The digital age has completely transformed how we observe and experience the world. Technology has become increasingly important in today’s world. Social media has brought us closer than ever before, and the e-commerce industry is thriving. There is an immense amount of data and information on the Internet. With the comfort of connectivity and accessibility, the level of connectivity rises, as does the risk of compromised security. The usage risk involved and easy accessibility create the necessity of knowing the role of cybersecurity in the digital world.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the defense of computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from harmful cyberattacks. It’s often referred to as information technology security or electronic information security.
Cybersecurity is the study of how to protect devices and services from cyber threats by malicious actors such as hackers. In a broader sense, it refers to the measurements and practices used to protect computers, smartphones, networks, and databases from hackers. The term ‘can be classified’ into general categories and is used in many contexts, from business to mobile computing.
Network security
Network security is the technique of defending a computer network from attackers, whether targeted attackers or opportunistic malware.
Application security
Application security is concerned with keeping software and devices safe from threats. A corrupted program may allow access to the data it is supposed to secure.
Information security
Information security protects data integrity and privacy in both storage and transmission.
Role of Cybersecurity in the digital world
The quick digital transition makes Internet users and devices more vulnerable. Cyber risk is one of the world’s most critical threats that needs urgent attention.
Imagine getting an email on a Sunday morning offering a 50% discount on your favorite sweatshirts. When you click on it, it takes you to an internet retailer. You created an account there and used your credit card to purchase two. The next day, you receive an email confirming a $5000 credit card transaction.
You are not the only victim. Hundreds of online frauds, scams, identity thefts, and digital crimes harm several businesses and individuals daily. The following are the top cybercrimes that occurred in 2020.
- Several Billionaires, including Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffett, and Elon Musk, had their Twitter accounts hacked to steal more than $100,000 in Bitcoin.
- In 2020, Marriott announced that the personal information of around 5.2 million guests was accessed and used to commit fraud.
- Zoom has had many security issues, the most noticeable of which was the sale of approximately 500,000 user accounts on a dark web forum.
Without robust cybersecurity measures, modern-day necessities like electricity grids and water treatment facilities that keep the globe operating would be easy to destroy. Cybersecurity prevents unauthorized access to and manipulation of our devices and systems.
Cybersecurity professionals can access many websites due to the constant threat of denial-of-service attacks. Warts and all, cybersecurity in the digital world is fundamentally significant because it assists with preserving the lifestyle we have come to know and appreciate.
Cyber Security in the digital world and Data encryption
While exploring cybersecurity, we learned about protecting data and systems from unauthorized identities. But how do they do it? By using cryptography techniques.
Data encryption is a technique for performing cryptography. Encryption is an example of such a technique. Now, you may wonder what Encryption is. It is the process of encoding information. This process converts plaintext, the original text or information, into ciphertext, an alternative text. Only authorized parties should be able to return ciphertext to plaintext and access the original data.
Encryption prevents interference and prevents a would-be interceptor from understanding the content. Authorized users must hold a key for the decryption of data. Remember that hackers with sufficient skills or resources, some of whom may have malicious intent, can decrypt even encrypted data.
How do you protect yourself against Cyber Security in the digital world?
Although it is challenging to be cybercrime-proof in today’s digital world, some safety precautions can help you avoid being a victim of cybercrime.
- Keep strong passwords
- Download software from trusted sources only
- Do not browse sites that are not secure
- Keep your software up-to-date
- Monitor your social media settings
- When using public Wi-Fi, be cautious
- Protect your data by encrypting it and backing it up
Conclusion
With the significant amount of promising technology provided to us, it is easy to forget that potential threats lurk behind every device and platform. Despite society’s optimistic view of modern technology, cybersecurity threats posed by modern technology are a real threat. They are increasing in variety and sophistication. Because most people are unaware of cybersecurity, anyone trying to hack into their data can easily find them. As a result, to save your neck and protect your privacy, you should implement adequate cybersecurity measures. It is crucial to raise awareness about various issues at both individual and government levels.
[Mesum Raza writes this article during Train the Learner’s Four weeks Training Program as an Article Writer]
