Internet security is any cybersecurity measure taken to protect online transactions, data, and activities. The intent is to protect internet users from hackers and limit or eliminate data breaches.

What Internet Security Is and Why It's Important

Internet security involves steps taken to protect online activities, transactions, and data. Internet security can be a strategy, such as using only complex passwords for online services. It also can involve steps like installing security software. For example, setting up a firewall for the Windows or Mac OS can block malicious connections, while installing antivirus software helps keep your computer free of malware.

Internet security is important to protect people and their private information online. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), one in three U.S. homes with computers are infected with malware, and nearly half of all U.S. adults have been hacked online. In addition, many companies have been subject to data breaches that exposed the personal information of their customers. This is why good cybersecurity practices are so important.