Cybersecurity
Protection of IT systems, networks and data from digital attacks – with measures such as penetration testing, encryption, firewalls and security awareness.
Cyber attacks are rising sharply: in 2024 they caused huge estimated damage in Germany alone. Ransomware, phishing and supply-chain attacks threaten organisations of all sizes. Cybersecurity is no longer optional but essential. The question is not if an attack will happen but when – and how well you are prepared.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity (IT security, information security) covers all technologies, processes and practices to protect IT systems, networks, data and programs from digital attacks, unauthorised access and data loss. The CIA triad is the basis: Confidentiality (only authorised access), Integrity (data is not altered) and Availability (systems are reachable). Cybersecurity is holistic: technology alone is not enough – training, processes and incident response matter too.
How does Cybersecurity work?
Defence in depth is the standard approach: multiple layers protect systems so one failure does not mean total loss. Perimeter: firewalls, WAFs, DDoS protection. Network: segmentation, VPN, IDS/IPS. Endpoint: antivirus, EDR, device management. Data: encryption (at rest and in transit), access control, DLP. Application: secure coding, SAST/DAST, penetration testing. Monitoring: SIEM correlates logs and detects anomalies in real time.
Practical Examples
Zero Trust: Every access is verified regardless of origin. Micro-segmentation limits lateral movement.
Penetration test: Ethical hackers test web apps, network and people (e.g. social engineering) and document findings by priority.
Security awareness: Simulated phishing trains staff to recognise attacks. Click rates often drop from ~30% to under 5%.
Incident response: A clear plan defines who does what when e.g. ransomware is detected: isolate, communicate, forensicate, recover.
Vulnerability management: Scans (e.g. Qualys, Nessus) find weaknesses; patches are prioritised and applied.
Typical Use Cases
Corporate network: Firewall, VPN, segmentation and monitoring
Web applications: WAF, OWASP Top 10 mitigation, HTTPS and CSP
Cloud: IAM, encryption, security groups and posture management
Compliance: GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC 2 and sector rules (PCI-DSS, HIPAA)
Remote work: Secure access (VPN/Zero Trust), device management and MFA
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Prevention is far cheaper than cleaning up after an incident
- Trust: Customers and partners trust organisations that demonstrate security
- Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements and avoid fines
- Continuity: Prepared organisations recover faster
- Advantage: Certifications (e.g. ISO 27001) open doors with enterprise customers
Disadvantages
- Cost: Strong cybersecurity requires ongoing investment
- Complexity: The threat landscape changes – continuous learning is needed
- Friction: Strict measures (MFA, access limits) can slow workflows
- Skills shortage: Security experts are scarce and expensive
- No guarantee: Even good measures cannot promise 100% protection
Frequently Asked Questions about Cybersecurity
What are the biggest cyber threats for businesses?
What does a cyber attack cost?
How do I start with cybersecurity?
Related Terms
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