Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting devices, networks, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft — and attackers increasingly target individuals, not just large companies, because personal accounts often have weaker defenses and can be a stepping stone into employer networks. Security professionals often describe their goal using the CIA triad: confidentiality (keeping data private), integrity (ensuring data isn't tampered with), and availability (making sure systems stay accessible when needed). A single compromised account — an email, a bank login, a work password — can lead to financial loss, identity theft, or a breach that affects an entire organization, which is why basic cyber hygiene is now considered an essential life skill, not just an IT department's job.