What are the five types of cyber security?

Cyber security is the protection of networks, data, and digital information. These are threatened by hackers who want to steal sensitive information via data breaches. Therefore, companies that deal with copious amounts of data must invest in highly skilled individuals to help data protection. With cyber-attacks on the rise, 77% of businesses say that cyber security is a high priority for their directors or senior managers.

We have put together five different types of cyber security that you need to be aware of.

What is Critical National Infrastructure cyber security?

The Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) differs among countries, they are assets that are essential for the functioning of the economy. In the UK, the CNI is compromised of the following:

• Chemicals

• Civil Nuclear

• Communications

• Defence

• Emergency Services

• Energy

• Finance

• Food

• Government

• Health

• Space

• Transport

• Water

The CNI is becoming increasingly digital which raises many cyber security risks, these potential risks can be detrimental to lives and the economy. To deal with such large infrastructures each country has its own cyber security teams. In the UK we have the National Cyber Security Centre, they can  ‘monitor incidents, provide early warnings, disseminate information, conduct cyber threat assessments, and provide general technical support to competent authorities.’

What is network security?

Network security refers to the processes and technologies in place that protect a company’s network from hackers. It is vital in protecting sensitive client and company information. If companies have well-designed network security, it means they are less likely to have a data breach in the future and therefore it is essential that companies dealing with data invest in their skilled professionals. According to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, in 2021 more than 6,000 new jobs were added to the UK’s 50,000-strong cyber workforce.

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What is cloud security?

Cloud security involves the protection of cloud-based systems, data, and infrastructure. With the rise in hybrid working models, many companies have adopted cloud computing. In 2022, the global public cloud services market is expected to grow by approximately 22 percent, which amounts to about £368 billion pounds. Some measures to protect important company data might include using firewalls, data encryption, multi-factor authentication, VPNs, and many other protocols.

What is IoT (Internet of Things) security?

IoT security is the protection of internet devices and the networks to which they are connected. With up to one million devices connecting every day, they are increasingly becoming a new threat to attackers. From activity trackers to home security sensors, any item that is connected to a network needs to be secure. Unlike smartphones, many IoT devices are not built with enough memory to have security solutions and encryption tools that protect them from threats. Therefore, end users can take different measures to help protect their devices, including:

• Changing the name and password on the router

• Using strong passwords with a combination of characters and symbols

• Use a strong encryption method for wi-Fi access

• Avoid public Wi-Fi

What is application security?

This security refers to protecting the sensitive information retrieved from apps, the security is set up before the applications are deployed, and during its lifecycle when the user performs regular updates. Different types of application security include authentication, authorisation, encryption, logging, and application security testing. All of these processes help to reduce the number of software vulnerabilities, helping reduce the overall impact of the attacks.

By 2023, £5.2 trillion pounds will be invested into digital transformation within companies, this includes the development of their cyber security procedures. The demand for skilled IT and Tech professionals within this sector will only continue to grow.