What Is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting internet-connected devices and networks against hackers, identity theft, phishing scams, ransomware attacks, data breaches, and financial losses. It is the critical discipline in the field of information technology that keeps digital assets safe, and is the foundation for organizations to be able to provide consumers, businesses and governments with trust and confidence.
Cyberattacks are on the rise, and it doesn’t seem like they will stop anytime soon. This is mainly due to our increasingly digital world, where almost every aspect of daily life is facilitated by computers and smart devices connected to the internet. This includes things such as the power grid, financial institutions, hospitals, retail outlets, education, and even our phones and tablets. Consequently, there are plenty of opportunities for malicious actors to find ways to infiltrate these systems, whether for financial gain, political or social motivations (known as hacktivism), or even just because it’s fun.
Keeping up with these risks and developing the right practices to protect against them is no easy feat. This is especially true because attacks are always evolving and new technologies are constantly being introduced, resulting in the need for cybersecurity experts to constantly update their knowledge base. For many, the challenge of defending against cyberattacks can make this an intimidating career path. However, savvy professionals who have the proper technical skills, as well as must-have credentials like The University of Tulsa’s 100% online part-time M.S. in Cyber Security, can see cybersecurity as a unique opportunity to build a highly rewarding career.