20 Different Types of Cyber Security in 2025

So, let’s break it down. Here are main types of cyber security, each playing a unique role in defending your digital assets.

1. Network Security – A Foundational Type of Cyber Security

Network security protects your internal systems from external threats like unauthorized access, data breaches, and DDoS attacks. Whether you’re running an enterprise network or a home router, this is your first line of defense.

Subtypes of Network Security:

Internal Network Security: Focuses on protecting devices within the same network—preventing lateral movement of attackers.
External Network Security: Guards against threats coming from outside the organization like intrusion attempts.
Firewall Security: Filters incoming/outgoing traffic using rule sets.
Intrusion Detection & Prevention Systems (IDPS): Monitors activity for malicious signatures.

2. Application Security – One of the Most Targeted Types of Cyber Security

Cybercriminals love weak apps. Application security protects your software—from web apps to APIs—by scanning and patching code-level vulnerabilities.

Subtypes of Application Security:

Web Application Security: Secures browser-based apps from threats like XSS and SQL injection.
Mobile Application Security: Focuses on Android/iOS-specific threats.
API Security: Prevents misuse of exposed endpoints.
Secure SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle): Embeds security in every stage of software creation.

3. Endpoint Security – Securing Every Device on the Grid

Every device you use—mobile, laptop, tablet—is an endpoint. Endpoint security protects these devices from malware, spyware, or remote access tools (RATs).

Subtypes of Endpoint Security:

Device Control Security: Manages USBs, external drives, and connected accessories.
EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response): Advanced tools for tracking real-time device threats.
Patch Management: Automatically updates and patches vulnerabilities.

4. Cloud Security – A Critical Type of Cyber Security in 2025

With everything moving to the cloud, cloud security is now more vital than ever. It safeguards your apps, workloads, and storage from threats specific to cloud environments.

Subtypes of Cloud Security:

Public Cloud Security: Tools tailored for services like AWS, Azure, GCP.
Private Cloud Security: For internal clouds hosted by organizations.
Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): Monitors cloud usage and data flow.
SaaS Security: Protects SaaS tools (e.g., Zoom, Salesforce, Dropbox).

5. Data Security – Protecting the Real Asset: Information

Data security is all about keeping your sensitive data safe—whether it’s stored, shared, or in motion. It focuses on encryption, backups, and access control.

Subtypes of Data Security:

Data Encryption: Scrambles data into unreadable format unless decrypted.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Prevents accidental or malicious leaks.
Secure Backups: Regular, offline storage to mitigate ransomware threats.
Access Control: Only authorized users can access certain files.

6. Identity and Access Management (IAM) – Control Who Gets In

IAM is a type of cyber security that ensures only the right people get the right level of access at the right time. It’s key for managing internal access threats.

Subtypes of IAM:

Single Sign-On (SSO): One login for multiple systems.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer beyond passwords.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Limits access based on job roles.

7. Artificial Intelligence Security – The Future of Cyber Defense

AI doesn’t just power attacks—it powers defenses too. AI security uses algorithms to detect threats before they become disasters.

Subtypes of AI Security:

LLM (Large Language Model) Cybersecurity: Securing AI models like ChatGPT against prompt injection or model poisoning.
Automated Threat Hunting: AI systems that scan systems 24/7.
Anomaly Detection: Identifies unusual patterns using ML.

8. IoT Security – Protecting Smart Devices, Big and Small

IoT security protects connected devices—from smart bulbs to industrial machines. With every new IoT device, you create a new attack surface.

Subtypes of IoT Security:

Consumer IoT Security: Protects smart home gadgets.
Industrial IoT Security (IIoT): Secures connected equipment in factories.
Firmware Security: Patches bugs in embedded software.

9. Mobile Device Security – When Phones Are Your Office

Smartphones are gateways to your emails, passwords, banking apps, and more. Mobile security prevents malware, tracking, and unauthorized access.

Subtypes of Mobile Security:

Mobile Device Management (MDM): For IT admins to control corporate devices.
App Sandboxing: Isolates apps to limit damage.
SIM Swap Detection: Prevents fraudsters from hijacking numbers.

10. Supply Chain Security – A Rising Type of Cyber Security Risk

Attackers now target your vendors, tools, and third-party providers. Supply chain security addresses these hidden risks in modern digital ecosystems.

Subtypes of Supply Chain Security:

Software Supply Chain Security: Protects dependencies and package libraries.
Hardware Supply Chain Risk: Prevents tampering in physical components.
Third-Party Vendor Assessments: Ongoing monitoring of partners.

11. Cryptocurrency Security – Guarding Your Digital Assets

With crypto adoption rising, crypto security is more critical than ever. It protects wallets, exchanges, and blockchain protocols.

Subtypes of Cryptocurrency Security:

Cold Wallet Security: Offline wallets for maximum safety.
Smart Contract Audits: Check for logic flaws in DeFi protocols.
Crypto Exchange Security: Protect centralized platforms like Binance.

12. Critical Infrastructure Security – Power, Water, and Cyber Defense

Critical infrastructure cyber security protects national systems like power grids, water plants, and transportation from attacks that can cripple a nation.

Subtypes of Critical Infrastructure Security:

SCADA Security: Protects Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems.
Energy Sector Cybersecurity: Secures oil, gas, and renewables.
Utility Cyber Defense: Safeguards water & waste management systems.

13. Operational Technology (OT) Security – When Machines Need Firewalls

OT security protects physical processes controlled by technology—especially in factories, energy grids, and hospitals.

Subtypes of OT Security:

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security
Real-Time Monitoring Systems
Sensor & Actuator Security

14. Social Engineering Defense – Human-Centric Cyber Security

No firewall stops a careless click. Social engineering protection teaches and defends against phishing, baiting, and fake calls.

Subtypes of Social Engineering Defense:

Phishing Awareness Training
Vishing & Smishing Defense
Credential Harvesting Protection

15. Deepfake Detection Security – Don’t Trust Every Video You See

Fake videos, voices, and identities are now possible with AI. This type of cyber security identifies AI-generated content to prevent misinformation and fraud.

Subtypes of Deepfake Security:

Video Fingerprinting
Voice Authentication
AI Pattern Analysis Tools

16. DNS Security – Where Internet Traffic Gets Hijacked

DNS is how the web works. But it’s also how attackers redirect traffic, spoof domains, or steal credentials.

Subtypes of DNS Security:

DNS Filtering: Blocks malicious domains.
DNSSEC: Adds verification layers to DNS requests.
Tunneling Detection: Stops hidden malware traffic.

17. Quantum Computing Security

Quantum computers can break today’s encryption. This future-proof type of cyber security explores quantum-resistant algorithms.

Subtypes of Quantum Cyber Security:

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
Quantum Network Security

18. Behavioral Analytics Security – Watching Patterns, Not Just Passwords

Instead of relying only on credentials, this type of security tracks how users behave, like typing speed, login timing, and mouse movement.

Subtypes of Behavioral Analytics:

User Behavior Analytics (UBA)
Insider Threat Detection
Account Takeover Detection

19. Browser Security – Guarding Your Daily Internet Activity

Every time you click a link, you expose your system. Browser security keeps your digital window safe.

Subtypes of Browser Security:

Anti-Malware Extensions
Cookie Tracking Protection
Script Blockers (e.g., NoScript)

20. Zero Trust Security – Never Trust, Always Verify

One of the most trending types of cyber security today, Zero Trust assumes breach by default. Everyone is verified—even insiders.

Subtypes of Zero Trust Security:

Micro-Segmentation
Continuous Authentication
Contextual Access Control

Final Thoughts

These were some major types of cyber security, that you are aware of, and IdealSolutions, excels in it. If you have any questions or want to avail cyber security services with free consultancy, feel free to contact IdealSolutions PK cyber security company.

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 5 types of cyber security?

The top 5 cyber security includes categories like network, cloud, endpoint, application, and AI-based security. Each type targets a specific attack surface—for example, network security protects data flow, while cloud security defends online storage systems.

How do I decide which type of cyber security is right for my business?

You’ll need to assess your systems, data sensitivity, and exposure points. For instance, if you’re using cloud storage heavily, cloud security becomes a must. At IdealSolutions, we begin with a network vulnerability assessment to guide the decision.

Do all types of cyber security work together?

Yes, and they should. Think of it like layers of armor—network security protects traffic, while application security protects the software handling that traffic. The more coordinated the types, the better your defense.

What is the difference between cyber security categories and subcategories?

Categories are the main types like cloud security or IoT security. Subcategories are specific focus areas within them, such as public cloud security or firmware protection under IoT.

Can I implement multiple types of cyber security at once?

Absolutely. In fact, using multiple layers—called a defense-in-depth approach—is standard. At IdealSolutions, we integrate different cyber security variants to create holistic protection.

Does each type of cyber security prevent different cyber attacks?

Yes. Web application security stops injection attacks, endpoint security prevents malware infections, and IAM blocks unauthorized access. Each has a role tailored to specific threats.

What are some less common types of cyber security people often miss?

People often skip DNS security, deepfake detection, or supply chain security, which are critical in today’s threat landscape. These are emerging categories gaining traction in 2025.

How many types of cyber security should a company have?

There’s no magic number, but ideally 5–7 different types, depending on your infrastructure. Businesses with remote teams may need cloud, endpoint, IAM, and mobile device security all working together.

Do certain types of cyber security apply to healthcare or financial sectors?

Yes. Healthcare often requires data encryption, IAM, and HIPAA-compliant storage, while finance leans heavily on transaction monitoring and zero trust models.

Can I start with just one type of cyber security and expand later?

You can, but it’s risky. Starting with endpoint and network security is common. However, IdealSolutions recommends early cloud and data security setup if you’re handling client data.

Is there a type of cyber security focused only on AI models and neural networks?

Yes. AI and ML security, including model hardening and prompt-layer security, now protect against model abuse and prompt injection in LLMs like ChatGPT.

Which category of cyber security includes phishing protection?

Phishing protection falls under social engineering defense, often linked to email security, IAM, and security awareness training.

Can different types of cyber security reduce the cost of cyber insurance?

Definitely. Many insurers lower premiums if you implement multi-layered protection like MFA, endpoint defense, and data loss prevention.

How do I know if I have enough types of cyber security in place?

Start with a cyber security risk assessment. At IdealSolutions, we provide complete analysis to map what categories you have, what’s missing, and where your security blind spots are.