In exploration of the intriguing field of cybersecurity, one may pose the question, 'when was cybersecurity invented?' A significant question, as the understanding of its roots paints a clear view of how this discipline and industry has evolved and where it might be headed. To unravel the history of cybersecurity, we need to travel back in time to the era before the internet and personal computers were anywhere close to being ubiquitous as they are today.

The Roots of Cybersecurity

Drifting back to the infancy of computers, one might not be aware that back in the 1940s and 50s, "Computer Security" was all about the physical protection of the computer systems. Since computers were tremendously large and costly machines, safeguarding them from physical damages was the prime concern.

'When was cybersecurity invented?' holds relevance to the time when computer networks started becoming a standard. With the advent of ARPANET, the predecessor of the internet, in the 1960s and its potential for global connectivity, the concept of securing the wires began to emerge. A proverbial Pandora's box came to light with the realization that along with the power of connectivity came a host of security concerns, marking a significant turning point in the history of cybersecurity.

The Early Days of Cybersecurity

The year 1971 witnessed the arrival of the first computer virus called 'Creeper,' which only targeted a specific operating system, TENEX. This virus triggered the creation of 'Reaper', the first antivirus program, which was also a virus created to remove 'Creeper'.

The foundation of formal cybersecurity was laid in 1972 by the United States, when the Department of Defense established the 'Defense Data Network' (DDN). Their mission was to create secure data transmission protocols, which consequently led to the development of early cybersecurity standards.

Spread of Malware and the Evolution of Cybersecurity

As we roll into the 1980s, the battle against malicious software (malware) began with software designers making attempts to protect their software from being pirated. The term 'virus' had now started to become generally acknowledged, and professionals initiated strategizing on how to enlighten the world about these threats.

The development of the firewall technology in the late 1980s brought a new ray of hope, equipping organizations with an added layer of network security. The first antivirus software for personal computer systems came into existence, initiating a new era of digital security that was more broad-based.

Cybersecurity in the new Millennium

The accelerating evolution of technology and widespread internet use towards the late 1990s and early 2000s made cybersecurity an even more critical concern. Governments and organizations across the globe recognized the need for essential measures on cybersecurity, marking the initiation of regulations and directives for data protection and prevention of cybercrimes.

The advent of governmental agencies formed for cyber defense, coupled with the growth of private sector companies specializing in cyber defense, marked a new epoch in cybersecurity. People started to recognize the gravity of the impact of cyber attacks, and cybersecurity began increasingly embedding itself into our daily lives.

The Present State and Future Vision of Cybersecurity

As we dwell in the contemporary era, when answering 'when was cybersecurity invented?' it is paramount to comprehend that cybersecurity is not a static concept. As technology evolves, so do the threats, and thus, the strategies and technologies to counteract them must also progress.

Presently, we see the mutation of cybersecurity into a data-centric approach, revolving around encryption, data protection, access control, and cloud security. The emergence of artificial intelligence and machine learning is already transforming this landscape with automated threat detection and response mechanisms.

In conclusion, the birth and evolution of cybersecurity remind us of the constant struggle between mankind’s passion for creating and its propensity for destructive endeavors. Tracking back the inception of cybersecurity, we appreciate how far this industry has come, yet the increasing complexities and frequency of cyber threats also indicate how much further we need to go. On this journey, may we continue to leverage and refine this discipline, assuring a safer digital world for all of us and generations to follow.