Have you ever wondered whether “cybersecurity” is one word or two? If so, you’re not alone. It may seem like an arbitrary question, but it did bug me for a while. Naturally I had to do my research. There is a theory, allegedly, that some people argue that it should be “cyber security” because “cyber” describes “security,” while others insist that “cybersecurity” is a unified concept, making it one word. Alas, the truth is far simpler – you can use BOTH!
What is the difference?
How “cybersecurity” is spelled depends largely on geographical and organizational preferences.
In the United States of America (USA), the one-word form “cybersecurity” is widely accepted. Organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Merriam-Webster Dictionary recognize it as a single word. Therefore, most Americans tend to use it as a single word.
In the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries, “cyber security” is regarded as two words and therefore more commonly used. The UK government, the European Commission, and academic institutions frequently write it as two words.
The two-word version aligns with traditional English grammar rules, where “cyber” functions as an adjective modifying “security.” However, the one-word form has gained popularity due to its widespread use in tech industries and media.
What do the experts say?
While checking different sources, I discovered that the answers are varied. The Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster Dictionary both define it as one word. The tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple primarily use it in the one-word form “cybersecurity”.
Government agencies like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) use “cybersecurity”, while the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) opts for “cyber security”.
When looking at popular training platforms like the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) and the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), they use the one-word version “cybersecurity”.
Does it really matter?
In practice, both forms are acceptable, and neither will confuse readers. However, consistency is key. If you’re writing for an American audience, “cybersecurity” is preferred. If your audience is in the UK or Europe, “cyber security” may be the better choice.
More importantly, the issue isn’t how you choose to spell it – but whether you actually have cybersecurity in place to protect yourself online. Whether you write it as one word or two, ensuring your online safety should be the primary focus.
Final Verdict
While it appears that “cybersecurity” as one word is the correct form, either can be used based on your preference and audience. Both forms of spelling are understood by everyone. So, make your pick and improve your cybersecurity… or cyber security 😊
Be secure, whichever one you choose to use!
