Cyber Security
« Back to Glossary IndexCyber security is the practice of protecting digital systems, networks, web applications, endpoint devices, and digital information from cyber threats and cyber crime. It focuses on maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information while defending against cyber attacks such as phishing scams, malware, identity theft, business email compromise, and DDoS attacks. For Australian organisations, cyber security is a critical component of information security and business continuity, strongly guided by the Australian Government, the Australian Cyber Security Centre, and frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and the 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.
What Is Cyber Security? Clear Definitions and Core Principles
Plain-Language Definition
Cyber security refers to the people, processes, and technologies used to protect digital systems from online threats and malicious activity. This includes safeguarding networks, cloud services, web applications, email systems, endpoint devices, and sensitive digital information from threat actors operating within the global cybercrime ecosystem.
For Australian businesses, cyber security goes beyond IT—it is a core risk management discipline that supports operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and long-term growth.
Key principles include:
- Confidentiality – Preventing unauthorised access to data using encryption, Identity and Access Management (IAM), two-step verification, and password managers.
- Integrity – Ensuring data is not altered or destroyed without authorisation, protecting against attacks such as SQL injection and unauthorised changes to systems.
- Availability – Ensuring systems remain accessible through strong network security, disaster recovery planning, and malware protection.
The CIA Triad Explained
The CIA triad underpins most modern cyber security policies and cybersecurity strategies:
- Confidentiality – Protected through encryption, Zero Trust principles, and strict access controls.
- Integrity – Maintained using monitoring, logging, application security controls, and change management.
- Availability – Supported by backups, redundancy, DDoS attack protection, and tested disaster recovery plans.
Information Security vs Cyber Security
Information security is the broader discipline covering all forms of information protection, while cyber security focuses specifically on protecting digital systems from online attacks. In practice, most organisations treat them as complementary parts of a single cyber security framework.
Why Cyber Security Matters for Australian Businesses
The Growth of Cyber Threats
Cyber threats are increasing in frequency, sophistication, and impact. Threat actors now operate within a mature cybercrime ecosystem that includes ransomware groups, phishing syndicates, and nation-state attackers. Australian businesses are regularly targeted by cyber crime due to valuable financial data, customer records, and intellectual property.
Business Continuity and Trust
A successful cyber attack can halt operations, disrupt cloud services, compromise email systems, or expose sensitive data. This directly impacts business continuity, customer trust, and brand reputation. Business email compromise alone costs Australian organisations millions of dollars annually.
Government Expectations and Regulation
The Australian Government, through the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Cyber Security Centre (also known as the Australian Government Cyber Security Centre), continues to raise expectations around cyber safety and resilience. The Australian Cyber Security Strategy 2023–2030 emphasises shared responsibility across the cyber ecosystem, including businesses of all sizes.
Types of Cyber Security Domains You’ll Encounter
| Domain | Primary Goal | Common Tools | Typical Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Security | Protect network traffic | Next-generation firewalls, VPNs | Network attacks, unauthorised access |
| Endpoint Security | Protect endpoint devices | Endpoint Protection, anti-virus software | Malware, ransomware |
| Application Security | Secure web applications | WAF, secure SDLC | Web application attacks, SQL injection |
| Cloud Security | Secure cloud services | IAM, encryption | Misconfiguration, data breaches |
| Identity & Access Management | Control identities | MFA, two-step verification | Identity theft |
| Email Security | Protect email systems | Filtering, DMARC | Phishing scams, BEC |
| Data Security | Protect digital information | Encryption, DLP | Data loss |
| Physical & Hybrid Security | Protect assets | Access control | Insider threats |
Common Cyber Threats and Online Attacks
| Threat | Description | Business Impact | Prevention Controls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phishing Scams | Fraudulent emails or messages | Credential theft | Email security, end-user education |
| Malware & Ransomware | Malicious software | Downtime, data loss | Malware protection, backups |
| Business Email Compromise | Impersonation attacks | Financial fraud | MFA, verification processes |
| Web Application Attacks | Exploiting app flaws | Data breach | Application security, WAF |
| DDoS Attacks | Flooding systems | Service outage | Network security, traffic filtering |
| Insider Threats | Malicious or careless staff | Data leakage | IAM, monitoring |
| Malicious Websites | Drive-by downloads | System compromise | Web filtering, user awareness |
People, Processes, and Technology
People
Employees are a critical line of defence. End-user education, expert tutorials, and regular cyber safety training reduce the risk of online abuse, phishing, and accidental data exposure.
Processes
Effective cyber security policies, incident response plans, and cybersecurity checklists ensure consistency. Processes must align with recognised standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, CIS Controls, and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
Technology
Technology enables scale and visibility. Controls include next-generation firewalls (such as Check Point), endpoint protection, identity management, and network monitoring tools like Telstra Device Security.
Cyber Security Frameworks and Standards
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides a practical structure—Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover—used globally and referenced by Australian security leaders.
ISO and CIS
ISO/IEC 27001 focuses on formal information security management systems, while CIS Controls provide prioritised, actionable safeguards for reducing cyber risk.
Zero Trust
Zero Trust assumes no implicit trust inside or outside the network. Every access request is verified, reducing exposure from compromised credentials and insider threats.
Building a Practical Cyber Security Strategy
- Identify assets, users, and data
- Assess cyber threats and risks
- Define a cyber security policy
- Implement baseline controls (MFA, endpoint protection)
- Secure networks and web applications
- Monitor, log, and respond to incidents
- Test disaster recovery and business continuity
- Educate staff continuously
- Review and improve regularly
Everyday Cyber Safety Best Practices
- Use two-step verification and password managers
- Keep endpoint devices updated
- Avoid suspicious links and malicious websites
- Secure cloud services
- Back up critical systems
- Follow a simple cybersecurity checklist
Measuring Cyber Security Success
Track leading indicators (patching, MFA coverage) and lagging indicators (incident response time, successful attacks). Align reporting with business risk and governance requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Relying only on anti-virus software
- Ignoring web application security
- Failing to test disaster recovery
- Overlooking insider threats
- Treating cyber security as an IT-only issue
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australian SMEs need cyber security?
Yes. Cyber crime increasingly targets small and mid-sized organisations due to weaker controls.
Is cyber security required by government?
While requirements vary, Australian Government guidance strongly encourages alignment with recognised frameworks.
What’s the minimum starting point?
Email security, endpoint protection, MFA, backups, and user education.
Next Steps for Australian Businesses
Cyber security is a shared responsibility across the cyber ecosystem. A structured, standards-aligned approach reduces risk, supports compliance, and protects long-term growth.
Staying informed through trusted sources such as the Australian Cyber Security Centre, industry think pieces like the Think Newsletter (with a clear unsubscribe link), and working with experienced security partners helps businesses stay resilient against evolving online threats.
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