In this technological era, the world has been converted into a global village with everything connected to everything. The internet plays a massive role in this revolution, thanks to the emergence of smartphones and similar portable devices.
We can easily connect to social media and chat with people we don’t know, subscribe to an online banking system, and do much more. What many don’t realize, however, is that with such convenience comes certain risks – mostly cyber security concerns.
While using different online systems via these devices, bad actors may hack into your accounts, stealing your personal information and using it in destructive ways. Even the systems you think may be so secure could still be vulnerable to such issues internally and externally.
News headlines like “Uganda Security Exchange Caught Leaking 32GB of Sensitive Data” have become far too familiar. And hence, the need and importance to understand your vulnerabilities and security online.
What Is Cyber Security?
Cyber security is simply defined as defending and protecting PCs, servers, technical infrastructure, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and sensitive data from malicious attackers.
Some call it information technology security, a term applicable in a wide range of markets, including businesses and mobile computing (know the difference). This practice is divided into different categories: network, information, operational, and end-user education, among others.
Why Should You Learn About Cyber Security
There is a lot of information on the benefits of learning cyber security, but not so much focuses on the end-user. Information in these publications only focuses on the career benefits of studying this subject at higher levels of education.
Here, we will dwell on the end-user, who downloads apps, subscribes to apps, and does financial transactions, among other activities. Consider the following five general reasons why you should or otherwise must learn about cyber security.
#1: The Every Rising Scale of Cyber Threat
As the need for technological advancement rises, so does the increase in the number of data breaches. A recent publication on Forbes reveals the alarming cyber statistics that everyone must know in 2022. Part of this writing is an extract from another source showing how cybercriminals can penetrate more than 90% of company networks. Attackers can breach these systems within a very short period.
And that is just for companies; what about an everyday person. A 2019 report from RiskBased Security brought up overwhelming 7.9billlion records related to data breaches. Medical services, retailers, and public entities seemed to have the biggest loopholes. With that, the International Data Corporation predicted the dependence on cyber-security solutions to rise to $133.7 billion by the end of 2022.
Cybercriminals are getting smarter, using complex programs like malware (virus, Trojans, spyware, ransomware, botnets, etc.), SQL Injection, and phishing to attack their victims. Learning about cyber security makes you more aware of these threats. You will therefore be more careful when accessing any internet-related services.
#2: The Rising Demand for Cyber Security Experts
Due to the above reasons, there is a steady rise in demand for cyber security jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that this industry is expected to grow by 28% by 2026 again.
One of the main reasons for this surge is the automation of many industries. If you are career-oriented, job growth in cybersecurity is looking incredibly bright for the foreseeable future.
#3: Cyber-attacks Affect Everyone
Anyone in that coverage area will feel the impact if a cybercriminal attacks an electrical power breach. And no one is safe if they touch military equipment, breach national security, or steal sensitive information like clinical records.
A cyberattack can even occur globally, breaking government organizations and causing chaos. Only those who understand such threats will be sober enough to know what to do.
#4: Anyone Can Be Targeted by Cyber Attacks
Identity theft through phishing has become one of the biggest concerns for the modern internet generation. Many times have we heard our friends complaining about their Facebook or Twitter accounts being hacked, not to mention financial attacks.
A hacker can use stolen personal information like location, names, and identification to blackmail you or sell to terrorists who will cause serious damage. With some knowledge, you can take quick action to prevent further damage immediately after you realize an issue.
#5 Cyber Concerns Increase Regulations and Legislations
Consider an internet user who applies a tool like giga-rapid seedbox for torrenting and to avoid ISP throttling by service providers. This tool shields them from the prying eyes of ISPs/governments, protects them from potential cyber threats, and lets them access content from restricted platforms by masking their IPs.
It all comes down to understanding the threats these activities present, which would be if they didn’t know about cyber security. You can use similar tools too to avoid leaving a huge online footprint.
Conclusion
A large percentage of the world today depends on the internet and automated technologies, which have vulnerabilities. Even though better cyber-security technologies have been created, the threats are still real. We can no longer live in ignorance, oblivious of the security threats that come from internet activities. And that is why you should learn about this industry – cyber-attacks affect us all.
