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Cyber-security protects computer systems, networks, data, and users from cyberattacks. Security professionals investigate and assess damage from attacks, and design and implement security solutions to prevent recurrence.

In a world where e-commerce, remote work, and cloud data storage are cornerstones of modern life, defending these systems from cyberattacks has become increasingly important. Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities across a wide range of platforms, from laptops used by remote workers to industrial control systems (ICS) used in power plants and transportation networks.

As demand for cybersecurity expertise grows, many pathways lead to a career in this high-demand field. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is preferred, and industry-recognized certifications like the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) are valuable. Gaining experience in entry-level IT support roles or network administration is also helpful.

A wide variety of motivations drive attackers, from thrill-seeking to espionage. Those seeking financial gains may target corporate secrets, while political activism or social justice motives drive others to discredit companies through website hacking or other attacks. Formal verification tools like automated theorem proving help reduce the risks of critical algorithms, while backups ensure that even if an attack succeeds in altering or destroying data, other copies will remain intact.

Comprehensive protection starts with endpoint security, a set of solutions designed to defend against attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in individual devices like laptops and mobile phones. Other key technologies in this space include identity and access management, data encryption, and auto-segmentation to limit the spread of lateral attacks. Operational technology security (OT) applies these same techniques to the safety and reliability of the systems that run critical industries.