What is Cybersecurity

Introduction to IT and Cybersecurity

Information technology (IT) is the use of computers, software, networks, and other devices to store, process, transmit, and retrieve data and information. IT enables various activities such as communication, collaboration, education, entertainment, business, and governance. IT also supports the development and innovation of new technologies and applications.

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting IT systems and data from digital attacks. Cybersecurity aims to prevent unauthorized access, modification, disclosure, or destruction of information and resources. Cybersecurity also involves the detection and response to cyber incidents, as well as the recovery and restoration of normal operations.

Cybersecurity is a fast-growing and dynamic field that requires constant adaptation and learning. Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, frequent, and impactful, posing significant challenges and risks to individuals, organizations, and society. According to a report by IBM¹, the average cost of a data breach in 2020 was USD 3.86 million globally, and USD 8.64 million in the United States.

In this article, we will provide an overview of some key aspects of IT and cybersecurity, such as:

• The domains and careers in cybersecurity
• The types and sources of cyber threats
• The principles and techniques of cryptography
• The methods and tools of network security
• The best practices and standards of cybersecurity

Domains and Careers in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a broad and diverse field that encompasses various domains and disciplines. Some of the major domains of cybersecurity are:

• Critical infrastructure security: The protection of computer systems, networks, and assets that are essential for national security, economic health, or public safety. Examples of critical infrastructure include power grids, water systems, transportation systems, health care systems, financial systems, etc.
• Network security: The security measures for defending a computer network from intruders, both internal and external. Network security involves the design, implementation, monitoring, and maintenance of network devices, protocols, policies, firewalls, etc.
• Application security: The security practices for developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining secure applications. Application security involves the identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities in the software code, design, architecture, configuration, etc.
• Cloud security: The security measures for protecting data and resources in the cloud environment. Cloud security involves the encryption, authentication, authorization, monitoring, auditing, compliance, etc. of cloud services and platforms.
• Endpoint security: The security measures for protecting devices that connect to a network or a cloud service. Endpoint security involves the installation, update, management, scanning, etc. of antivirus software, firewall software,

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