“What Cyber Security is and Why it is Vital in the Digital Age”
Over the years, adversaries have proven to always have a way around security protocols. They are in possession of both the tools and the necessary expertise to bring down any critical infrastructure or systems that serve as a foundation for various institutional setups. Some of these systems drive the economies across the globe while some support global security or even health infrastructure. It is due to these concerns that have led to the emergence of a whole new domain, Cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is a concept that tries to combat cybercrimes. There is nothing as important as having secure places to keep our savings, communicate effectively and even supporting the necessary amenities in our daily lives.
All manner of threats mars the prevailing digital age more so in the cyberspace and can be attributed to the heavy reliance on computing resources to execute the major undertakings among individuals. There is a need for ways and techniques to protect the critical global infrastructure[1]. This is where cyber security comes in and has proven essential to minimize the frequent attacks which have been recorded in the past. The best part is the fact that the digital age has made the necessary steps in offsetting the frequent attacks on computing resources that support crucial infrastructure.
One instance that comes in handy in outlining the sensitive nature of cybersecurity and why it is important in the Equifax Breach. This was a red flag indicating how any system could be compromised. The key players in the domain were made aware of how easily attacks can be instigated. In the event of such attacks, crucial information can be lost. The risks associated with cyber-attacks are dire implying why most organizations have been at the forefront in combating this virtual vice.
The Equifax Breach remains to be the best reference considering the damage that it caused. From the attack, various individuals lost their IDs including other private details which were all compromised. Consider a scenario such an attack occurs and from nowhere, someone has access to critical personal information. What may be done with the information is unimaginable. This is a loud alarm implying how such breaches can cause chaos[2]. This is a likely scenario in the digital age. An age characterized by extensive interconnection and heavy reliance on digital platforms.
Overall, cybersecurity is a concept not evading public conversations soon. This is because the outlined cybersecurity risks are greater. The ripple effects may also be more serious considering that a significant percentage of the global population is either connected through a computer or any other mobile devices. The magnitude of internet penetration is enormous pointing to how complicated cybersecurity may be more so since the problem did not exist in the past. Cybersecurity remains a top priority in the digital age where information is valuable to all the global societies. If done properly, some of the challenges we are facing can be tackled regardless of how the attacking techniques may evolve among those with malicious intents.
References
Bildt, Carl. “The digital age.” Global health action 10, no. sup3 (2017).
Eun, Yong-Soo, and Judith Sita Aßmann. “Cyberwar: Taking stock of security and warfare in the digital age.” International Studies Perspectives 17, no. 3 (2016): 343-360.
[1] Bildt, Carl. “The digital age.” Global health action 10, no. sup3 (2017).
[2] Eun, Yong-Soo, and Judith Sita Aßmann. “Cyberwar: Taking stock of security and warfare in the digital age.” International Studies Perspectives 17, no. 3 (2016): 343-360.
