The world has been on a constant state of metamorphosis right from its inception and creation. From the stone age to iron age, to the medieval era, and middle age, down to industrial revolution, and currently it is on the jet age which you can also call the digital age.
In this current age almost everything has been computerized, it is safe to say we are living in a digital world. Digital in the sense that we are now being aided by machines, AI (artificial intelligence), and the Internet. Now digitalization is a very welcome development, as it has made life easy by bringing out new and efficient ways of doing things, solving problems and also bringing new phenomenon and concepts that have made living worthwhile.
Globalization which has made the world a single village, with people of different origins, values, culture, and orientation being able to connect with one another irrespective of distance or social inclination is one of the miracles of digitalization. Challenges such high infant mortality are being faced squarely because of the presence of effective and efficient health care delivery aided by digitalization.
Every day research is being carried out by pharmaceutical companies using the best equipment, machines, and AI with the resultant effect being the production of new and efficient drugs for curing ailments and diseases. Just two years ago the world was ravaged by the COVID-19 virus, but because of
the presence of digitalization. There was rapid response in tackling the COVID-19 outbreak, thereby reducing casualties to its barest minimum, this was achieved through proper research and diagnosis using the best machines and equipment.
In our work places digitalization has really affected how we work positively. It is now possible for us to work from the comfort of our home, all we need is a PC and strong internet connection. Almost if not all occupation has undergone digital transformation making the traditional and old ways of doing things or working obsolete.
Architects no longer need to draw building plans and designs, using pencils and paper. These days all the need is a good PC and the required building and drawing software. Businesses and business transactions has also gone through digitalization. Now you can make payments for goods bought with your smartphone no matter where you are.
These day’s business are transacted without the parties involved having to actually meet. Education and learning has also
benefitted from digitalization as the Internet has made it possible for students and teachers to have access to materials and information the need to make teaching and learning more efficient. If you visit heavy industries you would observe that most stressful and physically tasking jobs are now being handled by Robots, thereby reducing work accidents and also making production faster.
Now even though our world has become more technological and digital, with its attendant benefits having been discussed already. Digital threats are now more widespread more than ever.
So we will be looking at the five most common cyber security threats and also ways of preventing them.
- RANSOMWARE: This in its simplest terms has to do with extortion. But here the targets are big companies and corporate brands. Hackers infiltrate the data base of this big companies, stealing and hiding valuable data while requesting for money which is usually paid in Bitcoin before the release the data. One viable means of preventing ransomware is by continuously backing up important data and information on data base preferable on daily basis.
- PHISHING: Is another cyber security threat that now common and widespread. It has to do with sending malicious and deceptive links to an individual, creating a fake website and making it to look legit and similar to the main and original website. The purpose of phishing is deception and it is achieved by enticing. Most times we are sent email with links and when we clink on this links it exposing us to virus and malware that compromise our PC and making the hacker to have access to our confidential data and information, which might include bank statements and records. There are many times of phishing and the include whaling phishing which are targeted at business CEO, spear phishing which is targeted at specific individuals within an organization, and smishing phishing which are sent SMS that has clickable links and return phone number. The only effective way of preventing phishing is by avoiding clickable links from unknown sources and also ensure that you only visit legit and verified websites.
- HACKING: Is arguably the oldest digital security threat known to me. Now not all hacking is considered illegal, but most times hacker engage in hacking for fraudulent activities. Hacking has to do with an unauthorized access to a PC (Personal Computer). This is done by overriding the security network in the PC. Hackers also use social engineering on their victims. These hackers steal personal and confidential information, data, and even money from their individual. Most times this information and data stolen are sold on the dark web. Now one effective way of securing your device from hackers especially when you are making use of the Internet is by using VPN, especially a VPN with no logs. It is one of the most reliable way to keep your personal data safe and secure.
- DATA LEAKAGE: Data leakage which is also called information leakage is the release of sensitive, confidential and protected data to an untrusted environment. It could be electronic or physical data. Most data leakage are inside jobs and they are done to blackmail the victim. One potent way or preventing data leakage is through encryption.
- ZERO-DAY-EXPLOIT: Is another common cyber security threat that is widespread and can be prevented by employing ethical hackers.
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