What is the definition of a safeguard in cybersecurity?

A safeguard in cybersecurity is defined as a mechanism that reduces risk. In the context of cybersecurity, safeguards are preventative measures put in place to protect systems, networks, and data from potential threats and vulnerabilities. They can include a range of practices, tools, or technologies designed to mitigate the impact of cyber incidents, thus enhancing security posture.

Safeguards can take various forms, including firewalls, encryption, intrusion detection systems, access controls, and security policies. The goal of these mechanisms is to minimize exposure to risks, thereby reducing the likelihood of successful attacks or data breaches.

Other options do not align with the established concept of safeguards in cybersecurity. For example, a practice that increases risks does not contribute to the overall safety of a system, while a tool for tracking user activity might be useful for monitoring security but does not inherently reduce risk. Additionally, creating backups is an important part of data protection, but it specifically addresses data recovery rather than risk reduction in the broader sense of cybersecurity safeguards.