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Cybersecurity Courses

Study.com offers a variety of introduction to computer security courses, from broad reviews of the field to more focused explorations of specific areas.

These cybersecurity courses offer self-paced learning structures, through which you are able to spend as much time on each topic as desired. Most lessons are short and interesting videos that last less than ten minutes and are complemented by interactive activities and assessments. Improve your understanding of computer security and the various cybersecurity fundamentals through one of the flexible and fun courses below.

Explore our full library of cybersecurity courses:
Computer Science 110: Introduction to Cybersecurity
Computer Science 202: Network and System Security
Computer Science 203: Defensive Security
Computer Science 321: Ethical Hacking
Computer Science 330: Critical Infrastructure Security
Explore our full library of cybersecurity courses:
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What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity generally refers to the overall field of components and methods that secure technology from different types of risks. Some people may use other terms interchangeably with cybersecurity (also written as cyber security), including computer security, information technology security (or IT security), or cyber protection. While these terms overlap with cybersecurity, they do not represent the overall field of cybersecurity.

How would one define cybersecurity, in regards to what the field encompasses? There are several primary components within cybersecurity: the technology itself, types of risks, tools for mitigating the risks as well as practices or strategies. These do not represent all major components but they do make it easier to understand the overall field. Because the use of technology continuously increases, it is vital for organizations to be able to protect their technology and information effectively.

The technologies that cybersecurity covers include physical technologies, such as computer components, networks, and data or information technology (IT). IT is one of the primary focus areas of cybersecurity, or IT security, because thousands of businesses and the government collect countless amounts of data on civilians, business operations, and nearly everything else. A breach of IT could lead to a company's exclusive strategy or recipe being duplicated, or even to a major security threat to a government.

Cybersecurity also includes the types of risks that exist, such as viruses, phishing, and malware. The tools and methods that are used to assess and mitigate risk are a part of cybersecurity as well. They include best practices and are regularly being improved upon as technology evolves. Whether someone is working as an IT specialist at a technology company or as a high school teacher, having a basic understanding of cybersecurity and its associated best practices can help them to be a greater asset in the workplace, as well as conduct safer technological activities in their personal life.