What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. It covers everything from password management to computer security tools driven by machine learning. Cybersecurity makes it possible to reliably trade, chat, and browse over the internet.

Get NordVPN

Types of cybersecurity

Cybersecurity can be broadly divided into five types, although they aren’t set in stone — cybersecurity tools can easily belong to more than one category.

Three people are inspecting their cybersecurity efforts

A person is working on network cybersecurity.

A woman is making sure their IoT devices are protected.

Critical infrastructure cybersecurity
Critical infrastructure cybersecurity guards key systems required to keep society functioning (such as power grids and hospitals) from cyber threats.
Network security
Network security keeps intruders out of internal computer networks, such as your company’s servers.
Internet of Things (IoT) security
IoT security protects the IT elements in physical objects, such as smart gadgets, security cameras, and Wi-Fi routers.

A woman is using cloud services securely.

Cloud security
Cloud security protects the data stored in the cloud and the services provided through it.
Application security
App security keeps apps safe from outside threats, starting with secure development practices and ending with dedicated hardware solutions.

Types of cybersecurity threats

A cyberattack or cyber threat is any malicious act seeking to damage, steal, or secretly alter data. Here are the most common cyber threats.

Malware

Malware is any malicious software that takes advantage of the user. It can range from programs that flood your device with ads to keyloggers that record every stroke of your keyboard.

Ransomware

During a cyberattack, ransomware infects a device encrypting all its data. If the attack victim wants to access the data on their device again, they have to pay a ransom.

Phishing

Phishing involves a malicious actor using messages and calls, pretending to be someone else, and tricking the victim into performing an action, such as clicking a malicious link.

Social engineering

Social engineering is a set of techniques that manipulate the victim into doing something the hacker wants. It’s an umbrella term that includes phishing, vishing, catfishing, pretexting, and more.

Distributed denial of service

In DDoS attacks, a network of infected computers overwhelms their target with enormous amounts of traffic. It can slow websites to the point where it’s impossible to use or take them down for some time.

Zero-day exploits

These are unpatched security flaws. Software developers strive to find and patch these weaknesses as soon as possible. Therefore, updating software whenever a security patch comes out is essential.

Explore the world of cybersecurity in detail

Everything cybersecurity, from A to Z. Check out our glossary for the most important cybersecurity terms and learn about common online threats from our Threat Center.

Go To Glossary Visit Threat Center

Cybersecurity measures and best practices

Cybersecurity is both simple and complex. Often, staying secure includes basic cyber hygiene, such as using a strong password and two-factor authentication, not sharing sensitive information online, and being careful with email attachments. But basic cybersecurity will only get you so far if you’re a company or a supplier. To protect against cyberattacks, you’ll likely need to train your staff, implement backups, and get advanced threat detection tools.

A man is using a strong password and antivirus software.

A woman is using threat detection tools.

A person is preparing a threat response plan.

A person is providing cybersecurity education.

Threat prevention
Prevention involves your actions online and the tools you use to protect against cyberattacks. A strong password, antivirus software, and web filters all constitute threat prevention. It’s the first line of defense built to protect your system and network.
Threat detection
Threat detection refers to the methods of detecting viruses. Technically, if threat prevention is done correctly, threat detection would not be needed. However, no threat prevention measure is foolproof, so tools analyzing data patterns and intrusion detection systems ensure malicious activity can be detected quickly.
Threat response
Threat response follows the detection of malware. It involves analyzing the threat, assessing the damage it may have done, and completely removing it from the system. Threat response also involves repairing and restoring the system to its previous state.
Cybersecurity awareness training
Without continuous training, people are much more likely to be sloppy and make mistakes. Continuous awareness training reminds employees to stay vigilant, reduces errors, improves the organization’s overall cybersecurity posture, and helps comply with privacy laws.

Cybersecurity safety tips

Here are some tips on keeping safe online:

A man keeps software up to date to stay secure.

A woman is using NordVPN to stay secure.

A man is using NordVPN to connect to a public network.

Keep your software and operating system up to date
Every digital device has weaknesses that can be exploited. Most of these flaws are yet undiscovered, so while hackers race to find them for their attacks, companies strive to plug these weaknesses. You can’t do anything about unknown vulnerabilities, but keeping your software updated ensures that available security patches are applied immediately.
Use antivirus and VPN software
Various tools, such as an antivirus, anti-malware software, or a VPN, can silently work in the background and help you keep safe. For example, a firewall controls your inbound and outbound traffic, while a VPN secures your connection to the network. Using additional security tools takes some of the cybersecurity burden off you.
Stop using public WiFi networks without a VPN
Public WiFi networks are not safe. Hackers set up lookalike networks to lure unsuspecting users, and even when they don’t, public networks are too easy to track or hack. If you connect to one in an airport or a coffee shop, you can never know who’s listening on the other end. The easiest way to mitigate the risk is by using a VPN.

A woman is sad after clicking a malicious link in an email.

A woman is working to reduce her digital footprint.

Be aware of email links and attachments
Malicious links and attachments are the most popular methods of spreading malware. Cybercriminals can use stolen credentials to send a malicious message to the victim’s contacts to make it seem more legitimate. That’s why it’s crucial to double-check whenever you get a link or an attachment you didn’t ask for, even if it’s from a friend or relative.
Reduce your digital footprint
Most of your activities online leave a trace that somebody else is tracking, storing, and selling. The only solution is to reduce your digital footprint as much as possible. For example, instead of using Google for search, you use privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo. Other ways include removing unused accounts, deleting personal information online, and using a VPN for browsing.

Nord Security’s role in cybersecurity

Nord Security is active in educating internet users about the benefits of cybersecurity and good online habits. Our products (like NordVPN) help you protect yourself against many common online threats.

VPN with anti-malware

Surf online with confidence. NordVPN will cover your daily cybersecurity needs by securing internet traffic and blocking dangerous websites, ads, and malware.

VPN for business

Businesses have specific cybersecurity requirements — that’s why they need a specialized VPN. Enable remote teams and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Password manager

Passwords are key to your digital security. Generate and autofill unique passwords, identify vulnerable credentials, and check if your passwords have been leaked.

Secure cloud storage

Keep your files backed up, synced, and protected from snoopers, loss, or malware in NordLocker’s secure cloud. Nobody will see, touch, or sell them.

Improve your cybersecurity with NordVPN

Get NordVPN

30-day money-back guarantee

Frequently asked questions

Who needs cybersecurity?

Cyberattacks can target anyone, from private individuals on mobile devices to globe-spanning corporate networks. However, hackers most commonly attack healthcare and financial institutions, small businesses, manufacturing companies, education facilities, and power grid systems.

Without proper security solutions, cyberattacks can paralyze entire sectors, result in expensive data breaches for companies, and compromise accounts. The short and simple answer is that everyone needs cybersecurity — it is just as important for your iPhone as it is for government organizations.

Who is responsible for cybersecurity regulation?

Cybersecurity regulation is handled by national authorities, industry regulators, and cybersecurity associations. Despite the global presence and accessibility of the internet, each region has its own methods for regulating cybersecurity. For example, the EU has established the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) to help shape policy, implemented the Directive on Security of Network and Information Systems to set common cybersecurity standards across member states, and adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for data protection.

How do cybersecurity measures protect end users and systems?

There are numerous cybersecurity measures to help end users avoid compromising their systems, including cybersecurity education about common online pitfalls and cyber threats. VPNs use complex cryptography to protect user communications and sensitive data from loss or theft, while security programs like antiviruses can find and remove malicious programs.

When is cybersecurity awareness month?

October has been recognized as the cybersecurity awareness month since 2003. Originally a joint initiative of the US Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance, it has since spread around the world. Cybersecurity professionals today use it as an opportunity to educate the general public about online threats and good cybersecurity practices.

What career opportunities are there in cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a growing field with great career opportunities. While most think that working in cybersecurity involves computer programming, the truth is that modern organizations need to fill many roles to protect their networks — some of which have little to do with information technology at all. For example, penetration testers identify weak points in cybersecurity by acting out digital and real-world attack scenarios, while information security officers are responsible for the organization’s overall cybersecurity strategy.

Nord Security is always looking for new talent to help us make the internet a safer place — have a look at our current listings for cybersecurity jobs.

What are the latest cyber threats?

Among the most recent cyber threats are the Dridex malware, a financial Trojan horse capable of stealing passwords and bank details; crypto jacking, a technique used to “mine” cryptocurrency by secretly using the victim’s computer processing capacity; and drive-by downloads, which involve websites exploiting browser vulnerabilities to download malware on the victim’s device.

How do you protect yourself against cyberattacks?

To protect yourself against cyberattacks, you need to at least follow basic security practices. Use strong and complex passwords, regularly update all your programs and devices, and be careful when downloading and opening files from unknown sources (including shady emails). Lastly, use a VPN, especially when you’re browsing on public Wi-Fi networks.