Cybersecurity 101: What it is and why it mattersIn today's digital age, cybersecurity plays a critical role in safeguarding sensitive information and protecting businesses from cyber threats. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is at an all-time high. What is Cybersecurity? Cybersecurity is the practice of safeguarding our computer systems, networks, and sensitive data. At its core, it's the practice of defending against cyberattacks - the ever-evolving threats that can disrupt, compromise, or harm our digital infrastructure. These attacks come in various forms, from malicious software (malware) to phishing attempts, denial-of-service attacks, and social engineering. As technology advances, so do the tactics employed by cybercriminals. Therefore, staying informed and proactive in our cybersecurity measures is essential to protect our devices, information, and privacy. Types of cyberattacks It's no secret that the evolution of technology in recent years has been immensely life-changing to the entire industry. However, along with these technological advances have come improved cyberattack advances. Every day I speak with people who work within Cybersecurity and organisations are consistently encountering new attacks they have never seen before. It seems that in today's world, organisations will need to find comfort in the uncertainty of encountering new cyberattacks on a regular basis. However, this isn't to say that there aren't common examples of cyberattacks organisations can expect to see. Below are a few examples of common cyberattacks anyone working in an organisation could be targeted with: Malware (malicious software). This refers to any intrusive software which is designed to cause disruption or harm to a victim's computers, networks or devices. This could include viruses which infect your systems or stealing sensitive data. Phising. These are scams which are sent by attackers who claim to be reputable or trusted companies in order to have you click a malicious link or install malware onto your device, allowing them to access your personal data. Ransomware. This is a type of malware which will block access to the victim's personal data, unless a ransom is paid to the attackers. Although the above explains some of the most common types of cyberattacks, it's important to note that many of these attacks occur hand in hand. Therefore, someone might use a phising email to get you to download a virus onto your computer, which in turn allows attackers to download other forms of malware or ransomware and access sensitive data. Currently in the market there have been a lot of the conversations going on about AI. Despite it being very new, I've had several conversations with technologists working in the Cyber space about how many of the security threats they’re facing, have got to do with AI. In addition to AI, the rise of hybrid working in recent years has also caused some alarm from a safety and security perspective. Tech Target recently released an article in March, delving into thetop 10 remote Cybersecurity risks and how organisations can better prevent them. In the article, they explain how employees working off unsecured networks can cause major headaches for the Cyber and IT teams within an organisation. With employees having the flexibility to work from the office, their homes, coffee shops or any other location with a public WiFi connection, hackers have the advantage of organisations not being able to corporately manage these networks. Why is Cybersecurity important to organisations? Prioritising cybersecurity in any organisation is vital, because it protects your business from potential technological threats. It provides a safety net for companies’ online, especially in today's day and age where so much of the work we do and private-sensitive information we safeguard is stored online, on servers. Running a business without taking the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and security online would be the same as skydiving without a parachute. Besides keeping the business’ information safe, cybersecurity also plays a big role in protecting an organisation financially. Provided by Business.com in their ‘SMB Budget for Cybersecurity’ article, according toIBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost per breached record is up to $164. Ensuring the safety and security of your organisation is key to maintaining a positive reputation. When there is a lack of secure cybersecurity procedures, customers cannot trust an organisation, whether that’s with the protection of their personal data or their private finances. By dedicating time and money to cybersecurity, an organisation can create a solid foundation for online safety for their business, employees and customers. And when you have a strong security foundation, you set yourself help to have a more efficient online system with less future cyberattacks. Is there a difference between Information and Cyber Security? Although the terms Information and Cyber Security are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct approaches to ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. Cybersecurity primarily deals with safeguarding digital assets, networks, and systems from cyber threats, such as malware, hacking attempts, phishing attacks, and unauthorised access. It operates within the digital realm, addressing risks related to computers, servers, mobile devices, and cloud services. Examples of cybersecurity include employing firewalls, using encryption, conducting vulnerability assessments, and monitoring network traffic. In comparison, InfoSec (information security) encompasses a broader perspective, aiming to protect all forms of information—both digital and physical. It includes data stored on paper, in databases, or transmitted electronically. Examples of information security include protecting sensitive files, securing physical records, and ensuring proper access controls. In summary, while cybersecurity focuses specifically on digital threats, information security takes a holistic approach, safeguarding all types of data and ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The rising demand for specialists in Cybersecurity The rising demand for specialists in cybersecurity reflects the increasing complexity and frequency of cyber threats in today's digital environment. As businesses and organisations continue to rely heavily on technology and online platforms, the need for experts to defend against and mitigate cyber risks has never been greater. This surge in demand is driven by several factors, including the increase of sophisticated cyberattacks, the expansion of remote and hybrid work environments, and the rapid advancement of technologies like artificial intelligence, which both pose new threats and offer new tools for defence. As a result, skilled cybersecurity professionals are sought after to protect sensitive data, ensure compliance with regulations, and maintain the overall integrity of digital infrastructures. The growing awareness of cybersecurity's critical role in safeguarding organisational assets and maintaining customer trust further fuels this demand, making cybersecurity an increasingly vital and dynamic field for career opportunities. Whether you're new to the industry, or a seasonedveteran, navigating the cybersecurity space can be a very daunting feat. To help with this, I've written an article,"Exploring Cybersecurity Careers: What to expect and how to navigate your career path"which highlights the key job titles, salary expectations, career pathways and many more tips and tricks to navigate this industry. Summary Cybersecurity is essential in today's digital landscape, where evolving threats pose significant risks to businesses and individuals alike. It involves protecting computer systems, networks, and sensitive data from cyberattacks such as malware, phishing, and ransomware. As these threats grow more sophisticated, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to rise. Effective cybersecurity practices not only safeguard an organisation's information but also protect its financial stability and reputation. By investing in robust cybersecurity measures, businesses can build a strong defence against future attacks, ensuring the safety of their digital assets and the trust of their customers. About the Author: Holly Jennings Holly is a Consultant working within our Financial Services practice at Harvey Nash. Since joining the team, Holly has gained immense experience and knowledge within the Financial Services sector and specialises in recruiting for IT Infrastructure & Operation positions, ranging from senior to junior level roles. To find out more about Holly, view her profilehere. Or if you would like to get in touch about cybersecurity roles, pleaseget in touch.
