Why is cyber security important for businesses in the UK?

In today's world, where technology is advanced, keeping a company's information safe from cyber criminals online is highly important. Without an effective cyber security strategy, organisations can become an easy target in the UK. They might have had important data stolen. Because of this and many more reasons, cyber security is important for businesses in the UK.

Technology has changed and so have the ways criminals try to steal information online. Businesses in the UK need to protect their online data from being stolen or damaged. Cybercrime is increasing and businesses are at risk if they don't have good cyber security in the UK.

A good cyber security system is super important for all types of businesses in the UK. This is because most businesses rely on the Internet and digital systems for their daily work.

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As per the cyber security breaches survey 2023, more than 59% of medium-sized and almost 69% of large businesses in the UK experienced some sort of cyber attack.

Without good cyber security in the UK, many of these businesses suffered. They lost the trust of their customers and some even had personal information stolen.

In this blog, we will cover essential topics like why cyber security is important for businesses in the UK, threats to businesses, cyber security courses in the UK and more. But first, let us understand the basics.

What is cyber security?

Let's start by learning about cyber security in the UK and why it's crucial for your business. Simply put, cyber security is the application of a number of techniques and procedures to protect businesses’ confidential data and essential systems from online threats and online data infringements, i.e., cyber crime.

Moreover, cyber attacks are getting more sophisticated. Criminals find it easier to bypass the usual security measures by using aggressive methods like social engineering and AI. To keep up with these changes, companies need to enhance their cyber security, which can protect them from these potential cyber threats.

Who carries out cyber attacks in the UK?

The danger of cyber threats in the UK comes from various types of individuals with different reasons and levels of skill. These could be state and state-sponsored groups, financially motivated criminal organisations who want money and 'hacktivists' who have political goals. Sometimes, it's hard to tell the difference between them. For instance, groups of cyber criminals might work with the support of their countries and pick targets based on political agendas.

How are cyber attacks carried out?

Cyber attacks usually involve malicious software, called 'malware,' which infects the target’s computer system. This malware can disable, damage and extract crucial information from a firm’s computer systems.

To carry out a cyber attack, the people behind it typically:
1. Develop or obtain malware;
2. Find a way into the computer system they want to attack – like finding a vulnerability in the software applications, devices or network;
3. Send the malware into the target system and run it;
4. Carry out the plan, like stealing or encrypting information.

About 95% of cyber attacks happen because of human error on the part of users. This includes ‘active’ errors like opening attachments in malicious emails and ‘passive’ errors like using easy-to-guess weak passwords.

Cyber security in the UK: What does it mean for businesses?

Cyber security involves using different technologies, methods and practices to keep computer systems safe from cyber attacks which either aim to cause damage or break into an organisation’s data without permission.

The most effective types of cyber security in the UK for a business will provide complete protection from many different kinds of attacks. It's good to have a firewall, anti-virus software, protection from spam, secure wireless connections and a filter for online content. It cannot be emphasised enough that cyber security is important for businesses in the UK.

Typical threats to businesses in the UK

  • Adware

Adware is a kind of computer virus which fills your computer with adverts. It's a common form of cyber attack in the UK. When you click on these ads by accident or design, it can release other viruses into your computer.

  • Ransomware

Ransomware is a form of malicious software which withholds access to a computer system until money is paid.

  • Spyware

Spyware is a type of cyber infection which spies on your computer activity. It sends that information to the cybercriminal operating it.

Effective cyber security measures can prevent these viruses from taking effect and ensure that business data stays private and confidential.

Want to gain in-depth knowledge about the threats? Pursue cyber security courses in the UK. Cyber security courses in the UK will help you stay ahead in today’s digital age and protect your valuable information online.

Cyber security is important for businesses in the UK: Reasons

Security is becoming more and more crucial because the risk of cyber attacks on businesses is rising. Our world relies heavily on technology and our info, like personal data, is being shared online through social media.

In addition, sensitive information like credit card details and social security numbers is now being stored on services like Google Drive and Dropbox. This makes it easier for cyber criminals to gain access to that information and misuse it.

Everyone, whether a small business or a conglomerate, uses computer networks every day. And now, with cloud services, smartphones, the Internet of Things (IoT) and new security risks, it's even more important to stay safe.

That's why governments in the UK and worldwide are paying more attention to cyber crime and teaching businesses how to stay safe from cyber attacks.

You can also protect yourself and your business from cyber crimes by studying cyber security courses in the UK.

Let us look at some of the reasons why cyber security is important for businesses in the UK.

What can cyber security do for businesses?
1. Keeps businesses safe Cyber security tools make sure businesses stay safe online. This helps protect employees from dangers like adware and ransomware.
2. Boosts productivity Viruses can make computers slow, making work hard to do. The right cyber security can stop this from happening, helping businesses do their best work.
3. Builds trust with customers When a business is well protected from cyber attacks, it boosts the level of customers’ trust. They feel safer knowing their personal information won't get compromised. This trust is a big benefit of cyber security for any business.
4. Protects customers too Businesses that are safe from cyber threats keep their customers safe too. If a business gets attacked, customers’ personal information could also be at risk.
5. Prevents website problems If a business runs its own website, a cyber attack could be a disaster. If the system becomes infected, the website might stop working. This means losing money from lost transactions. Cyber security in the UK helps avoid this problem.

Study cyber security course in the UK with Global Banking School (GBS)

Choosing a career in cyber security in the UK is highly popular and in demand these days. Cyber hackers are always looking to harm software, hardware, or information. That's why the cyber security industry is growing fast and being skilled in this field is very valuable. However, companies find it hard to find enough people with the required skills. Studying cyber security in the UK can give you a chance to join this growing industry.

There is no better place to pursue a cyber security course in the UK than GBS. GBS is a leading higher education institution in the UK known for its industry-specific courses in fields such as digital technologies, business, accounting, tourism and more. With a wide presence in major cities in the UK, GBS is committed to its mission of “changing lives through education”.

GBS offers an HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security) for students who are looking to pursue a career in digital technology. This cyber security course in the UK will help you develop a range of key skills essential for entry into this exciting and ever-evolving sector.  

HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security)

The HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security) course is for students who prefer education through applied learning. Once you finish this course, you can pursue careers such as:

  • Business analyst
  • Digital technologist
  • IT support technician
  • Data analyst
  • Software developer
  • Network technician
  • Software tester
  • Risk analyst
  • Data analytics consultant
  • Database administrator
  • Web developer
  • IoT developer

Frequently asked questions about cyber security in the UK

Cyber security is the use of various methods and technologies to safeguard computers, networks and information from such cyber threats as hacking, data breaches and other malicious attacks.

Cyber security is important for businesses in the UK because it helps protect sensitive data, customer information and operations from cyber threats such as hacking, data breaches and malware. Maintaining strong cyber security measures ensures business continuity, preserves customer trust and helps prevent financial losses.

According to a report on cyber security skills in the UK labour market 2023, half of UK businesses lack basic cyber security skills and one-third lack advanced cyber security skills. These percentages are consistent with the data from 2022 and 2021. In the year 2022, there were 160,035 job postings for cyber security roles, marking a 30% increase from the previous year. About 37% of these job openings were considered difficult to fill, a decrease from 44% in 2022 but the same as in 2021. In short, yes cyber security is highly in demand.

The top five cyber crimes in the UK are:

  • Scam emails
  • Ransomware
  • Banking virus
  • Stalking and surveillance
  • Passing on personal information

Study cyber security course in the UK with GBS. GBS provides the HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security) for those interested in a digital technology career. Cyber security is important for businesses in the UK and this course will equip you with the crucial skills needed to enter this dynamic field. Geared towards students who prefer practical learning, this course is designed to offer a thorough applied education. Curious to learn more about the course? Reach out to our student support team.