Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These cyberattacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information; extorting money from users; or interrupting normal business processes. Effective cybersecurity measures are designed to combat threats against networked systems and applications, whether those threats originate from inside or outside of an organization.
The history of cybersecurity begins in the 1970s with the development of the ARPANET. The first computer virus, "Creeper", was detected in 1971, prompting the creation of the first antivirus program, "Reaper". The field grew in the 1980s and 90s with the rise of the internet and the proliferation of malware. The 2000s and 2010s saw the emergence of sophisticated cybercrime, state-sponsored attacks, and ransomware, making cybersecurity a critical national and global priority.
Cybersecurity is now a foundational element of modern society, essential for national defense, economic stability, and individual privacy. It encompasses various domains, including network security, application security, cloud security, and critical infrastructure protection. The field faces a constant arms race between attackers and defenders, driving innovation in areas like zero-trust architecture, AI-driven threat detection, and quantum-resistant cryptography.