Cybersecurity: What is it? – TechRadar

The rise of the Internet-connected world over the past few decades has brought numerous benefits. But that connectedness can also pose a threat. Hackers routinely take advantage of connected devices to wreak havoc, steal valuable information, or even hold entire companies and governments hostage for a ransom.

Keeping the digital world safe as the number of devices continues to grow means countering these digital threats through cybersecurity. In this guide, we’ll explain what cybersecurity is and why it’s important, as well as highlight the different types of cybersecurity and cyberthreats.

What is cybersecurity? 

Broadly defined, cybersecurity is the set of practices and tools that individuals, IT staff, and governments use to keep information and devices safe from attackers. Ultimately, the goal of cybersecurity is to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of digital information. Files must be accessible to authorized users on demand, but must remain inaccessible to anyone else.

There is no single practice or piece of software that makes up a cybersecurity strategy. Rather, cybersecurity involves a multi-layered deployment of passive and active digital security tools along with constant monitoring for new online threats. For example, a business’s computer network may be simultaneously protected by antivirus software, an authentication system for limiting access, and a team of IT professionals that constantly monitor the network. Having strong cybersecurity means being able to not only stop known malware and other online attacks but also detect novel viruses and hacking efforts and prevent them from succeeding. 

In addition, protecting devices and networks from malicious actors requ