Cyber security is the application of technologies, processes and controls to protect systems, networks, programs, devices and data from cyber attacks. It aims to reduce the risk of cyber attacks and protect against the unauthorised exploitation of systems, networks and technologies.
A cyber security threat refers to any possible malicious attack that seeks to unlawfully access data, disrupt digital operations or damage information. Cyber threats can originate from various sources, including corporate spies, hacktivists, terrorist groups, hostile nation-states, criminal organisations, lone hackers and disgruntled employees.
Cyber attackers can use an individual’s or a company’s sensitive data to steal information or gain access to their finances, among other potentially damaging actions, which is why cyber security professionals are essential for keeping private data protected. Cyber security threats can include:
Malware – malicious software such as spyware, ransomware, viruses and woms. Malware is activated when a user clicks on a malicious link or attachment, which leads to installing dangerous software.
Emotet - an advanced, modular banking Trojan that primarily functions as a downloader or dropper of other banking Trojans. Emotet continues to be among the most costly and destructive malware.
Denial of Service (DoS) - a type of cyber attack that floods a computer or network so it can’t respond to requests.
Man in the Middle (MITM) – an attack occurs when hackers insert themselves into a two-party transaction. After interrupting the traffic, they can filter and steal data.
Phishing - fake communication, such as an email, to trick the receiver into opening it and carrying out the instructions inside, such as providing a credit card number.
SQL Injection - a Structured Query Language (SQL) injection is a type of cyber attack that results from inserting malicious code into a server that uses SQL. When infected, the server releases information
Password Attacks - with the right password, a cyber attacker has access to a wealth of information.
As the number of threats continue to increase year on year, the need for cyber security professionals is likewise increasing with the UK workforce is struggling to meet demand. So more people need to develop the skills to fill the gap.
A 2020 government report on the UK cyber security labour market found that approximately 653,000 businesses (48%) have a basic skills gap, in areas such as setting up configured firewalls, storing or transferring personal data, and detecting and removing malware. A further 408,000 businesses (30%) have more advanced skills gaps, in areas such as penetration testing, forensic analysis and security architecture.
*This course is part of the government’s National Skills Fund Level 3 Adult Offer please visit our Student Finance page to establish whether you might be eligible to study free of charge.
85% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error
