What is cyber security?
Cyber security is how individuals and organisations reduce the risk of a cyber attack. Just like in the ‘real’ world, we need to protect our valuables from theft, damage or destruction by taking appropriate security measures.
Simply put:
Cyber – anything relating to computers and any device that is connected to the internet
Security – keeping safe against risks and threats
Cyber security's core function is to protect the devices we all use (smartphones, laptops, tablets and computers), and the services we access, both online and at work, from theft or damage.
It's also about preventing unauthorised access to the vast amounts of personal information we store on these devices, and online.
Why is cyber security important?
Smartphones, computers and the Internet are now such a fundamental part of modern life, that it's difficult to imagine how we'd function without them. From online banking and shopping to email and social media, it's more important than ever to take steps to prevent cyber criminals from getting hold of our accounts, data, and devices.