The cyber-world no doubt is the world’s largest and most vulnerable communication space. The following sectors rely on cyberspace to function; education, finance, government, medicine, engineering, transportation, information, entertainment. A hit on the cyber world would be chaotic and crippling for many economies. For something that holds pillars of global economies together, security is essential.
The reasons for my emphasis hinge on several issues elaborated in the following paragraphs.
Protection of personal and business privacy
It is clear that since the pandemic, many organizations now operate a work from home routine. It means total dependence on the internet. Interactions, file exchange, transactions, and information are to be powered by cyberspace. It has increased the need to hire IT professionals in many organizations to supervise a smooth transition from what it was to what it is now. These professionals reduce the risk of personal and business privacy online. Information not secured can be accessed and be taken advantage of or used against the owner. This heightened dependence on digital infrastructure also raises the cost of failure. Thus, security measures need to be in place to keep intruders in check.
Control the rate of cybercrime
Cybercrime experts can invade and break into the cyberspace of any organization and take-out sensitive information. This information they can use for whatever means they decide. A security structure and counterattack program are required to protect information online. Cyberspace criminals possess knowledge and skill with which they can influence people to make wrong decisions online. These decisions come with consequences as many of them get defrauded. Most of them even have their identities stolen.
New discoveries in technology
The degree of dependence has led to more discoveries on ways the internet can work better. This boom in technology has also made cyberspace very volatile as people get enticed to try new technology. The security on most of these platforms is weak; thus, it increases their vulnerability to hackers and cyberspace professionals without permission. These new advancements are also due to the recent boom and an urgent need for solutions in the cyber world. Unearthed professionals have used this as a medium used to deceive users into giving up sensitive information to their detriment.
The threat to moral foundations and structures
With the switch from class education to online education, many children now have access to websites online. These websites might have sensitive material that ought not to be viewed by certain age limits. However, the ownership of internet gadgets and connection by underaged kids has given them uncontrolled access. These children now view all sorts online and get into unhealthy associations. More so, being online has led to interactions online between people of different ages, sizes, colors, backgrounds, or histories. This access has also pushed all forms of religion, occult, and beliefs online. The information from most sources can influence the mindsets and decisions of people. Thus it has to be monitored closely.
The threat to peace and security
As much as the cyber world has been a blessing, it also has its negativities as it can be a formidable tool for destruction.
Many people in the past and recent times have enlisted the internet as a tool to cause chaos. They sell their views of individuals, government, and other matters online. People are thus motivated to rise and fight for courses they have biased information about. Revolutions begin this way, and governments face difficult times. It only takes spreading false news to ignite anger in the hearts of many disavowed waiting to act. The spread of fake news has to be controlled to keep the peace and secure lives and property.
Economic benefits
Regardless of the present state of the world, a lot of sectors still operate. It is due to the availability of cyberspace. Without cyberspace, the world would shut down entirely and go into chaos. Dealing with challenges such as a pandemic has been possible due to the presence of the cyber world. It provided a way out of economic depression. Even with the impact of the pandemic; governments, businesses, offices, and schools can still operate remotely. This advantage has to be protected. People can work efficiently from home and earn salaries for survival. Goods and services are purchased online, and payment is online too. Companies now hold their meetings virtually without interference. It has enabled the launch of the world into global space.
Technological advancements are on the rise; this is gradually becoming the order of things. These advancements would birth new methods of addressing social, economic, and political issues. I think it is necessary to secure what has become our new way of life.