Ever imagined what would happen if cyber attackers increase and people are affected? That’s when cybersecurity comes into the picture.

This article introduces cybersecurity, explores why it matters, and shows how it fits into the real world.

What this article covers

• What is cybersecurity?
• Real-world analogy
• Why does cybersecurity exist?
• How cybersecurity works (high-level)
• Where is cybersecurity used?
• What deeper topics are intentionally left out

What is Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, digital devices, and sensitive data from threats such as hacking, malware, phishing, and, more recently, attacks powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

Overall, cybersecurity is the key to risk management strategy, and specifically, cyber risk management.

Real-world analogy

Gmail 2-Factor Authentication

Every time you log in to Gmail, it asks for 2-Factor Authentication to protect your password. Think of a password as the key to your house; if someone steals it, authentication acts as the security guard who asks for a second form of ID from the person before entering the house. Even if the hacker has your password, they cannot get in without the authentication. This extra layer protects and makes it harder for cybercriminals to break in. This is a real-world example of how cybersecurity works.

Why does cybersecurity exist?

Cyberattacks can disrupt, damage and even destroy businesses. Security breaches can lead to identity theft, extortion and the loss of sensitive information affecting both individuals and organizations.

Benefits of Cybersecurity:

• Protects business from Cyber attacks.
• Safeguards sensitive information
• Mitigates financial losses
• Builds trust
• Operational efficiency

How cybersecurity works (high-level) Cybersecurity systems detect, examine, and fix potential system weaknesses and vulnerabilities before hackers or malicious software exploit them.

• Multi-layered security: Organizations use multiple security layers, which include network security, endpoint security and application security.
• Data Protection: Encryption converts data into unreadable formats, ensuring confidentiality.
• Proactive Prevention: Updating software regularly and patching known vulnerabilities, reducing attack surfaces
• Antivirus/Anti-malware: Helps systems detect and block malicious software.
• Firewalls: Controls incoming and outgoing traffic.

Where is cybersecurity used?

Cybersecurity is used wherever digital technology exists to protect data and systems from malicious attacks or damage.

• Individuals: Protecting personal smartphones and computers.
• Business & Corporate Sectors: Securing intellectual property, customer data, and financial transactions.
• Healthcare: Securing patient medical records and hospital systems
• Financial Services: Safeguarding online banking applications and payment gateways.
• Government: Protecting national security data.

Recent Global Security Breaches:

• In early 2026, a 96GB unencrypted database breach was discovered, exposing 149 million login credentials for platforms such as Gmail, Facebook and Netflix.
• In 2025, a leak exposed login credentials from big organizations such as Google, Apple, Facebook, GitHub, and Telegram.
• In 2018, 1.1 billion Indian citizens’ identification data were exposed.
• In 2017, Notpetya, a new type of ransomware attack, caused over $10 billion in damages, affecting global businesses. and many more…

What deeper topics are intentionally left out

• Encryption and Cryptography
• Endpoint security
• Authentication and Access Control

Engagement Question?

Which precautions do you take to protect your data?