cybersecurity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cybersecurity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the protection of computer systems and networks from information disclosure, theft, or damage. Example: "Companies must invest in cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data from cyber threats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the political upheaval over the past year contains opportunities for BAE, which has a burgeoning cybersecurity business.

The Guardian - Business

Today he set about paying for those priorities – £500m for a cybersecurity programme – by scrapping cold war tanks, planes and ships, sacking 17,000 military personnel and – less conspicuously – 25,000 civilian staff.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now they have lost their credibility with the cybersecurity industry, which has realised that they have broken their implicit promises about what they would not hack.

The Guardian - Tech

NSA The National Security Agency, the US agency responsible for collecting and analysing intelligence, plus cybersecurity.

The Guardian

According to the White House, of the 5m jobs available today, more than half a million are in fields such as software development, network administration and cybersecurity.

The Guardian

The Department of Homeland Security supposedly has a "cybersecurity czar" but the throne has not yet found a steady occupant.Private firms have had more experience in fighting off internet attacks.

The Economist

Some countries may be more willing than others to trade freedom for security.Mr Viik thinks a new global cybersecurity treaty may be reached by 2012.

The Economist

Although this may seem a little unfair to computers, a group of cybersecurity experts led by Jim Blythe of the University of Southern California are counting on there being at least some truth in the saying.

The Economist

A remote "kill switch", even if authorised, would be hugely complex and expensive to build and run, though some worry that the new cybersecurity agencies proposed by lawmakers are just the kind of bodies that would have a go.The big lesson of Egypt may be less the danger of overmighty government than what it shows about how national authorities can (and can't) close down the internet.

The Economist

CTU's information-technology faculty has spawned several commercial spin-offs and is now planning to found a department dedicated to encouraging cybersecurity entrepreneurs.

The Economist

And Boeing and EADS are looking to buy smaller firms in areas like cybersecurity and robotics.More collaborative programmes are likely too.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "cybersecurity", avoid jargon that the general audience may not understand. Use plain language to explain technical concepts.

Common error

Avoid implying that any "cybersecurity" solution is foolproof. No system is completely invulnerable, and acknowledging this builds credibility.

Linguistic Context

The term "cybersecurity" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the state of being protected against the criminal or unauthorized use of electronic data, or the measures taken to achieve this state. Ludwig shows its frequent use in describing programs and industries dedicated to this protection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cybersecurity" is a grammatically sound and very common noun referring to the protection of computer systems and networks from digital attacks. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread use across authoritative sources like The Economist, The Guardian and Encyclopedia Britannica, primarily in News & Media contexts. While the term is generally neutral in register, it's essential to avoid overstating the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures in writing. Given its established usage, sticking to clear and specific descriptions of cybersecurity efforts is the best practice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

information security

Focuses on the security of information assets, a broader term encompassing cybersecurity.

computer security

Emphasizes the security of computer systems themselves, a subset of cybersecurity.

network security

Highlights the protection of computer networks from unauthorized access and attacks.

digital security

Broader term encompassing all aspects of security in the digital realm.

IT security

Focuses on the security of information technology infrastructure and assets.

cyber defense

Emphasizes defensive strategies and measures against cyber attacks.

cyber safety

Focuses on creating a safe online environment for users.

online security

Highlights the security of online activities and data.

internet security

Focuses specifically on security measures for the internet.

electronic security

Broader concept encompassing the security of electronic systems and data.

FAQs

How can I use "cybersecurity" in a sentence?

You can use "cybersecurity" to discuss measures taken to protect computer systems and networks from cyber attacks. For example, "The company invested heavily in "cybersecurity measures" to protect its data."

What is the difference between "cybersecurity" and "information security"?

"Cybersecurity" focuses specifically on protecting digital assets, while "information security" is a broader term that includes physical and administrative measures to protect information in all forms.

What are some key areas within the field of "cybersecurity"?

Key areas include network security, data encryption, incident response, and vulnerability management. Each area addresses different aspects of protecting digital assets from various threats.

Why is "cybersecurity" important for businesses and individuals?

"Cybersecurity" is crucial for protecting sensitive data, maintaining business operations, and preventing financial losses due to cyber attacks. For individuals, it safeguards personal information and prevents identity theft.