Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks¹. These cyberattacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information; extorting money from users via ransomware; or interrupting normal business processes¹. Cybersecurity measures are designed to combat threats against networked systems and applications, whether those threats originate from inside or outside of an organization².

Cybersecurity is important because it helps prevent data breaches, identity theft, cyber extortion, and other malicious attacks that can harm individuals and organizations. In 2020, the average cost of a data breach was USD 3.86 million globally, and USD 8.64 million in the United States³. These costs include the expenses of discovering and responding to the breach, the cost of downtime and lost revenue, and the long-term reputational damage to a business and its brand.

Cybersecurity involves various domains, such as:

• Critical infrastructure security: The practice of protecting the computer systems, networks, and other assets that society relies upon for national security, economic health, and/or public safety.
• Network security: The security measures for protecting a computer network from intruders, including both wired and wireless connections.
• Application security: The processes that help protect applications operating on-premises and in the cloud.
• Cloud security: The security measures for protecting data, applications, and infrastructure hosted on cloud platforms.
• Information or data security: The security measures for protecting data at rest (in storage), in motion (as it travels to, from and within the cloud) and in use (during processing) from unauthorized access, modification, or destruction.
• Endpoint security: The security measures for protecting devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc., that connect to a network from malicious attacks.
• Identity and access management (IAM): The security measures for ensuring that only authorized users can access resources and data within an organization.
• Disaster recovery / business continuity planning: The processes that help an organization prepare for and recover from a cyberattack or other disruptive event that affects its operations.
• Operational security: The processes that help an organization monitor and control its daily operations and activities to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure of sensitive information.

Cybersecurity requires various skills, such as:

• Technical skills: The ability to use various tools and technologies to protect systems and data from cyberattacks, such as firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, etc.
• Analytical skills: The ability to collect, process, and interpret data and information to detect and respond to cyber threats and incidents.
• Problem-solving skills: The ability to find quick and effective solutions to cybersecurity challenges and issues.
• Communication skills: The ability to convey and receive information clearly and effectively with different audiences and stakeholders.
• Teamwork skills: The ability to collaborate and cooperate with others to accomplish cybersecurity tasks and projects.
• Ethical skills: The ability to adhere to ethical principles and standards when dealing with cybersecurity matters.