Fast Delivery DigiKey customers in the United States can choose from a wide range of fast, reliable delivery options, with shipping rates starting as low as $4.99. Payment Types Payment in Advance by Wire Transfer Marketplace Product More Products From Fully Authorized Partners Average Time to Ship 1-3 Days. Please see product page, cart, and checkout for actual ship speed. Extra Ship Charges May Apply Articles & Blogs > What Is Cybersecurity and Why Is It Important? What Is Cybersecurity and Why Is It Important? Risks at the Field Device Level Field devices are a common area for cyber-attacks, as they are often used in less controlled environments. They typically use default passwords or outdated software. Some examples of these devices are sensors, controllers, and cameras. Small steps like changing credentials, updating firmware, or encrypting communications can help reduce the risk of attacks. Figure 1: Cyber-attacks often target end node devices (bottom row) which are frequently in less secure environments. (Image source: Analog Devices ) Real-World Examples In the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, a single cyber-attack temporarily shut down fuel supplies across the U.S. East Coast. The Medibank data breach exposed sensitive health data of millions. And the Change Healthcare ransomware attack affected medical claims processing across the country. These attacks show how failures from cybersecurity can spread into everyday life. Secure Network Layout Strong security starts with network design. By splitting up the networks, it limits how far attackers can move. Other security defenses like firewalls and monitoring systems, add more protection to the network. A Zero Trust approach goes further by verifying every device and user continuously. Users should protect credentials, use password managers, and enable multi-factor authentication. Remote access should go through secure connections like VPNs. Monitoring and Responding to Threats This is why monitoring and responding to threats are so important. When a breach happens, organizations follow a cycle: detect the threat, contain it, review what happened, recover systems, and improve defenses. Over time, this process builds stronger systems and helps prevent future attacks. Conclusion In the end, cybersecurity is important in keeping people and systems safe. With growing threats and real-world consequences, smart practices and continuous improvement help reduce risks and build more stable systems for the future. If you would like to see more content about automation technology, check out our Automation Resource Center for more information. About this author Jeremy Wiskow is a Technical Content Developer who started with DigiKey in 2019. He received his Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronics Technology & Automated Systems from Northland Community & Technical College. His role is to assist in creating technical projects through video content and informational posts on the TechForum. In his free time, Jeremy likes to be outdoors - whether it’s fishing or taking a ride on an ATV, being in the gym working out, or driving around a dirt track bush/baja racing. Have questions or comments? Continue the conversation on TechForum , DigiKey's online community and technical resource. Thank you! Keep an eye on your inbox for news and updates from DigiKey! Please enter an email address I agree to receive marketing emails from DigiKey. I understand that I can withdraw consent at any time. Please review our Privacy Notice . Please accept the checkbox Subscribe Information Contact and support