Computer security[1], also known as cybersecurity, is a specialized field that involves safeguarding computer[2] systems, networks, and data from digital attacks. These attacks often aim to access, change, or destroy sensitive information, interrupt normal business processes, or exploit system vulnerabilities for malicious purposes. Cybersecurity threats and attacks come in various forms such as malware[3], phishing, and denial-of-service attacks, among others. To combat these threats, security[4] measures such as access control, firewalls, secure coding, and hardware protection are employed. It’s also critical to continuously update these measures, given the evolving nature of cyber threats. The statistics and trends in this field underscore the importance of maintaining robust computer security to prevent potentially costly and damaging breaches.
Computer security, cybersecurity, digital security or information technology security (IT security) is the protection of computer systems and networks from attacks by malicious actors that may result in unauthorized information disclosure, theft of, or damage to hardware, software, or data, as well as from the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide.
The field is significant due to the expanded reliance on computer systems, the Internet, and wireless network standards such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It is also significant due to the growth of smart devices, including smartphones, televisions, and the various devices that constitute the Internet of things (IoT). Cybersecurity is one of the most significant challenges of the contemporary world, due to both the complexity of information systems and the societies they support. Security is of especially high importance for systems that govern large-scale systems with far-reaching physical effects, such as power distribution, elections, and finance.
While most aspects of computer security involve digital measures such as electronic passwords and encryption, physical security measures such as metal locks are still used to prevent unauthorized tampering.