Understanding the different types of cyber security threats – December 2025
Discover the types of cyber security threats and how professionals tackle challenges like ransomware, phishing, and insider threats. Explore the risks posed by DDoS attacks and IoT vulnerabilities, and learn how Learning People’s expert-led cyber security courses prepare you for a future-proof career.
Understanding the various types of cyber security threats is crucial for anyone considering a career in cyber. By gaining more of an understanding of the challenges faced by organisations, cyber security professionals can better prepare to protect sensitive data and work towards a more secure future.
With ongoing developments in AI and with the UK being the most targeted country for attacks, we have updated our original article to reflect newer threats that all aspiring professionals should be aware of.
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With almost four years under his belt at Learning People and a background in IT, Chris is perfectly placed to advise students on their tech career paths. Specialising in supporting students find the right careers in IT, tech, data and cyber security, Chris is the go-to for industry insights and technical know how.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Cyber criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to improve the tactics they already rely on, rather than creating entirely new types of attack. AI is helping them work faster, scale their operations and make cyber intrusions more effective. Groups linked to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are using tools such as large language models (LLMs) to avoid detection, gather intelligence, analyse stolen data, carry out social engineering and identify system vulnerabilities.
In the past 18 months, researchers have seen a rise in AI-enabled techniques, including automated spear-phishing, the misuse of cloud-based AI tools and more efficient data exfiltration after a breach. Looking ahead, AI-assisted vulnerability research is expected to be one of the biggest challenges, making it easier to find and exploit weaknesses in systems. Keeping up with these developments will be essential for maintaining cyber resilience as well as utilising AI for cyber defence, is why all of our pathways come with AI training deeply engrained within them.
Cyber proliferation
Cyber proliferation is the widespread, often uncontrolled, spread of advanced cyber tools, skills, and capabilities (like hacking software, malware, and zero-day exploits) to a broad range of actors, including states, criminals, and even individuals, making it easier to conduct cyberattacks, surveillance, and disruption, thereby increasing global cyber threats and instability.
The global market for cyber intrusion tools is expected to grow over the next five years, driven largely by government demand and weaker regulation in some regions. As these capabilities expand, attackers can target a wider range of systems, often through smaller, specialised groups working together rather than large providers.
This increasingly complex threat landscape highlights why cyber security is such a strong career choice. As organisations face growing risks, the demand for skilled professionals to protect systems, data and people continues to rise, making cyber security a resilient and future-proof career path.
Threat to critical national infrastructure (CNI)
The cyber threat to the UK’s critical national infrastructure (CNI), the essential systems and services the country relies on, such as energy, transport and food supply, remains high. Cyber attacks are a low-cost but highly effective way for threat actors to target CNI for espionage, disruption and financial gain.
Ransomware remains the most immediate and damaging threat, with high-profile attacks, such as those linked to the DragonForce group, causing major disruption and large-scale data theft. More widely, there has also been a shift towards lower-skill attacks targeting operational technology (OT) systems, increasing the risk to essential services.
Targeting sensitive information
One of the most common and dangerous cyber security threats is the targeting of sensitive information. Cyber criminals often try to exploit personal or organisational data for financial gain. Phishing attacks are a prime example of this type of threat. As we’ll probably all know from various workplace training, phishing involves deceptive emails or websites that trick users into sharing login info or credit card details, etc. These attacks are becoming increasingly smart, sometimes imitating trusted brands to lure victims into their trap.
Another significant threat in this category is data breaches, which occur when unauthorised people get access to secure systems in order to steal valuable information. This can have terrible destructive consequences for businesses, including financial and reputational damage. For people interested in pursuing a career in cyber security, understanding how to identify vulnerabilities in systems and implement preventative measures is a fundamental skill.
Did you know? There is a significant global shortage of cybersecurity professionals.
Current estimates indicate that the world needs approximately 4.8 million additional cybersecurity professionals to meet demand, a figure that has increased by over 40% in two years
Threat of ransomware
Ransomware has become one of the most disruptive forms of cyber crime in recent years. This type of malware encrypts the victim’s data, making it inaccessible until a sum of money is paid to the attacker. For businesses, these attacks are high stakes, as paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee the return of the data.
Professionals with expertise in malware analysis and incident response are particularly well-equipped to make a difference in this area. If you’re thinking about entering the field, getting some hands-on experience with the techniques used to counteract ransomware can give you a strong foundation for success.
Insider threats
While many cyber security threats come from external sources, insider threats are an equally, if not more pressing concern. Insider threats are when employees or other trusted people exploit their access to a company’s systems for malicious reasons. Insider threats can take many forms, including intellectual property theft and leaking private information.
Addressing insider threats requires a combination of technical know-how and people skills. For example, organisations often implement robust access controls, monitor network activity, and provide regular training to employees on recognising security risks. Aspiring cyber security professionals must understand the importance of promoting a culture of awareness and vigilance in organisations, as human error remains one of the leading causes of security breaches. In fact, according to Verizon's Data Breach Investigations Report, human error is responsible for a massive 82% of data breaches.
Distributed denial-of-service attacks
DDoS attacks pose a different kind of challenge for cyber security pros, as they aim to disrupt the availability of online services rather than steal information. These attacks involve overwhelming a network with traffic, making it unable to respond to legitimate user requests.
The impact of DDoS attacks can be catastrophic, especially for businesses that rely on uninterrupted access to their digital services. Websites, e-commerce platforms and online banking systems are all frequent targets. As DDoS attacks become more accessible to cyber criminals, companies must develop strategies to defend themselves.
Threats to the Internet of Things
The rapid uptake in Internet of Things devices has introduced new opportunities for invention and creativity, but it has also created a whole new realm of security challenges. IoT devices, ranging from smart home appliances to industrial control systems, can be vulnerable to cyber attacks due to weak security protocols or updates.
Understanding the risks associated with IoT devices is becoming more and more important. The nature of IoT devices means that a breach in one system could potentially compromise an entire network. Securing IoT devices requires a proactive approach, including robust encryption and regular patch management.
Capitalising on the need for trained cyber professionals
With all these developments in cyber threats., there’s never been a better time to consider a career in cyber security. If you’re looking to get into the field, investing in high-quality training is a non-negotiable. Cyber security courses provide learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to address the diverse range of threats.
Learning People’s cyber security courses are designed to prepare aspiring professionals for the realities of the industry. By focusing on real-world scenarios and industry-relevant skills, these programmes empower learners to confidently tackle challenges such as data breaches and DDoS attacks.
A career in cyber security offers not only the opportunity to make a meaningful impact but also the chance to be at the forefront of a constantly changing field.
With Learning People’s expert-led training and support, you can take the first step towards an exciting and impactful career in cyber security today.