cybersecurity
/ˌsaɪ.bə.sɪˈkjʊə.rə.ti/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The protection of computers, networks, and data from attacks, theft, or damage. It also includes the tools and practices used to keep digital systems safe.
- Cybersecurity is a top priority for banks.
- They invest heavily in cybersecurity tools.
- Good cybersecurity protects customer data.
Adinary Nuance
Cybersecurity is broader than computer security. It includes protecting networks, phones, cloud systems, and online services, not just one device. It is also wider than data protection, which focuses more on personal information. Use cybersecurity when you mean safety across the whole digital system.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- an ninh mạng
- Spanish
- ciberseguridad
- Chinese
- 网络安全
- Japanese
- サイバーセキュリティ
- Korean
- 사이버 보안
Etymology
Cybersecurity combines cyber, from cybernetics and Greek kybernētēs meaning “helmsman,” with security. It became common in English in the late 20th century, with the rise of the internet.
Common phrases
cybersecurity riskcybersecurity threatcybersecurity measurescybersecurity policy
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is cybersecurity the same as computer security?
- Not exactly. Cybersecurity is broader and covers networks, devices, and online systems.
- Is cybersecurity a common word in business writing?
- Yes. It is very common in business, government, and technology writing.
- Can I say “cyber security” with a space?
- Both forms appear, but “cybersecurity” is now the standard spelling.