What Is Cyber Security & Why Is It So Important in 2026?
Cyber security is more important than ever before — and so is filling the cyber skills gap in the UK with trained professionals! I'll cover the foundations of what cyber security is, what it entails, and why it's increasingly important for corporate and national safety, as well as what a career in this sector can look like.
Cyber attacks seem to make the news almost weekly now. It’s no surprise that people's interest in what cyber security and cyber defence are is also growing.
I've worked in cyber sector career consultancy for several years and have noticed a shift in the conversations with aspiring cyber professionals. Some are now curious in the sector because of the headlines. Some have been thinking seriously about a career move into cyber for a while, but don’t know where to start.
Many people I've spoken to assume cyber security was only for “techy people", which isn’t the case at all.
I’ve put this guide together to give you a clear explanation of what cyber security is and why it matters so much in the UK (and globally) right now.
I'll also touch on what a career in this sector looks like. However, if you're looking for a detailed guide on how to get into cyber as a career, take a look at our dedicated article on how to get into cyber security that breaks the journey down step by step.
Written by
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.
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What Is Cyber Security?
When people ask me what cyber security actually is, I usually strip it right back.
At its simplest, cyber security is the practice of protecting the technology we rely on every day: the systems, networks, and data that keep businesses running and help us live our lives online.
It’s about stopping attacks, spotting weaknesses, and responding quickly when something goes wrong.
What often surprises people is that cyber security isn’t a single job or a single skill. It’s a mix of approaches and tools, but it’s also very much about people. You’ve got
- technical specialists keeping networks safe,
- analysts monitoring threats,
- and teams who focus on policies, training, and behaviour.
All of it works together to reduce risk.
I see more organisations asking for this blend of skills because the volume and complexity of attacks keep rising. They need people who can think critically, communicate clearly, and stay curious about how technology works.
That doesn’t mean you need to be an expert to begin. It simply means there’s real value in building the right foundations, and there’s space for motivated beginners to grow into the field.
Fact: UK Businesses are Hit With an Average of 30 Cyber Crimes Per Year
Government data shows that organisations experiencing at least one cybercrime don’t just face isolated incidents; they face many. Among those affected, the average number of cyber crimes in the past 12 months was around 30, highlighting how persistent and repeated attacks have become.
It’s a reminder that cyber security isn’t about preventing a single breach; it’s about building ongoing resilience.
Why Cyber Security Matters Today More Than Ever
If you feel like cyber attacks are everywhere at the moment, you’re not imagining it. UK businesses appear in the news for breaches with worrying regularity.
In fact, recent research shows that the UK is now the most targeted country for cyber attacks.
I speak to learners who tell me they used to think this was something that only affected big tech companies. Until they realised how close to home it really is.
The impact isn’t abstract. A single attack can lead to:
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disrupted services
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leaked personal information
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financial loss for individuals and organisations
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weeks of operational downtime
When someone realises this, there’s usually a moment where they say, “I didn’t think it affected people like me.” But it does. Cyber security protects the accounts you log into, the payments you make, the companies you trust with your data, and even the public services you rely on.
I see more organisations paying attention because the threat landscape keeps shifting, and the consequences of being unprepared are now too serious to ignore.
Good cyber security is no longer just a technical safeguard anymore; it’s part of how we keep daily life running smoothly in an increasingly digital world.
The Main Areas of Cyber Security
When someone first looks into cyber security, it can feel like a maze of terms and specialisms. I often break it down into a few core areas so learners can see how everything fits together. You don’t need to master all of these to get started, but understanding the landscape helps you picture where you might fit.
Network Security
This focuses on protecting the routes data travels through. Everything from office Wi-Fi to large corporate networks. I think of it as building strong, intelligent boundaries around an organisation’s digital environment. The goal is to stop unauthorised access and keep systems running smoothly.
Application Security
Here, the emphasis is on the software we use every day. That might mean testing apps for weaknesses, reviewing code, or working closely with developers to prevent issues before they ever become a threat. It's a hands-on area that appeals to people who enjoy problem-solving.
Cloud Security
With so many organisations moving to the cloud, this area has grown incredibly quickly. Cloud Security professionals work to secure data, tools, and services hosted online. Modern solutions often include automated threat detection, which is where developments in AI in cyber security are becoming especially important.
Incident Response & Recovery
When an attack happens, these are the people who step in. I’ve spoken to learners who naturally gravitate toward this work because they like fast thinking and clear processes. It’s about containing the threat, understanding what went wrong, and helping the organisation recover safely.
Governance, Risk & Compliance
This is the area that keeps the whole organisation accountable. It covers policies, training, risk assessments, and behaviour. A lot of this work relies on strong communication and awareness. Exactly the kind of strengths we highlight when discussing cyber security soft skills, which matter just as much as technical knowledge.
The Growing Cyber Threat Landscape
One thing I always tell learners is that cyber security doesn’t stand still. The threat landscape shifts constantly, and you only have to look at the Top 5 cyber attacks in the UK this year to see how quickly tactics evolve.
Attackers are experimenting with new tools, targeting organisations of every size, and moving faster than many teams can respond.
For professionals, this creates a working environment that’s never dull. You’re learning all the time, adjusting to new risks, and helping organisations stay one step ahead. A lot of people enjoy cyber precisely because of this pace… there’s always something new to investigate or understand.
If you like problem-solving and staying curious, the evolving nature of the job becomes a big part of its appeal.
The UK’s Cyber Skills Gap – And What It Means for You
One thing I notice when speaking to people considering a move into cyber is that they worry the industry might be “too crowded” already. The reality is the opposite.
Recent government research shows that 49% of UK businesses have a cyber security skills gap, and I hear the impact of that from employers all the time. They’re struggling to find people with the right training and mindset.
This isn’t a passing trend. It’s a long-term workforce problem driven by:
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rapid technological change
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increasingly complex attacks
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more organisations are operating online than ever
Demand keeps rising, but the pipeline of skilled people hasn’t caught up. For anyone exploring a career change into cyber, this creates real opportunity.
Having worked in the cyber careers consultancy space for many years I’ve spoken to people working in retail, hospitality, logistics, and healthcare, all of which bring transferable strengths that cyber employers genuinely value. These are soft skills like:
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clear communication
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curiosity
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the ability to stay calm and organised
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willingness to learn
Technical skills can be taught. These habits are harder to find.
If you’re ready to build the right foundations, there’s a clear path into the field and plenty of room to grow.
Fact: Cyber Sector Growth Now Strongest Outside London
Recent analysis shows a noticeable shift in where cyber security investment is going. A growing share of external investment into UK cyber firms now lands outside London and the South East, signalling national demand for cyber skills and opportunities across the country.
For career changers, it means cyber roles are becoming more evenly distributed. Not limited to one region or major city.
What Does a Career in Cyber Security Look Like?
When someone asks me what working in cyber actually feels like day to day, I usually explain that it’s a mix of people, processes, and technology.
Want a rewarding career? Cyber may be the one...
If you're drawn to work that’s meaningful, fast-evolving, and genuinely useful to organisations of all sizes, a career in cyber offers a pathway that grows with you. No matter where you’re starting from.
Even in entry-level roles, you’re helping organisations understand risk, making sure systems are configured safely, and supporting colleagues when something looks suspicious.
Most beginners start in roles like Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, or Junior Risk Analyst.
In these positions, you might monitor alerts, review logs for unusual activity, help improve internal processes, or support investigations when something doesn’t look right. It’s structured work, but there’s always variety because threats change so quickly.
I often speak to people who assume they need to specialise immediately when they go into cyber security, but that usually comes later. Early on, you’re building broad, reliable foundations and getting comfortable with how different parts of security fit together. Good training makes this easier, and many people take cyber security courses to develop these skills in a focused, practical way.
Final Thoughts on Cyber Security as a Practice and Career
If cyber security still feels a bit overwhelming, that’s completely normal.
Almost every person I’ve supported into a cyber career has started with very low or no experience of the sector, and this is intimidating. With the right guidance, the fundamentals become far more manageable than they first appear. It’s a field that rewards curiosity, steady practice, and a willingness to learn.
If you're considering a cyber career and you’d like personalised advice on where to begin, you’re always welcome to book a free consultation with one of our experts. We’re here to help you find your next step.
