Cybersecurity is the process of protecting internet-connected computer systems, such as hardware, software, and data, from cyber-threats. Cybersecurity is used by individuals and businesses to protect against unauthorized access to these computer systems when cyber criminals attempt to change, destroy, and steal sensitive data; extort money by making the systems unworkable; and interrupt business operations.

In Pennsylvania, cybersecurity is governed by a combination of state statutes and federal laws designed to protect computer systems and sensitive data from cyber-threats. The state has enacted the Breach of Personal Information Notification Act, which requires businesses and state agencies to notify individuals of security breaches that may compromise personal information. Additionally, Pennsylvania follows federal regulations such as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) and the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA), which provide a framework for criminalizing unauthorized access to computer systems and encourage sharing of cybersecurity threat information. Businesses in specific sectors, such as healthcare and finance, are also subject to industry-specific regulations like HIPAA and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which impose additional cybersecurity requirements. Overall, these laws aim to protect against the unauthorized access, alteration, theft, or destruction of data, and to ensure that businesses take proactive steps to secure their computer systems against cyber-attacks.