Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, networks, systems, and data from digital attacks, unauthorized access, and damage. It involves a combination of technologies, processes, and best practices to safeguard sensitive information and maintain confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA Triad) of data. It involves technologies, processes, and policies designed to safeguard digital information from cyber threats like hacking, malware, phishing, and ransomware.
Why is Cyber Security Important?
- Prevents data breaches (e.g., stolen passwords, credit card info).
- Protects privacy (personal & corporate data).
- Ensures business continuity (avoiding downtime from attacks).
- Defends against financial losses (ransomware, fraud).
- Maintains national security (protecting government systems).
Types of Cybersecurity
- Network Security – Protects networks from cyber threats like hackers, malware, and denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
- Examples: Firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), VPNs
- Information Security – Ensures the protection of sensitive data from unauthorized access and breaches.
- Examples: Data encryption, Access control, Secure passwords
- Application Security – Secures software and applications from vulnerabilities and attacks.
- Examples: Security patches, Authentication methods, Secure coding
- Cloud Security – Protects cloud-based services and data from cyber threats.
- Examples: Multi-factor authentication (MFA), Cloud firewalls, Data encryption
- Endpoint Security – Secures individual devices (laptops, mobile phones, IoT devices) from cyber threats.
- Examples: Antivirus software, Endpoint detection & response (EDR)
- Operational Security (OpSec) – Focuses on protecting business operations and internal data handling.
- Examples: Risk management, Employee training, Security policies
- Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity – Ensures that organizations can recover quickly from cyber incidents.
- Examples: Backup systems, Incident response plans, Redundancy solutions
Common Cyber Threats
| Threat | Description | Example |
| Malware | Malicious software (viruses, ransomware) | WannaCry ransomware attack |
| Phishing | Fake emails/sites stealing data | Fake login pages (e.g., PayPal) |
| DDoS Attacks | Overloading servers with fake traffic | Attacks on government websites |
| Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) | Hacker intercepts communication | Fake Wi-Fi hotspots stealing data |
| SQL Injection | Exploiting databases via code injection | Hacking websites for user data |
Cyber Security Careers
- Ethical Hacker (Penetration Tester)
- Security Analyst
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- Forensic Investigator
Cyber Security is essential in today’s digital world to prevent cybercrime, protect privacy, and ensure safe online operations.