What Are the 8 Types of Cybersecurity?

Written by: University of Tulsa • Jan 30, 2025

Two cybersecurity professionals review code on an array of monitors.

What Are the 8 Types of Cybersecurity?

In December 2023, the social platform X faced a major security breach when hackers exploited a flaw in its system and leaked over 200 million user profiles. The breach put users at risk of identity theft and opened the door for dangerous phishing scams. Although the flaw was patched, the incident revealed how even large technology-based companies could be vulnerable to cyber attacks.

To defend against cyber attacks, organizations use a wide range of security strategies, each designed to address specific vulnerabilities and threats. Those considering a career in cybersecurity should know about the various types of cybersecurity practices to succeed in the field. Earning an advanced cybersecurity degree can equip individuals with the skills and knowledge that are key to developing comprehensive strategies to counter cyber threats.

Why Cybersecurity Is Important

As technology has advanced, so have cyber threats. Hackers can now use tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to automate their attacks, making it easier to infiltrate organizations on a large scale. Cybercriminals have also learned how to embed themselves in a system for months or even years before an attack, targeting software by silently introducing malware that’s hard to detect.

Because of the sophistication and complexity of these types of threats, organizations cannot rely solely on one layer of defense. They need a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that combines multiple specialized approaches to cover all bases — from protecting their networks and applications to managing their users’ identities and ensuring the security of their data.

Each type of cybersecurity focuses on a specific vulnerability; together, they form a robust cybersecurity infrastructure that is much stronger than any single measure could be on its own.

Cybersecurity Tools

Cybersecurity tools are used to identify, protect against, and respond to various cyber threats. They fall into three main categories: prevention, detection, and response. Tools in each category play a vital role in an organization’s defensive cybersecurity strategy.

Prevention Tools

Prevention tools work proactively to secure systems, networks, and data by setting up barriers, enforcing security policies, and preventing attacks from happening or spreading. Examples of prevention tools include:

Firewalls block unwanted traffic and only let safe data in and out.
Encryption scrambles sensitive data, ensuring that even if hackers intercept it, they can’t make sense of it.

Detection Tools

Detection tools spot threats in real time, helping security teams respond quickly to potential dangers. They scan networks and raise red flags to highlight unusual activity. Examples of detection tools include:

Intrusion detection systems (IDS) monitor network traffic and sound the alarm if anything unusual or unauthorized is detected.
Security information and event management (SIEM) tools collect data from different sources, analyze it on the spot, and alert teams to any security risks.

Response Tools

Response tools are needed when a threat is detected. They help security teams quickly contain and fix a problem with minimal damage. Examples of response tools include:

Incident response software helps teams stay organized during a cyber attack, guiding them from detection to recovery.
Endpoint protection tools monitor devices and quickly pinpoint threats, allowing teams to isolate or fix issues before they spread.

Types of Cybersecurity

Consider the following specialized areas of cybersecurity and the particular kinds of threats or security gaps they address.

Network Security

Networks connect devices and allow for the sharing of information, enabling businesses, schools, government agencies, and other types of organizations to conduct their regular activities. Network security protects an organization’s computer networks from unauthorized access, cyber attacks, and other threats.

Effective network security measures help prevent:

Data breaches: Hackers gaining access to sensitive or private information
Malware infections: Harmful software introduced by a hacker that disrupts systems
Unauthorized access: Intruders entering systems without permission

Network security focuses on protecting key areas that include:

Devices: Computers, smartphones, tablets, and other devices connected to the network
Data: Information being sent or stored across the network, such as personal data, business documents, or financial information
Network traffic: The flow of data between devices, which must be monitored to detect and prevent malicious activities such as hacking or data interception
Connections: The links between devices, whether through the internet, wireless connections, or other means, which must be secured to avoid unauthorized access or data theft

Network security engineers are cybersecurity professionals who are experts in this area. They design and maintain secure network infrastructures, configure firewalls, monitor traffic for threats, and implement strategies to prevent unauthorized access.

According to Payscale, network security engineers had a median annual salary of approximately $98,840 as of November 2024.

Information Security

Information security keeps everything from customer credit card numbers to proprietary business plans and employee records safe from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. If such sensitive data falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to financial fraud, identity theft, and considerable harm to an organization’s reputation or competitive edge.

As organizations of all sizes and types increasingly store important information online and rely on digital systems, protecting this data has become more important than ever.

Effective information security measures help prevent:

Data breaches: When unauthorized individuals access confidential data, potentially exposing it to malicious use
Data loss: When data is accidentally or intentionally destroyed, corrupted, or made unavailable
Unauthorized access: When people gain access to systems or data they are not authorized to use, often with the intention of stealing or misusing information

Information security focuses on three key areas:

Data protection: Ensuring that sensitive data, whether it is stored or being transmitted, is kept safe
Access control: Creating strict rules to make sure that only people who are authorized can access certain information or perform specific tasks
Risk management: Identifying potential threats to data and implementing strategies to reduce those risks, such as regular security assessments and backup systems to protect against data loss

Information security analysts play a key role in this type of cybersecurity by monitoring information systems for signs of intrusion, setting up secure systems, and responding to incidents when they occur.

Information security analysts had a median annual salary of about $79,340 as of December 2024, according to Payscale.

Application Security

Application security focuses on protecting the software that organizations and individuals rely on every day — from mobile apps to web apps and enterprise software. These applications play a crucial role in an organization’s ability to do everything from managing their finances to providing customer service. Tools such as static analysis — an approach that reviews an application’s code for security issues — are key to making sure that applications are protected from potential threats.

Securing applications not only protects sensitive data but also helps organizations keep their operations running smoothly.

Effective application security measures help prevent:

Software vulnerabilities: Weak points in the application’s code that cybercriminals can exploit to gain unauthorized access or cause harm
Data leaks: Unauthorized access to sensitive data stored or processed by the application
Insecure communications: The interception or manipulation of data transmitted between users and the application

Application security focuses on three key areas:

Code: Ensuring the application’s code is written securely and doesn’t contain weaknesses that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access or cause the application to behave in harmful ways
Data storage: Keeping sensitive data — such as passwords, personal details, and financial information — safe from unauthorized access or tampering
User input: Making sure that any information entered by users is carefully checked and cleaned to prevent malicious data from causing damage

Application security engineers are experts who work to identify and fix security risks in software. They conduct security checks, review code, and ensure that secure coding practices are followed during every stage of an application’s development.

Payscale reports that application security engineers had a median annual salary of around $97,680 as of December 2024.

Cloud Security

Cloud computing has changed the way organizations of all sizes operate, providing easy access to data storage, software tools, and the computing power needed to run complex applications without the need for expensive, on-site hardware.

However, as more organizations rely on cloud services, they also face new risks, making cloud security more important than ever. Cloud security focuses on protecting data, applications, and systems stored in the cloud from cyber threats.

Effective cloud security measures help prevent:

Data breaches: Unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in the cloud
Misconfigurations: Mistakes in setting up cloud services that can accidentally expose important data
Service interruptions: Disruptions to cloud services that could impact daily business operations or access to crucial applications and data

Cloud security focuses on three key areas:

Data encryption: Making sure that data is encrypted when stored and while being transferred, so it’s safe even if it’s intercepted
Access control: Establishing strict rules that ensure only authorized individuals can access cloud resources or perform certain actions
Compliance: Abiding by laws and industry standards that protect data privacy, which can vary depending on an organization’s location and industry

Cloud security engineers play a vital role in configuring secure cloud environments, monitoring for potential threats, and creating strategies to manage risks. As more organizations move more of their operations to the cloud, these specialists are increasingly in demand to safeguard sensitive information.

Cloud security engineers had a median annual salary of about $136,460 as of December 2024, according to Payscale.

Endpoint Security

Endpoints are any devices that connect to an organization’s network, such as laptops used by employees, smartphones used for business emails, and servers that store critical data. With more employees working remotely and using a range of devices to access their organization’s systems, endpoint security has become a top priority.

Cyber attacks often target endpoints, as they can provide an entry into an organization’s network where sensitive data is stored. If these devices aren’t properly secured, attackers can gain access to important files, emails, and systems, leading to data breaches or worse.

Effective endpoint security measures help prevent:

Malware attacks: The introduction of harmful software that can damage or steal data from devices, often used to gain unauthorized access to networks
Data theft: The theft of personal details, financial records, trade secrets, and other sensitive information from devices
Phishing: Fraudulent attempts to trick users into revealing sensitive information, often via email or fake websites

Endpoint security focuses on key areas that include:

Device protection: Using software that detects and blocks malicious activity on devices, such as antivirus programs, firewalls, and tools that monitor for unusual activity
Encryption: Making sure that the data stored on devices is scrambled, so even if someone steals it, they can’t read it without the right key
User authentication: Ensuring that only authorized individuals can access devices or certain applications using measures such as strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and fingerprint scans

Professionals who work in this type of cybersecurity include security operations center (SOC) analysts. Their responsibilities include detecting, monitoring, and responding to endpoint security incidents in real time. They often use tools to track and analyze endpoint activity for potential threats.

According to Payscale data, SOC analysts had a median annual salary of about $75,000 as of December 2024.

Identity and Access Management

Identity and access management (IAM) ensures that only authorized individuals can access specific systems, networks, or data. As organizations increasingly rely on digital tools and remote workforces, managing who can access what, and when and how they can access it, has become more critical than ever.

The heavy use of cloud computing, mobile devices, and online platforms in organizations makes it necessary to protect users’ identities and to closely manage their access to data and applications.

Effective IAM security measures help prevent:

Unauthorized access: When an individual gains access to a system, data, or an application they are not authorized to use, often with the intent to steal or misuse information
Privilege escalation: When an attacker gains higher-level access to a system or network by exploiting weaknesses in the authentication or authorization process
Insider threats: When an employee or contractor abuses their access to harm the organization or steal sensitive data

IAM focuses on three key areas:

Authentication: Verifying users’ identities, typically through usernames, passwords, and, increasingly, multi-factor authentication (MFA) processes that include steps such as phone-based codes or biometric data such as fingerprints
Authorization: Defining and managing which resources or actions a user can access once their identity has been verified through role-based access control (RBAC), which limits access based on the user’s role within the organization
Auditing and monitoring: Continuously tracking who accesses what information, when, and why, to help identify suspicious behavior and respond to security incidents quickly

IAM professionals, such as IAM engineers, design, implement, and maintain these systems. They manage users’ access, monitor for irregularities, and address potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by cybercriminals.

IAM engineers had a median annual salary of around $106,0520 as of November 2024, according to Payscale.

Operational Security

Operational security (OpSec) involves identifying weak points in an organization’s day-to-day digital operations, such as how employees handle sensitive data or how systems are managed. It ensures that vital information — including business plans, customer records, and intellectual property — is safeguarded against unauthorized access, theft, or misuse.

Effective operational security helps prevent:

Data leaks: When confidential information is accidentally exposed or shared with unintended recipients
Social engineering attacks: When hackers manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information, often by exploiting weaknesses in security processes
Operational disruptions: When weaknesses in cybersecurity procedures lead to interruptions in an organization’s daily activities, costing both time and money

OpSec focuses on key areas that include:

Process analysis: Continuously evaluating digital operational processes to identify any gaps or vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers, such as by reviewing how sensitive information is handled and shared both internally and externally
Risk management: Prioritizing the most significant risks to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and high-risk vulnerabilities are addressed quickly
Information classification: Identifying which data is sensitive, assigning appropriate access levels, and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to critical information

Security operations engineers play a vital role in overseeing these processes. They work to identify vulnerabilities, develop security protocols, and ensure that the organization’s day-to-day activities remain protected from cyber threats.

Payscale data shows that security operations engineers had a median annual salary of approximately $93,950 as of December 2024.

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning

Disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity planning (BCP) are proactive measures intended to help organizations quickly recover and continue operations during and after cyber attacks, system failures, natural disasters, or any other unexpected emergencies.

Disaster recovery focuses specifically on getting systems, applications, and data back up and running after a disruption. DR ensures that in an incident’s aftermath — whether it is a server crash, cyber attack, or accidental data loss — the organization can restore its information technology (IT) infrastructure and keep things moving as smoothly as possible.

Business continuity planning takes a broader view. It focuses on making sure an organization can continue operating even when disaster strikes. BCP includes not only recovering IT systems but also ensuring that essential functions — such as customer service, operations, and supply chain functions — are not interrupted. The goal is to maintain critical business activities, no matter the circumstances.

Effective DR and BCP measures help prevent:

Extended downtime: When key systems or business operations are unavailable for a long period, which can lead to lost revenue and damage to the organization’s reputation
Data loss: When data that is not regularly backed up, which might include sensitive customer information or business strategies, is lost permanently
Operational disruption: When an organization struggles to continue its daily activities during an emergency, potentially affecting everything from its staffing to its delivery of services

Disaster recovery and business continuity planning focus on key areas that include:

Data backups: Making sure that data is regularly saved in safe, accessible locations to ensure that, even if primary systems fail, the organization can restore its information quickly
Fail over systems: Setting up systems that automatically take over when main systems stop working, minimizing disruptions
Testing: Regularly testing disaster recovery and business continuity plans by simulating real-world disasters to see if they hold up and to identify areas that need improvement

Professionals interested in this type of cybersecurity can choose from a variety of roles such as business continuity manager. These experts develop, implement, and oversee business continuity and disaster recovery plans. They help ensure that, in the event of a disruption, their organization can bounce back quickly.

Business continuity managers had a median annual salary of around $104,080 as of May 2024, according to Payscale.

Build Robust Defenses Against Cyber Threats

Today’s cyber threats require a multilayered approach to IT security. By integrating cybersecurity tools into processes in areas such as networks, applications, endpoints, and cloud security, organizations can build a robust defense against a wide array of potential risks. Each tool plays a critical role in safeguarding sensitive data, ensuring operational continuity, and staying ahead of emerging threats.

Earning an advanced degree in cybersecurity can provide a pathway to gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various types of cybersecurity roles. The University of Tulsa’s online M.S. in Cyber Security program gives students a foundation in sociotechnical system security, defensive cybersecurity technologies, and network security design — all delivered in an online format. The program can be completed in as little as 20 months.

Find out how The University of Tulsa can prepare you to thrive in the dynamic, rewarding world of cybersecurity.

Recommended Readings

Malware Analyst Career Overview

What Is Cybersecurity Risk Management?

What Is Machine Learning in Cybersecurity?

Sources:

Fortinet, “What Is Cybersecurity”

Gartner, The Future of Cybersecurity: Tools and Strategies

Payscale, Average Application Security Engineer Salary

Payscale, Average Business Continuity Manager Salary

Payscale, Average Cloud Security Engineer Salary

Payscale, Average Identity and Access Management (IAM) Engineer Salary