Does Cybersecurity Matter In 2021?
In today’s generation, digital data is given high importance. With so many transactions done online, protecting your information is necessary. With the rise of the pandemic in 2020, the number of online channels to transfer money, pay employees, or run a business is increasing.
As the need for digital transactions arises, many criminals take advantage of other people’s vulnerability and try to take important data and money from their victims. With that, the importance of cybersecurity can’t be denied.
In this article, you’ll further understand what cybersecurity means and why it still matters in 2021.
What Does Mean By Cybersecurity?
Computer network security, cyber warfare, or information security protects networks and computer systems against information theft, intentional damage or destruction of their computer equipment, software, or other electronic data, and from the deliberate disruption or misuse of their services. It’s a field that has rapidly evolved over the last 20 years with the advent of more sophisticated and capable computer security tools and techniques.
One of the major concerns today is unauthorized access to networks and data. Hackers use sophisticated tools and software to gain access to company networks, as well as personal and financial information. While there has been a lot of discussion about the motivation for many hackers, there’s no doubt that they want to gain access to and corrupt data.
If a business has computer systems that aren’t adequately protected, it could cause a data breach. For example, imagine that the company is storing proprietary information, but that information is accessible through a compromised network. That would be a grave matter because, then, the personal data of customers or employees who access that website are at risk of being compromised. Therefore, businesses must take the necessary steps to protect themselves against cybercriminals and identity theft.
Passwords and logins are a major hole in many instances. Enterprise organizations can use solutions like SAML to make logins more secure and seamless for end users, but there are solutions smaller businesses can use too.
Also, hackers may use phishing to gain access to personal or business information. For example, an email with a virus attachment may link to a spoof site that pretends to be a legitimate company or site. When you enter your login information, hackers may use it to access your financial accounts, subscriber lists, and other vital information.
Why Cybersecurity Is Important?
Despite the rising cases of cybercrimes, not only in the U.S., but globally, many people still don’t take cybersecurity seriously. Why should it be necessary? Why should people take this seriously? Here are the reasons why:
1- Cybersecurity Protects Businesses
When an individual hacks into a company’s computer system and takes control of critical information or designs, that person could sell that information online or cause the business’s cessation of operations.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many professionals within the security field who understand the value and importance of cyber defense. This is partly because these professionals are generally not highly educated in information technology or trained as computer security experts. As a result, most of them can’t keep up with the rapid evolution of malware, which is a hacking tool. Much of the malware that attacks computers this way has become entirely undetectable in traditional means of network security, such as firewall protection and anti-virus software.
This is the reason many businesses make an effort to always update their security systems. To protect your small business, you need to install a firewall and ensure you work with an experienced network security provider. Most security services ensure that their security products are updated. Their technicians and systems engineers are well-trained to detect data breach attempts even before hackers can infiltrate their systems.
2- Cybersecurity Protects Individuals
Cybersecurity isn’t only crucial for protecting against attacks on companies and governments themselves, but also on individuals who are interested in gaining access to personal accounts and/or data. These hackers can use this information to access your credit card information and even your identity. When this happens, hackers can pose as different people online and withdraw funds from their bank accounts.
Conclusion
According to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), a whopping USD$3.5 billion was lost due to cybercrimes in the United States in 2019. Experts believe that the cost of cybersecurity will continue to rise, especially given the number of federal government agencies that are now relying on outside contractors to help maintain their networks.
With that, many private firms focus their attention and resources on helping the government prevent and defend itself against cyber threats faced by its citizens. This includes protecting sensitive personal and financial data.
