Cybersecurity, short for “cybersecurity,” is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and digital information from theft, damage, unauthorized access, and other threats. It encompasses a wide range of technologies, processes, practices, and measures designed to safeguard digital assets and maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.
Aspects of cybersecurity include:
*Data Protection: Ensuring the confidentiality & privacy of sensitive information by encrypting data, managing access controls, and monitoring data flows.
*Network Security: Securing the communication channels & infrastructure that connect devices and systems to prevent unauthorized access and data interception.
*Endpoint Security: Protecting individual devices like computers, smartphones, and IoT devices from malware, viruses, and other threats.
*Access Control: Implementing user authentication and authorization to restrict access to systems and data to authorized individuals or entities.
*Firewalls and Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems: Using these tools to monitor and filter network traffic, preventing malicious access and activities.
*Security Awareness and Training: Educating employees and users about security best practices to reduce the likelihood of human error leading to security breaches.
*Vulnerability Management: Identifying and patching or mitigating vulnerabilities in software and hardware to reduce the risk of exploitation.
*Incident Response and Recovery: Developing plans and procedures to respond to security incidents, such as data breaches or cyberattacks, and to recover from them.
*Security Policies and Compliance: Establishing and enforcing security policies and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
*Security Monitoring and Threat Intelligence: Continuously monitoring networks and systems for signs of potential threats, and leveraging threat intelligence to stay informed about emerging risks.
*Encryption: Using encryption algorithms to protect data both at rest (stored) and in transit (during communication).
*Application Security: Ensuring that software applications are designed and developed with security in mind to prevent vulnerabilities and code exploits.