Today, cyber-attacks are no longer stopped by antivirus software or firewalls. The risk of cyber-attacks is constantly increasing and for companies and institutions it is no longer a question of “if” it will happen but rather “when”. This is why cyber security is of such great importance.

Cyber security is important because it encompasses everything that relates to protecting our data from cyber attackers who want to steal this information and use it to cause harm. This can be sensitive data, governmental and industry information, personal information, personally identifiable information (PII), intellectual property, and protected health information (PHI).

Having advanced cyber defence programs and mechanisms in place to protect this data is crucial and in everyone’s interest. Everyone in society relies on critical infrastructure such as hospitals and other healthcare institutions, financial service programs, and power plants. We need these to keep our society running.

At an individual level, cyber security attacks can lead to identity theft and extortion attempts, which can do serious damage to that individual’s life.

We all rely on the safety of our data and personal information. For example, when logging into an application or when filling in more sensitive data in digital healthcare systems. If these systems, networks, and infrastructures don't have the right protection in place, our data might fall into the wrong hands. In this sense, we're talking about protection in the form of technology and policies.

The same goes for organisations and businesses, governments, the military, and other socially critical organisations. They store enormous amounts of data in data warehouses, on computers, and other devices. Much of this data includes sensitive information. Exposure of this information can in many cases be very harmful—to citizen trust in institutions, to business competitiveness, personal reputations, and consumer trust in companies.