Cyber Security Course
Understanding Cyber
UNIT-1 Security
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit the learner will be able to:
Define cyber security and its primary objectives
Understand the various causes of cybercrime and those responsible for threats
to cyber security
Discuss the classifications of cyber crime and Microsoft’s 10 laws of computer
security
Page | 1
, Cyber Security Course
Unit 1
Understanding Cyber Security
What is Cyber Security?
The term ‘cyber security’ refers to all safeguards and measures implemented to reduce the likelihood of
a digital security breach. Cyber security affects all computers and mobile devices across the board – all
of which may be targeted by cyber criminals. Cyber security focuses heavily on privacy and
confidentiality, along with data integrity and identity protection. Security breaches in general are
nothing new, but have become more commonplace and problematic in today’s digital era. The greater
the extent to which the world becomes reliant on connected technology, the greater the threat posed
by cybercriminals worldwide.
From reputation damage to system downtime to financial loss, cyber security issues can be incredibly
costly. According to a recent study, almost half of all businesses operating in 2017 experienced at least
one cyber attack or attempted security breach. Precisely the reason why businesses worldwide have
begun prioritizing cyber security, implementing robust protective measures and hiring cyber security
experts to oversee their operations.
The Importance of Security
The Internet has transformed the face of everyday life for billions of people worldwide. Already
enormous, daily web traffic volumes are growing at an exponential rate. To such an extent that the vast
majority of communications and business activities worldwide are fundamentally reliant on the Internet.
From simple retail purchases to the most sensitive and high-profile business activities, everything takes
place online. All of which adds up to a near-irresistible opportunity for the 21st century cyber criminal.
Turning a blind eye to cyber security is no longer an option. Businesses that fail to adequately protect
themselves face the prospect of catastrophic consequences. Irrespective of the size, nature or purpose
of the business, the effects of a cyber attack can be devastating. What’s more, some of the highest-
profile attacks over recent years have demonstrated how even the biggest companies in the world aren’t
always as well protected as they think they are. Even when their systems are brought back online and
business continues as normal, the reputational damage incurred can be much more difficult to
overcome.
Of course, it’s not simply a case of proactively protecting your business and its general interests from
cyber attacks. You also need to think carefully about the extent to which your customers are protected.
Oftentimes, a security breach that has negative consequences for one or more customers can be far
more detrimental than an attack on the company itself. Businesses aren’t simply expected to protect
Page | 2
Understanding Cyber
UNIT-1 Security
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit the learner will be able to:
Define cyber security and its primary objectives
Understand the various causes of cybercrime and those responsible for threats
to cyber security
Discuss the classifications of cyber crime and Microsoft’s 10 laws of computer
security
Page | 1
, Cyber Security Course
Unit 1
Understanding Cyber Security
What is Cyber Security?
The term ‘cyber security’ refers to all safeguards and measures implemented to reduce the likelihood of
a digital security breach. Cyber security affects all computers and mobile devices across the board – all
of which may be targeted by cyber criminals. Cyber security focuses heavily on privacy and
confidentiality, along with data integrity and identity protection. Security breaches in general are
nothing new, but have become more commonplace and problematic in today’s digital era. The greater
the extent to which the world becomes reliant on connected technology, the greater the threat posed
by cybercriminals worldwide.
From reputation damage to system downtime to financial loss, cyber security issues can be incredibly
costly. According to a recent study, almost half of all businesses operating in 2017 experienced at least
one cyber attack or attempted security breach. Precisely the reason why businesses worldwide have
begun prioritizing cyber security, implementing robust protective measures and hiring cyber security
experts to oversee their operations.
The Importance of Security
The Internet has transformed the face of everyday life for billions of people worldwide. Already
enormous, daily web traffic volumes are growing at an exponential rate. To such an extent that the vast
majority of communications and business activities worldwide are fundamentally reliant on the Internet.
From simple retail purchases to the most sensitive and high-profile business activities, everything takes
place online. All of which adds up to a near-irresistible opportunity for the 21st century cyber criminal.
Turning a blind eye to cyber security is no longer an option. Businesses that fail to adequately protect
themselves face the prospect of catastrophic consequences. Irrespective of the size, nature or purpose
of the business, the effects of a cyber attack can be devastating. What’s more, some of the highest-
profile attacks over recent years have demonstrated how even the biggest companies in the world aren’t
always as well protected as they think they are. Even when their systems are brought back online and
business continues as normal, the reputational damage incurred can be much more difficult to
overcome.
Of course, it’s not simply a case of proactively protecting your business and its general interests from
cyber attacks. You also need to think carefully about the extent to which your customers are protected.
Oftentimes, a security breach that has negative consequences for one or more customers can be far
more detrimental than an attack on the company itself. Businesses aren’t simply expected to protect
Page | 2
