What does cyber security really mean?

Are you looking into a career in cyber security? Maybe you’re just discovering the industry after seeing the numerous reports on data breaches in recent news?

With so much jargon flying around, and so many amazing jobs with confusing names in amongst it all, we’re here to clarify what cyber security really means and why you should be learning more about it.

What is cyber security?

Put simply, cyber security is the practice of securing systems against cyber attacks. So, the question is really – what are cyber attacks?

Cyber attacks are aimed at destroying or maiming business networks in order to access private information or put the company’s data at risk. The end goal is usually disrupting business and stealing data which can be used illegally.

Effective cyber security measures are essential to protecting companies from dangerous attacks which damage company reputation and lose businesses money. Cyber security is a process and involves educating and implementing systems that will protect a business in the event of a cyber attack.  Currently though, cyber security as an industry is severely lacking in professionals – Europe alone is expecting a shortage of 350,000 cyber security professionals by 2022.

Areas of Cyber Security

With so many areas within cyber security, it’s time to clear up what it all means…

• Network security

Network security refers to securing a network from cyber hackers who are out to steal company data and put network systems at risk. Every business needs network security professionals to ensure that their networks run effectively. If they go down, business is compromised.
 

• Information security

Information security deals with protecting information whilst it is potentially stored or transferred between businesses. The importance of protecting private information has been reinforced in recent months, with the BA hacking scandal causing uproar as 978 million customers were affected…

• Disaster recovery

Inevitably accidents do happen and breaches do occur. This area of cyber security is concerned with dealing with issues once the breach has happened. Whilst other areas of cyber security deal with preventing the hacks, this area defines how a business recovers and moves on after a cyber security attack.

• Operational Security

Operational security is more people based, and concerns educating those using a network. This is also known as risk management because it involves weighing up and aiming to minimise risks within an organisation. Analyzing vulnerabilities and trying to minimise them is the name of the game.

 

How do I get into cyber security?

With demand being so high, and research from the CompTIA EMEA Member & Partner Conference stating that cyber attacks are the highest concern for 40% of CEO, the time to get into cyber security is now.

It’s not just corporates that need cyber professionals in order to protect themselves from cyber attacks – every industry from governments to airports and retail are seeking protection against dangerous cyber security breaches.

So, what do you need to get into the industry? Well, the soft skills needed for a career in cyber security include an ability to communicate effectively, the ability to cope well with pressure and a keen eye for detail. If you’ve got those nailed, the technical skills are a must too. We have a range of cyber security courses as well as an exclusive partnership with EC Council – creators of the Certified Ethical Hacker course to help you gain the qualifications you need.

Are you interested in learning more about the cyber security industry? Find out what Country Manager, Philip Blake, has to say about the partnership in our latest blog post. Alternatively, chat with our career consultants who are clued up on all you need to know about the cyber security industry.