishing: Deceptive messages to acquire sensitive data.
• Zero trust: Security approach requiring all users be continuously verified.
• NIST: US National Institute of Standards and Technology, provider of key cybersecurity frameworks.
• CIA Triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability – three core cybersecurity goals.
• Intrusion detection: Identifying unauthorised activity on networks or systems.
• Vulnerability: Weakness in a system that may be exploited by threats.
• Incident response: Organised approach to addressing and managing security incidents.

FAQs

What is cybersecurity in simple words?

Cybersecurity means protecting computers, networks, and data from unauthorised access and attacks to keep them secure and private.

What are the main types of cybersecurity?

The main types are network security, application security, endpoint security, cloud security, and information security.

What are the top cybersecurity threats?

Major threats include malware, phishing, ransomware, social engineering, data breaches, and zero-day exploits.

How is information security different from cybersecurity?

Information security covers protection of all types of information, while cybersecurity is focused specifically on securing digital data and systems from cyber threats.

How can individuals and organisations protect themselves?

Use unique strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, regularly update software, guard against phishing, use antivirus and firewalls, and maintain data backups.

What is the CIA Triad in cybersecurity?

The CIA Triad refers to the three core principles: confidentiality, integrity, and availability, which all security measures aim to protect.

What does a cybersecurity professional do?

A cybersecurity professional safeguards networks and systems from attacks, detects vulnerabilities, manages incidents, and ensures compliance with security policies.