What Is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the set of protocols, tools, technologies and practices that prevent unauthorized access, manipulation or destruction of digital information. It also ensures the smooth operation of critical infrastructure such as banking systems and healthcare facilities.
In the modern world, most digital information is transferred over the internet or a network of connected devices (internet of things). These are often targeted by hackers seeking to expose personal or confidential data, steal financial assets or cause disruptions.
The threat landscape is constantly evolving and new attacks are reported all the time. In some cases, cyber attacks are the result of simple human error, like a weak password that is easy to guess or an employee clicking on a malicious link in an email. In other instances, a company’s cybersecurity system is undermined by malware or compromised hardware or software.
Companies invest significant resources in research and development, creating valuable intellectual property that can be stolen or leaked by hackers. Effective cybersecurity protects this data from exploitation and ensures that businesses can reap the rewards of their innovations. Additionally, many industries are subject to regulations such as HIPAA and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act that require specific cyber security measures. Failure to comply can result in heavy fines and penalties.
Cybersecurity professionals use a mix of technical and people-oriented skills to ensure that an organization’s systems are protected. They work closely with other IT and engineering specialists, as well as management. They must be able to see the big picture and understand how new technologies might create vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.