Cyber security
In the last few years, cyber security has emerged as a significant global issue that companies and government agencies need to pay attention to. According to Gartner, it's estimated that 20 million digital credentials are now worth more than $20 billion on the black market. Also, 58% of large businesses have been hacked in the last year. It doesn't take a genius to see that these statistics are worrisome.
VAPT ? Simply put, it is the practice of protecting computers and networks from threats, such as malware and hackers. Cyber security is mainly focused on protecting sensitive information, such as financial data and proprietary intellectual property, and maintaining the integrity of computer systems and networks. Many consider cyber security to be an arms race, as the sophistication of hackers and cybersecurity companies constantly increase, so too does the level of our defenses against them.
The Role of Physical Security And Protective Systems
While cybersecurity and physical security are often perceived as being entirely separate topics, in reality they are deeply interrelated. Those who study physical security say that it is highly unlikely that a serious security breach could happen without leaving some sort of digital footprint behind. This is because, in most cases, those who break into computers or networks usually do so for a specific purpose - to steal information or disrupt operations - and leave enough evidence for investigators to pinpoint their origins. (Imagine breaking into a neighbor's house to steal their cat, and leaving a calling card behind with the neighbor's name on it.)
Those who study cybersecurity are also aware that the vast majority of cyber attacks are carried out by those seeking financial gain or some form of political leverage. Consequently, they also recommend that companies take physical security precautions, such as installing surveillance cameras and using guards or security officers to monitor their properties.
Why Do We Need To Safeguard Our Data?
The volume of data that we generate and store has increased exponentially in recent years, and it's easy to see why. With the rise of the internet of things and artificial intelligence, our smart phones not only keep track of our contacts and social media feeds, but they also analyze our behavior, predict our needs and curate content that is specifically tailored to us.
This personalized content is extremely valuable, as it allows marketers to build stronger bonds with those who care about their interests, and provide them with valuable information that they might not discover on their own. Unfortunately, all this customization comes at a price, as our data is now more accessible to malicious actors who might want to steal our information or use it against us.
Why do we need to protect our data? Simply put, much like our physical security, our cybersecurity is crucial to maintaining the integrity of sensitive information. We need to make sure that those who know our data, such as marketers, data managers, and government agencies, have the right to access it, but also that those who do not need it, cannot get their hands on it. Data theft and data breaches are all too common, and they have the potential to do a lot of damage, both financially and otherwise. It's always nice to think that the people we trust the most are also the ones who watch out for us the most. Unfortunately, that's often not the case. A lot of times, our friends and family members are the ones who get hurt the most by scammers, hackers, and other insecure individuals.
The Rise Of The Data Darkweb
It's hard to put into words the threat that the dark web poses to our cybersecurity. Basically, the dark web (also known as the deep web or hidden web) is the pre-internet world that exists beyond the reach of most search engines and web browsers. Those who access the dark web usually do so through an anonymizing service, such as Tor or I2P, which allows them to surf the web privately, securely, and untraceably. (To learn more, you can read our latest guide on how to safely browse the dark web.)
One of the main reasons why businesses and government agencies need to safeguard their data and keep it private is the threat that the dark web poses to their cybersecurity. Most cybersecurity companies and products are not designed with this world in mind, and that's what makes it so dangerous. It's also one of the reasons why businesses should not solely rely on cybersecurity products and companies to protect them, but also ensure that they have adequate physical security measures in place. (A great way to secure your data and stay protected is by using a VPN.)
The Impact Of The Rising Cloud On Our Data Privacy
The term cloud computing originates from the 1970s, when the idea of storing data remotely, on servers, became popular. Since then, the cloud has continued to evolve and change as businesses and governments have recognized its strategic advantages.
One of the biggest impacts that the cloud has had on our data privacy is how easy it has made it for cybercriminals and cyber spies to get our data. With the prevalence of cloud computing, it's now possible to store large volumes of data, including sensitive information, in the cloud, which means that it is accessible from anywhere, at any time. This convenience has greatly increased the risk of identity theft and data breaches, especially as more and more of our data is stored online, in the cloud.
How Does The Cloud Facilitate Data Breaches?
It's not hard to see how the cloud could facilitate a data breach. Simply put, if a hacker or data thief gets access to your online accounts, whether through phishing scams, malware, or social engineering – they will most likely be able to retrieve all your sensitive data, including any identifying information, such as your Social Security number or credit card numbers, and use it for their own nefarious purposes.
With the growth of the internet of things and its accompanying explosion of data, it's important that we learn to be vigilant, and ensure that our cybersecurity is up to date and tailored to the threats that we face. Those who study cybersecurity agree that simply relying on software or a product to keep our data secure is no longer good enough. Those who insist on keeping their data private and secure must also educate themselves on the issues of data privacy and security, and take the necessary measures to protect their information.