What is the core duty of cybersecurity?

The core duty of cybersecurity is to identify, respond, and manage risk. This encompasses a comprehensive approach to protecting an organization's information systems and data. By identifying risks, organizations can implement appropriate measures to mitigate those risks, thereby reducing their vulnerability to attacks or breaches. It involves being proactive in recognizing potential threats and actively managing security incidents when they arise.

This risk management approach recognizes that threats constantly evolve, and thus, it is not enough to simply set up preventative measures. Effective cybersecurity requires continuous monitoring, assessment, and adaptation to maintain a strong security posture. Identifying potential vulnerabilities and responding swiftly to incidents are critical to safeguard assets, maintain the integrity of data, and protect the organization's reputation.

While ensuring compliance with legal standards, protecting physical assets, and training employees on security awareness are important aspects of an overall security strategy, they are components that fall under the broader umbrella of managing risk. Compliance helps in maintaining legal standards, physical asset protection safeguards tangibles, and employee training fosters a security-aware culture, but the essence of cybersecurity is fundamentally about risk assessment and management.