The Importance of Innovation in Cybersecurity
The Importance of Innovation in Cybersecurity
In our current day and age, the technology field is constantly growing, evolving, and changing our lives dramatically. Each new innovation impacts our life, even in the slightest, on a daily basis. One of the most important parts of the STEM field, particularly technology, is cybersecurity, a field dedicated to protecting digital platforms from viruses, hacks, and other online dangers. It protects computer systems from losing important data like passwords, bank statements, and personal information. Leakage of such sensitive information can lead to dangerous situations like identity theft or involuntary transfers from bank accounts. The use of technology has increased due to the current pandemic, which has left many working or attending school from home.
Most people rely on technology to keep themselves busy through their work, television, and any other source of entertainment. As the field of technology continues to expand, the number of online dangers will continue to increase as well: making cybersecurity more important than ever.
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Some of the most common cyber threats include:
- Phishing
a. Phishing occurs through digital platforms like email and social media. Its main purpose is to get the user to click on whatever the attacker sends. Usually, phishing occurs when a hacker sends someone a link that contains a virus that can steal their information. The virus can steal social security numbers and can cause identity theft.
b. One of the best ways to avoid being a victim to phishing threats is to ignore any emails or messages received from people you do not know. Oftentimes, spam-mail will come from long and weird email addresses that only provide a link. It is very important to never click on any link or server sent in those messages.
https://blog.malwarebytes.com/101/2018/09/6-sure-signs-someone-is-phishing-you-besides-email/
2. Man-in-the-middle attack:
Man-in-the-middle attacks occur when hackers breach people’s networks or devices to steal all the information from their computer. The hackers usually insert a virus to obtain information faster.
a. To avoid man-in-the-middle attacks, it is important to stay away from any links or servers sent from people you may not know as the virus may hack into your network or device. Another equally important tip to avoid this security issue is to make sure you have a strong and stable network that is not easy to hack into.
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3. Malware:
- Malware occurs when someone puts a virus in their software that overturns, steals, and gives all the users' data to the hacker.
To avoid getting malware from software, make sure to download and install antivirus systems that warns you about any dangerous websites on the internet. Many of these softwares are expensive, so it is also crucial to be very aware of the websites and apps that you download — always make sure they are legitimate. Some good antivirus softwares are Bitdefender, Norton Antivirus Plus, Avira Antivirus, and Avast Free Antivirus. To learn more information about how to ensure websites are legitimate, visit this website.
https://www.csoonline.com/article/2615925/security-your-quick-guide-to-malware-types.html
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With the amount of cyber threats that exist, it is important that computer scientists and people working in the technology field come up with strong ways to combat it. Some of the best innovations in cybersecurity are the use of machine learning and information systems/technology, as best seen in single-use software, new software developments, and AI based platforms. Machine learning is rapidly becoming a crucial aspect of the technology field because it actively uses Artificial Intelligence to make systems learn new languages and scripts. This helps with cybersecurity, because it aids in creating barriers in systems to block out any data and privacy risks. Information systems and physical computing are also important because they focus on the function of software and hardware devices. An emphasis on information systems will help design products in a way where data is kept safe from any cyber threats. One recent cyber threat is several hospitals having ransomware installed on their computers. To read more about this, please visit this website. The number of online hackers grows every day, and it is very hard to stay in the clear. With the use of built in software products, being aware of your internet usage, and keeping your network safe, you can take the steps needed to stay safe from the rising amounts of cyberattacks occurring. Innovations in cybersecurity are constantly being developed to ensure user safety and a better online experience.
Work Cited:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/common-cyberattacks.html#~types-of-cyber-attacks
https://www.pcworld.com/article/210891/malware.html
https://www.theamegroup.com/5-trends-advance-cyber-protection/
https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/featured/emerging-technology-cyber-security/
https://apnews.com/press-release/pr-businesswire/8b6fb5d014f740e6ab4feb9f343a8216
