What is cybersecurity?
When it comes to cybersecurity, individuals and organizations share a common goal: to protect private data and systems. But what is cybersecurity?
By: Genevieve Carlton, Edited by: Rebecca Munday
Published: October 2, 2025
With cyberattacks on the rise, it's more important than ever to understand cybersecurity best practices. Malware, phishing, cryptojacking, and DDoS attacks can shut down businesses and leave people's data vulnerable.
The intersection between cybersecurity and AI means new targets and an increase in attacks. Learn about various types of threats and best practices in cybersecurity.
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity professionals protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, as well as keep private data secure.
Why cybersecurity awareness matters
- Data breaches cost an average of $4.4 million per year, according to the 2025 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report. Investing in cybersecurity can mitigate that cost.
- Cybersecurity continues to grow more complex. Per IBM, in 2025, 97% of organizations reported an AI-related security incident, indicating the importance of updating cybersecurity practices in the era of AI.
- Cybersecurity analysts and cybersecurity engineers can help companies develop a proactive cybersecurity framework. This prevents organizations from having to react in the aftermath of a cyberattack.
- Cybersecurity skills gained through a certificate program, bachelor's in cybersecurity, or master's in cybersecurity can help professionals advance in diverse fields.
Types of cybersecurity threats
- Malware: Malicious software, better known as malware, can infect computer systems and networks to steal private data and damage systems. Antivirus software, firewalls, and other cybersecurity tools can protect against malware.
- Ransomware: A type of malware, ransomware encrypts private data and extracts a ransom to return the data. Cyberattackers can also threaten to leak data stolen with ransomware. Regular data backups are the best way to defeat ransomware.
- Phishing: Phishing scams trick people into revealing passwords or other sensitive information, often through email. Learning cybersecurity best practicesf can stop phishing attacks.
- Insider threats: An insider threat is an individual within a company who provides unauthorized access to an attacker, whether unintentionally or maliciously. Implementing strong cybersecurity policies can limit the harm of insider threats.
- Cryptojacking: A common emerging threat in cybersecurity, cryptojacking schemes gain unauthorized access to a computer to mine for cryptocurrency without the user's knowledge. Security software can prevent and identify these attacks.
- Distributed denial of service: This cyberattack floods a network with traffic to disrupt service and cause crashes. Detecting and reacting quickly to DDoS attacks can prevent harm.
How does AI affect cybersecurity threats?
AI tools can automate processes and make organizations more efficient. But cyberattackers can also use AI to scale their attacks, targeting more people and organizations. In addition, AI systems have become a new target for hackers.
Fortunately, AI also gives cybersecurity professionals new techniques to prevent, detect, and stop attacks. Investing in cybersecurity education can help professionals leverage the power of AI.
Cybersecurity best practices
Organizational best practices
- Data security tools: Security tools such as data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and data backups can protect organizations from cyberattacks. Training employees in these security tools also prevents insider threats.
- Identity and access management: Organizations must provide authorized users with access to necessary servers and sites while preventing unauthorized access. Practices such as single sign-on and multi-factor authentication can protect systems.
- Threat detection and response: Detecting and responding to attacks quickly mitigates their harm. Organizations rely on continuous monitoring, threat intelligence, and incident response planning.
Organizational best practices
- Data security tools: Security tools such as data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and data backups can protect organizations from cyberattacks. Training employees in these security tools also prevents insider threats.
- Identity and access management: Organizations must provide authorized users with access to necessary servers and sites while preventing unauthorized access. Practices such as single sign-on and multi-factor authentication can protect systems.
- Threat detection and response: Detecting and responding to attacks quickly mitigates their harm. Organizations rely on continuous monitoring, threat intelligence, and incident response planning.