Cyber security is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and applications from digital attacks. These cyberattacks are typically aimed at accessing, altering, or destroying sensitive information; extorting money from users; or disrupting normal business operations. Implementing effective cyber security measures has become increasingly challenging due to the growing number of connected devices and the rising sophistication of attackers.
Cyber security applies across multiple domains—from enterprise IT environments to mobile computing—and is commonly categorized into the following areas.
Network security focuses on protecting networks from intruders, whether they are targeted attackers or opportunistic malware. It includes measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure network configurations.
Application security involves keeping software and devices free from threats. A compromised application can provide attackers with access to sensitive data. Effective application security begins at the design stage and continues throughout development, deployment, and maintenance.
Information security protects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data, both when it is stored and when it is transmitted across networks.
Operational security includes the processes and decisions involved in managing and protecting data assets. This covers user access permissions, data handling procedures, and policies governing where and how information is stored or shared.
Disaster recovery and business continuity define how an organization responds to cyber incidents or other disruptions that result in data loss or operational downtime. Disaster recovery focuses on restoring systems and data, while business continuity ensures the organization can continue operating with limited resources during an incident.
End-user education addresses one of the most unpredictable aspects of cyber security: human behavior. Employees and users can unintentionally introduce threats by clicking malicious links, opening suspicious attachments, or using unknown USB devices. Training users on safe practices is essential for maintaining organizational security.
Malware refers to malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to systems. It is often delivered through email attachments, compromised websites, or deceptive downloads. Common types of malware include:
SQL injection is a cyberattack technique that exploits vulnerabilities in data-driven applications. Attackers insert malicious SQL queries into input fields, allowing them to access, manipulate, or steal data from databases.
Phishing attacks involve fraudulent emails or messages that appear to come from legitimate sources. The goal is to trick victims into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials or credit card details.
In a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack, an attacker intercepts communication between two parties to steal or manipulate data. This often occurs on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
A denial-of-service attack overwhelms a system, network, or server with excessive traffic, making it unavailable to legitimate users and disrupting business operations.
Zero-day attacks exploit vulnerabilities that are unknown to the software vendor or have not yet been patched. Attackers take advantage of the window between vulnerability disclosure and the release of a security fix.
Cyber security is essential because it protects sensitive data from attackers who aim to steal, misuse, or destroy it. This includes personal data, financial records, intellectual property, government information, personally identifiable information (PII), and protected health information (PHI).
Strong cyber security measures are critical to safeguarding vital infrastructure such as hospitals, financial institutions, power grids, and government systems—assets that society relies on daily. At an individual level, cyberattacks can lead to identity theft, fraud, and extortion, causing severe personal and financial harm.
Both individuals and organizations depend on secure systems when logging into applications, handling healthcare data, or conducting financial transactions. Without proper security controls, data can easily fall into the wrong hands. For businesses, governments, and other critical institutions, cyber security is not just a technical requirement but a fundamental necessity for trust, resilience, and continuity in the digital age.