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Rising digitalization and cyber security concerns, IT Security News, ET CISO
With the evolution of human civilization, from forest-dwelling creatures to inhabitants of a world dominated by machines and computers, humanity has weathered many storms. The 20th century was perhaps the most impactful in human history, marked by numerous inventions and discoveries that have touched every aspect of life.
From fighter jets and naval fleets to space stations and satellites, progress was clear and unmistakable. Yet, one invention stood out among the rest: the computer, which ushered in the era of ‘Digital Technology.’ Combined with the internet, computers have transformed human life like no other invention. What began as a simple machine for performing calculations and logic has evolved into an indispensable tool, making life in 2024 almost unimaginable without it. From booking travel tickets and ordering food to getting groceries and medicines delivered, and even scheduling services like ironing clothes, computers and the internet have integrated into our daily routines in profound ways.
Internet: The era of Digitalisation
The 1990s are often credited as the era of the Internet. Starting off primarily for educational purposes, the Internet, in a very short span of time, became a beacon of a new revolution—the ‘Digital Revolution.’ Automation of manual processes using computers and the internet, the creation of websites, and perhaps more importantly, the invention of smartphones, made the internet accessible in every home and every hand. It is a no-brainer that today our lives are mostly dependent on our smartphones, internet connections, and the speed of the internet on our phones. The pandemic acted as a catalyst for this, with the majority of the population relying on their smartphones and internet connections to get most tasks done—such as the work-from-home phenomenon (which kept many sectors afloat during the tough pandemic years), online ordering of groceries, etc. The internet was not only enabling our lives but also becoming an existential element on which our survival depended to a greater extent.
Cyber Threats: The other side of the picture
The rapid pace of digitalisation and the penetration of the Internet in every sphere of life is not without its downside. We are witnessing a significant surge in threats related to internet use, particularly unsafe internet usage. The evolution of these threats has closely followed the advancement of technology and the speed of digitalisation. From basic spam calls to sophisticated ransomware attacks, these cyber threats impact everyone—from individuals using smartphones to critical national infrastructure. Some of the most common cyber concerns include impersonation, theft/snooping of personal and sometimes sensitive data, cyberbullying, financial fraud committed through vulnerable applications and websites—the list is endless. Additionally, with the advent of Artificial Intelligence, cyberattacks and security concerns have grown exponentially. Deepfake technology is a prime example of how, in the wrong hands, technology can create havoc, not only affecting individuals but also having wider societal ramifications. The road ahead
The path ahead is not as bleak as it may seem. While challenges exist, it’s far from too late to take corrective action. The internet and digital technologies have empowered society and will continue to do so. By following basic digital hygiene practices, we can navigate the online world safely. These include using strong passwords and never sharing them or OTPs, limiting personal information sharing on a ‘need to know’ basis, and exercising caution with applications involving payments or financial transactions. If something feels off, it’s worth double-checking. Just as in the physical world, caution with unknown entities online remains important. As a society, staying vigilant and adhering to these simple guidelines will help protect us in the digital age.
The author is Piyush Bajpai, Director, Deloitte India.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETCISO does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETCISO shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organization directly or indirectly.
