A surprisingly common question in tech writing is: is cybersecurity one word or two? On the surface, it may sound like a trivial tempest in a teapot over spelling — but how you spell it depends on style guides and regional tastes, and the norms of the cybersecurity business. In this article, we’ll step through the history, use, and best practices for writing “cybersecurity” (or “cyber security”) in a clear, effective way.
What Does “Cyber” Mean?
To correct why it seems like there is confusion around whether or not it’s “cyber,” let’s find out exactly what “cyber” by itself means.
- It abstracts its launch from “cybernetics,” which means that it’s the study of communication and regulatory systems in living organisms and machines.
- Webopedia indicates “Cyber” frequently serves as a bound prefix in construction compound words (cybercrime, cyberspace. and cybersecurity.
- Andeanized and Central Americanized forms have often become, over time, single words (e.g., cyberspace).
Dictionary and Style Guide Evidence
1. Dictionary Definitions
- Merriam-Webster defines “cybersecurity” as one word.
- The first known use of the term “cybersecurity” dates back to around 1989, according to historical dictionary entries.
These authoritative sources show that “cybersecurity” is well-established as a compound, single noun.
2. Style Guides & Institutional Standards
- The CyCon style guidance, used in international cybersecurity conferences, explicitly states that authors may use cybersecurity (as a prefix) or cyber security (as two words) — but they must remain consistent. It also rules out hyphenation (i.e., “cyber-security” is not accepted).
- A style guide from Webroot (a cybersecurity company) suggests writing cybersecurity as one word and omitting the hyphen.
Industry & Regional Usage
Usage patterns differ depending on region, audience, and formality:
- In American English and in many technical or government contexts, cybersecurity (one word) is strongly preferred.
- In British English and certain academic or regulatory contexts, cyber security (with two words) is still prevalent.
- For the most part, organizations and style guides tend to settle on one form and maintain it consistently.
- Some national cybersecurity agencies, particularly in Europe, continue to employ the two-word style.
Why Both Spellings Exist
A few key factors explain why you still see both “cybersecurity” and “cyber security”:
- Language Evolution
- As “cyber” became more common, compound forms evolved. Over time, many “cyber-” compounds that used to be hyphenated or separated merged into single words.
- As “cyber” became more common, compound forms evolved. Over time, many “cyber-” compounds that used to be hyphenated or separated merged into single words.
- Regional Style Differences
- Different English conventions: UK vs US usage varies.
- Different English conventions: UK vs US usage varies.
- Historical Documents
- Older or academic writings may maintain “cyber security” out of tradition.
- Older or academic writings may maintain “cyber security” out of tradition.
- Consistency Over Time
- Some style guides (like CyCon) allow either form, but stress that one choice should remain consistent within a single document.
- Some style guides (like CyCon) allow either form, but stress that one choice should remain consistent within a single document.
Why the One-Word Form Is More Common Now
There are several strong reasons why “Is Cybersecurity One Word” is now the default in many professional and technical contexts:
- Industry Standardization: Government bodies, tech companies, and security frameworks consistently use “cybersecurity.”
- Search & SEO: As usage grew, “cybersecurity” became the dominant form in online searches and writing.
- Clarity on What It Is, There Will Be Hype: By having a single word, one can paint cybersecurity not just as “security in cyberspace” but as something unique in terms of the practice and challenges.
- Preventing Confusion: A lot of style guides advise against hyphenating (“cyber-security”) because it can seem old-fashioned or less clear.
When Might “Cyber Security” (Two Words) Be Appropriate?
Although “cybersecurity” is the dominant form, there are occasions when it could be useful to use “cyber security.”
- Academic or Historical Writings: For texts that quote older sources or analyze the etymology of their field, the two-word version might show how people once perceived “gender identity.
- Regional Preference: If in the UK or some other place where two-word usage remains, it might be more fitting to accommodate local practices.
- Legal or Regulatory Texts: Although you can use the term “cyber security” in your own writings, some laws, regulations, and standards may refer to it — consistency could avoid confusion.
- Clarity for General Audiences: Readers who are not already thinking about “cyber” may get the wrong idea if they read goals in a non-technical or intro-level work and wonder what “cyber warfare targets” at expected audiences of What Not To Write (1): Separating such unfamiliarity gives them the space to resolve that if asked.
Hyphenation — Why “Cyber-Security” Is Rarely Used Today
- Style guides like CyCon explicitly disallow hyphenated forms like “cyber-security.”
- The hyphenated version once made sense when “cyber” was more novel, but with growing familiarity, the trend has shifted to treating it as a single compound.
- Hyphenation can reduce readability and consistency in modern technical writing.
The Stance of Major Institutions
- Merriam-Webster Lists “cybersecurity” as a single word.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): Uses “cybersecurity” in its publications.
- Corporate Style Guides: Organisations such as Webroot.com use ‘cybersecurity’ with no connecting hyphen.
- Conference & Academic Style: The CyCon guidance allows either one word or two, but not a hyphen, and emphasizes consistency.
Recommendation: What Should You Use?
Here are some general rules to follow that will help you decide which spelling is appropriate for your writing. Following your organization’s style guide and applying clear rules for using technical terminology consistently ensures professionalism and avoids confusion.:
- Know Your Audience
- If your readers are technical, American or professional use cybersecurity.
- When writing for academics or the regulatory audience, cybersecurity would be all right. For the UK.
- Use Style Guides
- Use the style guide that applies to your specific situation (company, conference or publication). If there is no rule, create one and adhere to it steadily.
Avoid the Hyphen
Refrain from using “cyber-security” unless you have a very specific style requirement — most modern guides reject it.
Be Consistent
- Once you choose “cybersecurity” or “cyber security,” use it the same way throughout your document.
SEO Considerations
- If you’re writing for the web, know that “cybersecurity” is searched more frequently than the two-word version, so using that might be beneficial when considering search engine rankings.
Does It Really Matter?
Others might say that whether it’s a single word or two words doesn’t alter the meaning. Most of that’s correct — “cybersecurity” and “cyber security” are two ways to say the same thing: protecting computer systems, networks, and data.
Therefore, the spelling you write does matter for:
- Professionalism: Employing the standard form in your industry is an act of consideration.
- Clarity & Consistency: Readers are accustomed to a certain style (particularly in technical, legal documents)
- Search & Reach: The more frequently a word is used in digital communication, the higher it will appear on search engines and be easier to discover.
Cover Up
So, is cybersecurity one word? Yes, in the vast majority of modern professional and technical uses, it’s one word: cybersecurity. This usage is supported by prominent dictionaries, government organizations and style guides, and the hyphenated “cyber-security” can be felt encroaching. That being said, “cyber security” (two words) still shows up in British English, academic writing and certain regulations and either is fine as long as you are consistent.
The right form to pick will depend on your audience, your style guide and the context in which you’re writing. But for most purposes especially in technologically inclined or digital-first content cybersecurity is standard practice