Cybersecurity | Ready.gov (2024)

Protect YourselfDuring an AttackAfter an AttackAdditional Resources

Cyberattacks are malicious attempts to access or damage a computer or network system. Cyberattacks can lead to the loss of money or the theft of personal, financial and medical information. These attacks can damage your reputation and safety.

Cybersecurity involves preventing, detecting and responding to those cyberattacks that can have wide-ranging effects on individuals, organizations, the community and the nation.

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Cyberattacks can occur in many ways, including:

  • Accessing your personal computers, mobile phones, gaming systems and other internet- and Bluetooth-connected devices.
  • Damaging your financial security, including identity theft.
  • Blocking your access or deleting your personal information and accounts.
  • Complicating your employment or business services.
  • Impacting transportation and the power grid.

Protect Yourself Against Cyberattacks

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You can avoid cyber risks by taking steps in advance:

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  • Limit the personal information you share online. Change privacy settings and do not use location features.
  • Keep software applications and operating systems up-to-date.
  • Create strong passwords by using upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters. Use a password manager and two methods of verification.
  • Watch for suspicious activity that asks you to do something right away, offers something that sounds too good to be true, or needs your personal information. Think before you click. When in doubt, do NOT click.
  • Protect your home and/or business using a secure Internet connection and Wi-Fi network, and change passwords regularly.
  • Don’t share PINs or passwords. Use devices that use biometric scans when possible (e.g. fingerprint scanner or facial recognition).
  • Check your account statements and credit reports regularly.
  • Be cautious about sharing personal financial information, such as your bank account number, Social Security number or credit card number. Only share personal information on secure sites that begin with https://. Do not use sites with invalid certificates. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that creates a more secure connection.
  • Use antivirus and anti-malware solutions, and firewalls to block threats.
  • Back up your files regularly in an encrypted file or encrypted file storage device.
  • Do not click on links in texts or emails from people you don’t know. Scammers can create fake links to websites.
  • Remember that the government will not call, text or contact you via social media about owing money.
  • Keep in mind that scammers may try to take advantage of financial fears by calling with work-from-home-opportunities, debt consolidation offers and student loan repayment plans.

During a Cyberattack

  • Check your credit card and bank statements for unrecognizable charges.
  • Check your credit reports for any new accounts or loans you didn’t open.
  • Be alert for emails and social media users that ask for private information.
  • If you notice strange activity, limit the damage by changing all of your internet account passwords immediately.
  • Consider turning off the device that has been affected. Take it to a professional to scan for potential viruses and remove any that they find. Remember: A company will not call you and ask for control of your computer to fix it. This is a common scam.
  • Let work, school or other system owners know what happened.
  • Run a security scan on your device to make sure your system is not infected or acting more slowly or inefficiently.
  • If you find a problem, disconnect your device from the Internet and perform a full system restore.

After a Cyberattack

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Let the proper federal, state and local authorities know if you believe you have been a victim of a cyberattack.

  • Contact banks, credit card companies and other financial services companies where you hold accounts. You may need to place holds on accounts that have been attacked. Close any unauthorized credit or charge accounts. Report that someone may be using your identity.
  • File a report with theOffice of the Inspector General (OIG)if you think someone is using your Social Security number illegally.
  • File a complaint with theFBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). They will review the complaint and refer it to the appropriate agency.
  • File a report with the local police so there is an official record of the incident.
  • Report identity theft to theFederal Trade Commission.
  • Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atftc.gov/complaintif you receive messages from anyone claiming to be a government agent.
  • Contact additional agencies depending on what information was stolen. Examples include contacting:
    • TheSocial Security Administration(800-269- 0271) if your Social Security number was compromised, or
    • The Department of Motor Vehicles if your driver's license or car registration has been stolen.
  • Report online crime or fraud to your local United States Secret Service (USSS)Electronic Crimes Task Forceor theInternet Crime Complaint Center.

Additional Resources

Cybersecurity | Ready.gov (2024)

FAQs

What is cyber security best answer? ›

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 via ransomware; or interrupting normal business processes.

Is the cyber security exam hard? ›

The topics include network security, compliance, threats, vulnerabilities, cryptography, and access control. As a test taker, you must understand these concepts and how they relate to real-world situations. The exam is tough, but if you prepare properly and commit to studying, passing is within easy.

What is the hardest part about cybersecurity? ›

One of the hardest things with cyber security is deciding which area to specialize in, as there are many career paths. From penetration testing to audit and compliance, blue teaming to malware analysis, there is something related to cyber security that will appeal to many different types of people.

Is cyber security very hard? ›

Many people hold the idea that cybersecurity is hard - hard to study, hard to become an expert in, and hard as a career. While cybersecurity does require highly technical skills, attention to detail, and excellent time management, the rewards for developing your skills in this field are well worth the effort.

Why cybersecurity is easy? ›

Like any other profession, learning cyber security is not difficult if you are ready to put in the necessary effort and time. Because it doesn't require complex arithmetic, it is simpler to understand than most other subjects.

Does cybersecurity require coding? ›

Programming skills are not required to become a cybersecurity professional, but learning these programming languages can open the door to higher-level cybersecurity roles, such as cybersecurity software engineer, incident responder or penetration tester.

Is cyber security math heavy? ›

Cybersecurity majors with a computer science focus often need a strong background in math, particularly in areas like calculus, discrete mathematics, and statistics. On the other hand, cybersecurity-focused degrees like information technology may have fewer math requirements, occasionally skipping advanced calculus.

Is cyber security harder than coding? ›

Is Cybersecurity Hard to Learn? Indeed, the journey to mastering cybersecurity is challenging, but it's an achievable feat with dedication and time, much like any other field. Unlike some tech domains, cybersecurity doesn't demand coding or advanced mathematical skills, making it more approachable for many.

What is the hardest exam in cyber security? ›

The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Information Security Fundamentals (GISF) is among the toughest cybersecurity certifications. The reason for this is that it covers quite an extensive material. The exam is also quite difficult, and it requires a high level of professional conduct.

Is cybersecurity a dying industry? ›

Cyber Security Job Market and Career Gap

There is currently a high demand for skilled cyber professionals in the job market. It is expected that by 2025 there will be 3.5 million unfilled cyber security jobs due to a lack of skilled professionals and a growing need to secure more and more systems.

Why is cybersecurity so stressful? ›

Specific components of the job, such as the obligation to protect sensitive data and avoid being taken advantage of by hackers, add to the already high stress levels. There is little tolerance for error because of the constant push to stay current with the latest technical developments and security threats.

Can I learn cyber security in 3 months? ›

The short answer is in two parts: No and yes. Getting a good knowledge of cybersecurity will take more than a few months of study. You might be able to get reasonably good at a few topics in that time, but you can't learn the field that quickly.

Is cybersecurity high paying? ›

A cybersecurity career can be well paid, with salaries ranging from entry-level positions starting at $50,000 and quickly reaching six figures as you gain experience.

Is cybersecurity hard for beginners? ›

No, cybersecurity isn't hard. Although there may be difficult concepts, like cryptography or areas that require more technical knowledge, cybersecurity is one of the few fields in the tech world that doesn't require a strong technical background.

How fast can you learn cyber security? ›

A Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity will take four years to complete. You can follow it up with a two-year Master's degree. Alternatively, you can learn cybersecurity through online resources and courses. Doing so will take you anywhere from six months to a year to learn the basics and be ready for a workplace.

What is cybersecurity in simple words? ›

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting internet-connected systems such as hardware, software and data from cyberthreats. It's used by individuals and enterprises to protect against unauthorized access to data centers and other computerized systems.

How is cyber security best described? ›

Cyber security can be described as the collective methods, technologies, and processes to help protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of computer systems, networks and data, against cyber-attacks or unauthorized access.

What is cyber security in your opinion? ›

Cybersecurity is important because it protects all categories of data from theft and damage. This includes sensitive data, personally identifiable information (PII), protected health information (PHI), personal information, intellectual property, data, and governmental and industry information systems.

What is cyber safety in very short answer? ›

Cyber safety is the safe and responsible use of information and communication technology. It is about keeping information safe and secure, but also about being responsible with that information, being respectful to other people online, and using good Internet etiquette.

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