What is cyber security?

Posted: 2nd June 2024 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Cyber security is the essential practice of safeguarding our digital assets – devices, networks, systems, and infrastructure – from malicious attacks. Whether you’re an individual, a company, or a government, a robust security system with multiple layers of protection is your best defence. This could include firewalls, antivirus software, anti-spyware software and password management tools.

Why Individuals Need Strong Cyber Security

For individuals, weak cyber security can have devastating consequences. It can lead to financial losses, identity theft, and even threats to personal safety. To stay safe online, exercise caution, use antivirus software on all your devices, create strong passwords, and avoid interacting with suspicious emails.

Securing Your Mobile Devices

Mobile phones are prime targets for cyber attacks. To protect them, consider installing phone-locking applications or enabling multi-factor authentication in case of loss. Additionally, use security tools that can detect and block suspicious activity from apps that leak data or lack proper virus protection.

Public Wi-Fi: A Potential Pitfall

Using public Wi-Fi networks carries inherent risks. To avoid “man-in-the-middle” attacks where a third party intercepts your communication, cyber security experts recommend keeping your software up-to-date and avoiding entering personal information on password-protected sites. A virtual private network (VPN) can further safeguard your data by creating a secure, encrypted tunnel for information transmitted over public Wi-Fi.

Cyber security for Businesses: A Matter of Survival

Most businesses today rely heavily on computer systems for their day-to-day operations. A cyber attack can incur significant financial losses and damage their reputation. Data protection regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) add another layer of complexity. Organisations can face hefty fines or sanctions if data breaches occur due to inadequate cyber security measures. This is especially true for international businesses, who must comply with regulations in all the countries they operate in.

 

In 2020, British Airways was fined $26 million by the ICO for an issue that occurred in 2018, where the airline’s systems were breached, resulting in hackers getting their hands on names, addresses and payment card details of 400,000 BA customers. 

According to the ICO, BA had failed to put in place sufficient security measures to protect their systems, networks and data. In fact, at the time of the breach, BA were not even using multi-factor authentication.

 

 

Bolstering Business Defences: Mitigating Cyber Threats

Cyber security is a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. This section explores the importance of investing in robust security measures to minimise cyber crime risks.

Investing in Comprehensive Security Measures

Businesses must prioritise cyber security investments in training, tools, and technology. This includes tools for:

• Third-Party and Supplier Risk Management: Continuously monitor potential vulnerabilities associated with third-party suppliers and partners.
• Data Exposure and Leak Detection: Implement ongoing scans to identify and address data breaches promptly.

Establishing Strong Internal Controls

Robust policies, procedures, and staff training programmes are vital. These empower employees to recognise and defend against data leaks and social engineering scams, a common cyberattack tactic.

Multi-Organisational Enterprises: A Unified Approach

Organisations like the NHS, with multiple collaborating entities, require a unified cyber security strategy. Any gaps in security across the network can be exploited by attackers to compromise the entire system.

Cyber security for Charities: No Longer Optional

Cyber security has become critical for charities that may have previously overlooked this threat. In 2022, a staggering 30% of charities fell victim to cyber attacks.

International Organisations: Navigating a Complex Landscape

International organisations face all the threats mentioned above, with the added challenge of coordinating cyber security across different countries. Specific technologies, laws, and even cyber threats may vary regionally. Hiring local cyber security specialists in each operating country can be crucial.

National Cyber Security: Protecting Critical Infrastructure

For nations, the stakes are high. While concrete risks include attacks on infrastructure and defence systems, data theft can also inflict severe financial losses.

Less tangible but equally significant are risks to public safety, national reputation, economic stability, and international relations.

Building a Robust National Cyber Security Strategy

To combat these threats, nations require a comprehensive national cyber security strategy encompassing:

• National Cyber Security Agency: Establish a dedicated agency to oversee and coordinate national cyber security efforts.
• Critical National Infrastructure Protection Programme: Implement a programme to safeguard critical national infrastructure from cyber attacks.
• National Incident Response and Recovery Plan: Formulate a clear plan for responding to and recovering from cyber incidents.
• Clear Laws Relating to Cyber Crime: Develop clear and enforceable laws to address cyber crimes.
• Cyber security Education and Training: Provide ongoing education and training programmes to raise awareness and build cyber security skills within the nation.

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