Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the protection of computer systems from theft and damage to hardware, software and information, as well as the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide.

The risk to the economy from computer intrusion and the spread of malicious code by organised crime, rogue states and individuals is high. The distinction between traditional threats from hackers, terrorists, organised criminals, industrial spies and foreign intelligence services is increasingly blurred.

Connected systems are only as strong as the weakest link, so it is important that people and organisations recognise the scale of threats, understand the latest incarnation of the threat, report any new threat, and maintain and use the latest security software tools, including encryption where appropriate.

Threats and challenges to computer systems continue to grow. Threats range across denial of service, hacking, identity theft, malware, phishing and email scams and ransomware.  Criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in attacks.