Why is Cybersecurity Necessary in the Digital World?

By CIOReview | Monday, July 13, 2020

Cybersecurity risk is increasing; therefore, cybersecurity is essential because it encompasses everything that pertains to protecting data.

FREMONT, CA: Gone are the days when antivirus software and firewalls were the sole security measures. Business leaders now cannot leave information security to cybersecurity professionals. Cyber-attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and evolving danger to sensitive data, as the attackers use new methods powered by social engineering and artificial intelligence to circumvent traditional security controls. Cyber threats can approach from any level of an organization. It is essential to educate the staff about simple social engineering scams like phishing and more sophisticated cybersecurity attacks like ransomware attacks or other malware designed to steal intellectual property or personal data.

The fact is that the world is increasingly reliant on technology. This reliance will remain as the next generation of smart Internet-enabled devices are introduced that has access to the networks via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

The importance of cybersecurity is on the rise. The society is more technologically reliant than ever before, and there is no signal that this trend will slow down. Sensitive data like credit card information, social security numbers, and bank account details are stored in cloud storage services such as Dropbox or Google Drive.

Whether an individual, small business, or a large multinational, the crux of the matter is whether one has to rely on computer systems every day. Together with the rise in cloud services, poor cloud service security, smartphones and the Internet of Things (IoT) and where there is a myriad of cybersecurity threats that didn't exist a few decades ago. It is essential to understand the difference between cybersecurity and information security, even though the skill sets are similar.

Three simple steps can increase security and reduce the risk of cybercrime. The first step is to educate all levels of an organization about the dangers of social engineering and the common scams, like phishing emails and typosquatting. Secondly, investing in tools that can limit information loss, third-party monitoring risk, and fourth-party vendor risk, and scan for data exposure and leak credentials. Lastly, using technology to cut costs like automatically sending out vendor assessment questionnaires as part of an overall cybersecurity risk assessment strategy.