What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the collection of technologies, processes and measures aimed at protecting systems, networks, software and data from digital attacks.
The goal of cybersecurity is to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information (often referred to as the CIA triad).
Cybersecurity is essential for both IT systems and OT environments and plays a central role in managing digital risk.
🧱 Key elements of cybersecurity
| Domain | Examples |
|---|---|
| Technical | Firewall, SIEM, EDR, Zero Trust, IDS, VPN, Air gap |
| Organisational | Policy, Risk Management, ISMS, Change Management, IAM |
| Physical | Secure server rooms, access control, Jump Server |
| Human | Awareness training, phishing simulations, access management |
🔐 What does cybersecurity protect?
- IT systems (servers, workstations, networks)
- OT environments (production lines, PLCs, SCADA, DCS)
- Data (customer information, product recipes, configuration files)
- Processes (production continuity, safety, compliance)
🚨 Common threats
- Ransomware
- Phishing and social engineering
- DDoS attacks
- Exploits via vulnerabilities (CVE)
- Unauthorised access (weak passwords, misconfiguration)
🧩 Cybersecurity vs. information security
| Cybersecurity | Information security |
|---|---|
| Focuses on digital threats | Broader: also covers physical and administrative aspects |
| More technical in nature | Often policy-driven |
| Part of the ISMS | Overarching management system (ISO 27001) |
✅ The importance of cybersecurity
- Protects business continuity
- Prevents data breaches and production downtime
- Ensures compliance with laws and standards (such as NIS2, ISO 27001, BIO)
- Builds customer trust and market reputation
📌 In summary
Cybersecurity is essential for protecting your digital systems against attacks, errors and misuse. It requires a combination of technology, policy and behaviour to manage risk and ensure continuity.