As we rely on technology more than ever before, cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly important issue. Cybersecurity encompasses an evolving set of tools, risk management approaches, technologies and training that protect networks, devices and programs from attacks and unauthorized access. The field is constantly growing and evolving to keep up with hackers’ ever-increasing capabilities.

A few examples of cybersecurity threats include phishing (when a hacker tries to steal your personal information), ransomware (which prevents you from accessing your computer until you pay a fee), and cryptomining malware (which takes over your device’s processing power to mine cryptocurrency).

Many cybersecurity firms specialize in certain areas. For example, SailPoint focuses on identity management software, while Tenable and Rapid7 focus on vulnerability detection. Many cybersecurity companies have a significant government business, with some garnering 10% or more of their revenue from the public sector.

While all industries face cybersecurity concerns, some sectors are more vulnerable than others. Critical infrastructure sectors like energy production and transmission, water and wastewater systems and healthcare are at particular risk for attacks because they are essential to the proper functioning of society. Additionally, many of these systems are interconnected and a disruption in one may impact the performance of other systems.

While all organizations should prioritize cybersecurity, it is important to note that the most common security threats are human error. Even the most sophisticated systems can fail due to humans bypassing protocol or simply making a mistake. As such, it is crucial to educate employees outside of the IT department on the importance of cybersecurity and regularly conduct security awareness training. Managed Detection and Response