In today’s world, most of our work is primarily now done on the internet using a cell phone or computer/laptop. Especially during this pandemic, our internet usage has increased. We are constantly banking, shopping, making phone calls, video calls, doing classes, and even working remotely from the comfort of our home thanks to the internet. We also use our phones or computers to communicate with family and friends via social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, etc.
The internet is now being used nearly everywhere in the world and has become very difficult to imagine a single day without it. With the increasing use of the internet and phones to access the internet, there are potential risks for users for many reasons, both good and poor. Due to the corrupt intentions of some internet users, Cybersecurity is becoming a key concern as the world becomes more dependent on virtual networks. In order to comprehend cyber threats, we must first understand what the word “cybersecurity” means.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word “Cybersecurity” is “security relating to computer systems or the internet, esp. that intended to protect against viruses or fraud.” Based on this definition, the term “cybersecurity” refers to security processing in a computer system or any internet device system that protects the system from viruses and fraud.
In another source, Cisco Systems, Inc. defines the word “Cybersecurity” in their website as “the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These cyberattacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information; extorting money from users; or interrupting normal business processes.” Unlike the Oxford English Dictionary, Cisco provides a more comprehensive meaning approach. They describe cybersecurity as an ongoing locking process, capable of protecting the network system and programs on a computer or device from a digital threat. They also define what cyberattacks are in order to provide a better understanding of cybersecurity. According to Cisco, cyberattacks are getting access to, altering, or destroying sensitive data, extorting money from users, or disrupting normal business processes.
As stated by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, about 67% of users encountered at least one attempted cybersecurity attack. As a community, we will need to spread awareness of the importance of cybersecurity before more people fall victim to its ways. This problem will affect many social media websites, which hackers often target to get information from users. However, it can be solved by enhancing cybersecurity awareness for users and making cybersecurity programs easily accessible to users. We decided on this topic because we believe it is one of the most pressing issues in today’s society. We wanted to spread awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and how people can keep their data and information safe.
Source:
Cisco. (2020, November 17). What Is Cybersecurity? Cisco. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/what-is-cybersecurity.html. Cybersecurity. (n.d.) In Oxford English Dictionary. https://www-oed-com.citytech.ezproxy.cuny.edu/view/Entry/250879?redirectedFrom=cybersecurity#eid117229282
