Cyber security, also referred to as information technology security, is the practice of protecting networks, programs, computers, and data from digital attacks, damages, or unauthorized access. What exactly does a person do in cyber security? This question highlights the complex and broad-ranging nature of this field. But, to break it down simply, professionals in cyber security safeguard the digital world from threats.

These threats can take a variety of forms, including malware, ransomware, phishing, or distributed denial of service attacks. Each of these threats aims to either destroy, expose, alter, or disable critical information, often with harmful results. Cyber security professionals play a critical role in preventing and mitigating these threats.

At the core of their role, cyber security professionals focus on the three foundational elements of cyber security: confidentiality, integrity, and availability (also known as the CIA triad). Confidentiality refers to protecting information from unauthorised access, integrity ensures that the information is correct and unaltered, and availability makes sure that information and systems are accessible to those who need them.

On a day-to-day basis, a cyber security professional’s tasks may include installing and maintaining firewalls, creating security plans, pen-testing (which is a simulated cyber attack to find vulnerabilities), investigating breaches, and regularly updating and patching systems. They play an important role in not only preventing attacks but also in responding swiftly and effectively when an attack occurs.

In the larger context, a lot of their work is about risk management. This can involve assessing a company’s security posture, identifying vulnerabilities, and proposing improvements. It’s a continuous process of safeguarding and fortifying digital assets against ever-evolving threats.

Another significant part of the work in cyber security involves the cyber security business. Like other corporate sectors, cyber security is a business that requires management, strategy, and operations. Understanding the business side of things is crucial as it allows professionals to align security measures with the organisation’s objectives.

The cyber security business involves a host of activities, such as managing budgets, making cost-benefit analyses for security investments, dealing with legal, regulatory, and compliance issues, and interacting with stakeholders to discuss security issues. It also includes staying updated with the newest trends and best practices in the industry.

Additionally, in the cyber security business, experts often play a role in creating policies and procedures that dictate how the organisation responds to cyber threats. These protocols cover things like disaster recovery plans, user access controls, and incident response protocols.

Overall, working in cyber security is a complex task which involves both technical acumen and strategic thinking. It’s a demanding, rapidly-evolving field, but one that offers a lot of opportunities for those who are up for the challenge. If you’re interested in problem-solving, technology, and securing the digital world against threats, then a career in cyber security could be a perfect fit for you.

Given the increasing reliance on digital networks and systems, the demand for professionals in the field of cyber security is expected to rise in future years. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for skilled personnel to combat these threats will continue to grow, making cyber security a promising arena for career growth.