“Why should we care about cyber security?”

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new found risk of computers
Since the beginning of the 21st century, we have stepped into the age of information, where suddenly people miles apart are able to share information with each other almost instantly. Anyone can access the internet from anywhere through numerous digital devices: from laptops to even small mobile phones. The internet has come a far way from the small communication network setup in CERN. It has evolved into a platform for people to connect, express views, earn a living and most importantly it is now also a vault of secrets. From banking to shopping, nearly every aspect of our lives revolves around the internet. But even in the vast expanses of the cyberspace, we are not safe.

In this age, information is power. Breach of cyberspace can render an individual crippled. These ‘cyber attacks’ have been rapidly evolving along with the internet. Now that everything can be accessed through the internet, every stratum of our society is at risk. More malicious hacker groups have popped up in recent times and their attacks have become more sophisticated and sinister. Hackers can not only invade personal space to obtain sensitive information (ranging from personal pictures to credit card numbers), they can take control of computers to launch even larger attacks on larger entities ranging from databases of companies to even government and military secrets. Even if a computer has no information that can help hackers, it can be used as a pathogen to infect larger networks. Some hackers also infect computers with malware that lay dormant in computers, recording every move that the victim takes.

A glimpse through history shows that malicious cyber attacks can, not only expose government secrets but also cripple normal lives. A recent example is the WannaCry ransomware attacks, which happened in May of 2017. It was a crypto worm that targeted computers running the Windows operating system that encrypted data and demanded ransom payments through the Bitcoin crypto currency (amounting to around $300 - $600 in ransom per person). More than 150 countries were attacked, according to Europol, and affected more than two hundred thousand people. The economic losses reached up to four billion USD according to the cyber risk modeling firm Cyence.
timeline of 'wannacry'
All of this leads us to one thing: the importance of cyber security. It is the need of the hour. Every device connected to the internet is vulnerable to cyber-crime. Strong cyber security methods can make sure our data is safe and not in the hands of evildoers. Normal internet users do not need to use military-grade encryption software and firewalls to protect their personal cyberspace. These are some of the steps normal users like you can keep yourself safe:
  • It is vitally important to install and frequently update strong and trusted antivirus, and anti-spyware software.
  • Periodically ensure your devices’ software is up to date so that they are safe from all known vulnerabilities.
  • Make sure your passwords are strong and that they do not repeat across different websites and services.
  • Consistently track your credit card information and transactions
  • Scan your computer for viruses, spyware and other vulnerabilities on a routine basis

Looking at the reasons stated above, it is of utmost importance that each one of us invests into cyber-security. Not only will this ensure the safety of all transactions and money related matters, but also is in the best interest of those close to us. A breach in cyber-security can lead to a variety of issues from a leak of sensitive business or personal information to loss of the previously mentioned information.

Al Jazeera
Qatar
DISEC
(Editorial 1)

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