What is Cyber-Security?
Cyber-security is a field that encompasses strategies, technologies and services for protecting computers, servers, mobile devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices from malicious software, hackers, insider threats, and other attacks.
These attacks range from stealing sensitive information to disrupting systems and services. Cyber criminals also use techniques like code injection, spoofing and ransomware to attack systems and users. The vast majority of these attacks are carried out by automated systems, called bots, which can scan networks for vulnerabilities, try to guess passwords, infect systems with malware, and perform many other malicious activities.
Maintaining cybersecurity in a constantly evolving threat landscape is difficult. Traditional reactive approaches, in which resources are put toward protecting systems against the biggest known threats, leave other weaknesses undefended. To combat this, security experts recommend continuous monitoring and real-time risk assessment.
Educating end-users is another critical component of security. While this isn’t always easy, teaching people to never open suspicious emails or USB drives and other best practices can help reduce the number of breaches organizations experience.
As consumers, we seek safety and convenience in our digital lives. While these products make our lives easier, they also create new risks. Cyber security is about protecting our data, identities and home networks—and knowing someone has our back if something goes wrong. The Department of Homeland Security has a strong mission to strengthen our nation’s cybersecurity resilience and advance cybersecurity alongside our democratic values and principles. Learn more about our work and what we’re doing to protect our nation’s citizens, businesses and infrastructure.