Security refers to protection from potential harm caused by others, by restraining the freedom of others to act. Security can be provided to persons and social groups, objects and institutions, ecosystems, or any other entity or phenomenon vulnerable to unwanted change. Security can refer to protection from hostile forces, but it has a wide range of other senses, such as the absence of harm, the presence of an essential good, resilience against potential damage or harm, secrecy, containment, and a state of mind.
In the context of information technology (IT), security refers to the methods, tools, and personnel used to defend an organizations digital assets. The goal of IT security is to protect these assets, devices, and services from being disrupted, stolen, or exploited by unauthorized users, also known as threat actors. An effective security strategy uses a range of approaches to minimize vulnerabilities and target many types of cyber threats. Detection, prevention, and response to security threats involve the use of security policies, software tools, and IT services.
Security can also refer to physical security, which is the protection of people, hardware, software, network information, and data from physical actions, intrusions, and other events that could cause harm. Physical security measures can include security cameras, access control systems, and security personnel.
In general, security can be defined as the quality or state of being secure, which can refer to freedom from danger, safety, freedom from fear or anxiety, freedom from the threat of harm, and the state of being able to reliably afford or access what is needed to meet ones basic needs.
