Cyber Security: Infrastructure Options

As our lives become increasingly reliant on technology, cyber security is a crucial part of every organisation’s risk management strategy.

Infrastructure security is the practice of protecting critical systems and components against physical and cyber threats. From an IT standpoint, this typically includes hardware and software assets such as end-user devices, data centre resources, networking systems, and cloud resources. Cyber threats are growing in number and complexity, requiring various measures to protect systems and data.

In 2024, there were 7.78 million cyber attacks against businesses in the UK:

• Half of businesses (50%) and around a third of charities (32%) reported having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the previous 12 months.
• This was much higher for medium businesses (70%) and large businesses (74%).
• A large proportion of high-income charities (over £500,000pa) were targeted (66%).

(Source: gov.uk)

With these alarming statistics in mind, what proactive steps can businesses take to increase cyber security?

Here are six types of cyber security to consider as part of your company’s IT strategy:

1. Cloud Security

Cloud security protects data, applications, and services hosted by third-party providers from threats and breaches. It is a realistic and practical option for almost all organisations. 99% of businesses use cloud services, underlining the need to control who accesses your data and protect your company’s cloud-based systems.

2. Endpoint Security

With an increasing number of employees involved in hybrid (28%) and partially or fully remote (54%) working in the UK, endpoint security is important for most organisations. It involves safeguarding individual devices (endpoints) from malicious activities and unauthorised access.

Devices such as computers, smartphones and tablets that connect to your organisation’s network must be considered and protected. It is especially important to create a policy regarding whether employees can use their own devices – or share use of company-owned items – when working remotely. The global market size for endpoint security solutions is forecast to reach £14.4 billion by 2026. (Statista)

3. Network Security

Network security focuses on protecting the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data as it moves between networks. It involves the implementation and monitoring of firewalls to ensure incoming and outgoing network activity is not malicious. Global spending on network security is expected to reach £135.15 billion this year (2025). (Cybersecurity Ventures)

4. IoT Security

IoT (Internet of Things) security reduces the vulnerabilities of all connected devices, such as mobile online devices, smartphones and all connected devices in buildings. It secures devices and the network that connects them all. This involves:

• scanning for vulnerabilities, updating and/or issuing security patches as needed,
• incorporating secure communication protocols, and
• accessing control mechanisms.

5. Mobile Security

As mobile devices are often used to access corporate data, businesses are increasingly exposed to instant messaging attacks, phishing, and malicious apps. Mobile security protects the mobile device against these attacks. Measures include antivirus software, two-factor authentication, cloud backups and device encryption.

6. Information Security

Information security protects access to sensitive data, such as data stored in databases and files (including customer and user information). It involves security measures such as regular backups, data encryption (while data is transferred and stored) and access controls, e.g. multifactor authentication. By preventing unauthorised access, it protects the availability, integrity and confidentiality of data.

This combination of cyber security measures offers protection and continuity of your company’s IT infrastructure. The blend of actions needed varies according to the infrastructure and information involved, however cyber security is now a necessity for every organisation.

A good starting point is the Cyber Essentials accreditation, which raises awareness and understanding of cyber security for your organisation. It’s a government-backed scheme aimed at increasing UK businesses’ protection against common cyber attacks.

Does your company have sufficient and appropriate cybersecurity in place?

Explore the options with the friendly experts at EMH Technology. We’ll discuss a bespoke solution without obligation or jargon. Let’s talk.