What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity definition

Cybersecurity is often confused with information security.

Cybersecurity focuses on protecting computer systems from unauthorized access or being otherwise damaged or made inaccessible.

Robust cybersecurity involves implementing controls based on three pillars: people, processes and technology. This three-pronged approach helps organizations defend themselves from both organized attacks and common internal threats, such as accidental breaches and human error.

Information security, is a broader category that looks to protect all information assets, whether in hard copy or in digital form.

Cybersecurity checklist

Boost your cyber defences with these must-have security measures:

1. Staff awareness training

Human error is the leading cause of data breaches, so you need to equip staff with the knowledge to deal with the threats they face. Training courses will show staff how security threats affect them and help them apply best-practice advice to real-world situations.

2. Application security

Web application vulnerabilities are a common point of intrusion for cyber criminals. As applications play an increasingly critical role in business, it is vital to focus on web application security.

3. Network security

Network security is the process of protecting the usability and integrity of your network and data. This is achieved by conducting a network penetration test, which scans your network for vulnerabilities and security issues.

4. Leadership commitment

Leadership commitment is the key to cyber resilience. Without it, it is very difficult to establish or enforce effective processes. Top management must be prepared to invest in appropriate cybersecurity resources, such as awareness training.

5. Password management

You should implement a password management policy provides guidance to ensure staff create strong passwords and keep them secure.