Securing Futurity With Cyber Security

Cyber Security means protecting data, networks, programs and other information from unauthorized or unintended access, destruction or change. Rapid development of technology and the availability of internet to most of the pubic, broadens the pathway of cyber-crime. In this age, where the use of computers has become commonplace, cyber security is a major concern. With growing internet penetration, cyber security is of paramount importance for India’s growth.

In today’s dynamic environment, cyber security has become vital for individuals and families, as well as organizations (such as military, government, business houses, educational and financial institutions, corporations and others) that collect and store a wide range of confidential data on computers and transmit that to other computers across different networks. For families, protection of children and family members from cyber-crime has become substantially important. For an individual, protecting information that could impact social life as well as personal finance is essential. The internet has provided a wide array of learning opportunities, but there are risks too. Photos, videos and other personal information shared by an individual on social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter can be inappropriately used by others may lead to serious and even life-threatening incidents. Social networking sites have become the most popular medium for sharing information and connecting with other people. But these sites have created varied opportunities for cyber-crimes, compromised personal identities and information leakage. Therefore, it is important for individuals to understand how to protect against cyber threats, and must also comprehend the difference between virtual and real world. One should learn how to protect computers and personal information from being hacked and should engage in appropriate online behaviour in order to eliminate changes of cyber threats and thereby creating a safer online environment.

Business organizations, mainly small and medium-size face critical challenges in protecting data. Limited financial and technological resources make it difficult for them to upgrade security system and to stay updated with technology. However, better awareness towards cyber security and proper planning can prove to be very beneficial for such business organizations in protecting their information and trade secrets from being disclosed. Many small business organizations are now taking initiatives to protect their information from being accessed illegally.

Cyber security is equally important for local, state, and central government as these organizations maintain a huge amount of confidential data and records concerning the country and its citizens. Yet several government organizations face difficulty in protecting data because of inadequate secured infrastructure, limited funding and lack of security awareness. Stealing of confidential data or sensitive information, digital by terrorists from government organizations, as well as digital spying can lead to serious threats on a country. For this reason, cyber security is of paramount importance for government organizations also and is a vital asset to the nation

The increasing use of the internet and social media has made cyber security even more important that it was before. Growing cyber threats such as data theft, phishing scams and other cyber vulnerabilities demand that users should remain vigilant about protecting data. It is essential to understand the varied type of risks and vulnerabilities that exists in the Internet world. For every user, it is important to think before connecting to someone using online medium. Users should also think prior to sharing any information with other users through the internet in case to avoid any tampering of the personal data over the unwanted areas.