What does cybersecurity mean?
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, digital services, and data from unauthorized access, misuse, damage, or disruption. It combines technical measures—such as authentication, encryption, monitoring, and secure software design—with organizational practices such as risk assessment, incident response, and user training. The term is most common in professional and governmental contexts and refers both to this broad field and, informally, to the safeguards and disciplines within it. Unlike the older, narrower idea of computer security, cybersecurity recognizes that connected systems can be disrupted through software vulnerabilities, stolen credentials, social engineering, and attacks on third-party services. It is now a central concern for individuals, businesses, governments, and critical infrastructure because everyday activities depend on trustworthy digital systems. Used well, the word signals attention not only to technical controls but also to the human and institutional processes needed to keep information and services reliable.
nounThe protection of computer systems, networks, digital services, and information from unauthorized access, misuse, damage, or disruption.
- The field and practice of protecting digital systems, networks, services, and information from cyberattacks, unauthorized access, damage, and disruption.
"The company strengthened its cybersecurity after a vendor account was compromised."
"Investment in cybersecurity helped prevent the attempted intrusion from reaching the company’s customer database."
"The seminar explains how cybersecurity risks can be reduced through sensible passwords, updates, and staff training."
Cybersecurity is normally an uncountable noun and is used in the singular.
"The agency is investing in cybersecurity to protect critical infrastructure."
In the 1940s, “cyber” referred to steering and control; today, cybersecurity works overtime to keep the digital world from being hijacked.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does cybersecurity come from?
Cybersecurity is a modern compound of cyber- and security. Cyber- comes through cybernetics, a term associated with the mid-20th-century study of control and communication in animals and machines, and ultimately from Greek kybernētēs (“helmsman”) and kybernan (“to steer or control”). Security comes from Latin securitas, derived from securus (“safe, free from care or danger”); the compound gained currency as computerized networks and the threats to them became central concerns.
How cybersecurity is actually used
The term is standard in professional, governmental, and academic contexts. It is normally used as an uncountable noun and should not be confused with the much broader field of information security, which can include protection of physical records and non-digital information.
Easily confused with cybersecurity
Cybernetics is the study of control and communication in biological and technological systems, whereas cybersecurity is the protection of digital systems and information from attacks and unauthorized use.