What Is Cybersecurity?

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the wide range of processes and tools that people, businesses and governments use to keep their networks, devices and information safe.

Although technology is important for cybersecurity, good cyber hygiene doesn't depend entirely on technology. For example, keeping your devices updated and using antivirus software is helpful. But the human factor, such as knowing to avoid clicking on links in unexpected emails, can be just as important.

Why Is Cybersecurity Important?

Cybersecurity is important for individuals because attackers can do a lot of harm if they gain access to your devices. For example, cybersecurity can help you:

• Reduce the likelihood of identity theft: Attackers may be able to steal your personal information, including your name, address, Social Security number and other sensitive information. They might use it to steal your identity or sell your information to other criminals.
• Stop different types of fraud: Attackers also might be able to use your stolen information or access to your devices to commit different types of fraud, including opening credit accounts in your name or taking over your accounts.
• Avoid hurting others: Rather than going after you directly, the attackers might commandeer your machine to help them launch other types of cyberattacks. Your device could be under the criminal's control without showing any signs of a change.

Cybersecurity is also important for businesses and governments, which often have more to lose. For example, a data breach could expose millions of people's personal information, or a ransomware attack might take critical infrastructure offline, such as a hospital or pipeline.

Different Types of Cybersecurity Threats

There are many types of cybersecurity threats, including complex attacks that are government-funded and coordinated. But most individuals don't need to worry about these cyber threats. Instead, focus on the more common threats, such as:

• Malware: Malicious software, or malware, infects devices and can perform all sorts of nefarious actions. Keyloggers (malware that can record what you type), spyware (monitor what you do) and ransomware (lock your device) are all examples of malware.
• Credential stuffing: Credential stuffing is when someone uses a list of known login credentials—often obtained from a data breach—to try to break into different websites. This is one reason it's important to use unique passwords for all your accounts.
• Social engineering: Social engineering describes the many types of tricks and manipulation that scammers use, such as when someone pretends to work in tech support to get access to your computer. They're often a component of a cyberattack or scam.
• Phishing and smishing: Phishing and smishing are emails and texts, respectively, that attackers use to try to get you to share your personal information or send them money. They also might contain a link or attachment that could install malware on your device.
• Spoofing: Some phishing and smishing attacks incorporate spoofing—when the attacker makes it look like the email or text is coming from someone else.

How to Protect Yourself Against Cyberattacks

There's no foolproof way to protect yourself from every type of cyberattack. There's even a name for cyberattacks that don't have known defenses—zero-day attacks, because there have been zero days to fix the issue that makes the attack possible.

However, there are well-known and relatively easy tools and practices that you can use to help protect yourself from common attacks.

• Regularly update devices. Updating the software on your phone, computer and other devices can patch newly discovered vulnerabilities. You can look for options to automatically install updates at convenient times, such as the middle of the night.
• Use a password manager. Creating strong and unique passwords that you can remember for all your online accounts is practically impossible on your own. But a password manager can help you generate, securely store and fill in passwords.
• Enable multifactor authentication. Multifactor authentication (MFA) requires someone to use at least two forms of identification to access a device or account, such as a username and password, plus a code sent to your email. Turning on MFA when available can help stop someone from accessing or taking over your account.
• Use a firewall and antivirus software. Many devices come with firewalls and antivirus protections built in—keep these turned on and up to date. Additional free or paid antivirus programs might offer extra protections or features.
• Don't share your personal information. Criminals might use personal information that you post online to threaten you, imitate you or break into your accounts.
• Beware of links and attachments. Learn how to spot a spoofed email and always be suspicious of emails and text messages that ask you to share personal information or click on a link. Often, the sender will pretend to be from a government agency or well-known company.

Next Steps for Staying Safe

Putting defenses into place and staying vigilant can help protect you from cyberattacks. Additionally, you can:

• Bookmark the checklist. Review our seven-step checklist for avoiding cybercrime and scams.
• See if your personal information was compromised. Use Experian's free dark web scan and check HaveIBeenPwned to find out if your email, phone number and other information was compromised in a data breach or if it's available on the dark web.
• Find out what personal information is on the open web. Your personal information might be widely available online. Try Experian's personal privacy scan to get a free scan and find out what's on people finder websites.
• Look into identity theft protection. Although cyber attacks don't always lead to identity theft, you may also want to consider an identity theft protection service. Some of these services, such as an Experian Premium or Family membership, come with ongoing monitoring, identity theft insurance and access to fraud resolution specialists.

While cybersecurity comes in many forms, taking protective measures on your own is an important first step in safeguarding your information.