International Research Journal of Education and Technology

Cybersecurity is essential for protecting the confidentiality, integrity and accessibility of digital assets in today’s interconnected world. As online interactions continue to grow, securing communication, safeguarding data and preventing cybercrime have become top priorities. The rising number of cyber threats such as cybercrime, espionage and warfare which highlights the need for strong security measures. A wide range of threat actors, from internal personnel to state-backed advanced persistent threats (APTs), take advantage of systems weaknesses to obtain unauthorized access. Key cybersecurity principles including authentication, encryption and non-repudiation are crucial in reducing these risks. Cryptography forms the backbone of cybersecurity, utilizing methods like hashing, steganography, salting and encryption to protect digital communications. The rise of quantum computing presents new challenges, necessitating the adoption of post-quantum cryptographic approaches to address emerging security risks. It is further challenged by the complexity of IT systems, a lack of skilled experts, continuously evolving threats and the need to meet regulatory standards. Its applications extend across multiple sectors including smart grids, vehicle communication networks, smart cities and intelligent e-health systems. With the continuous advancement of cybersecurity, ongoing research, education and collaboration are crucial in addressing new threats. Strengthening security frameworks and implementing proactive defense measure will be vital for maintaining a safe digital environment.

Keywords: Cybersecurity, Cybercrime, Cryptography.