05 Jun 2020

Cyber Security & Cyberspace: Current State and Future Ahead

What is Cyber Security
Cyber Security is the body of technologies, processes and practices designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access. In a computing context, the term security implies cyber security. The Internet allows businesses of all sizes and from any location to reach new and larger markets and provides opportunities to work more efficiently by using computer-based tools. Whether a business is thinking of adopting cloud computing or just using email and maintaining a website, cyber security should be a part of the plan. Theft of digital information has become the most commonly reported fraud, surpassing physical theft. Every business that uses the Internet is responsible for creating a culture of security that will enhance business and consumer confidence.

Cyberspace and Cyber Security

Cyberspace has no boundaries; it is man-made and ever expanding. It comprises IT domain to include computer networks, computer resources, all the fixed and mobile devices connected to the global Internet. In the evolutionary stage of Internet, the key considerations were interoperability and availability. What started as a closed user group involving academics from a few universities, was thrown open to the world and has grown exponentially ever since. The rapidity in the development of Information Technology (IT) and the relative ease of using applications has commercialized the use of cyberspace and its expansion dramatically in its brief existence. Cyberspace is considered as a national asset, it has enabled a host of business and government services to citizens, efficient operations of critical infrastructure depends on it. In fact, economies of many nations across the globe almost entirely depend upon technology in cyberspace. It has become the lifeline of critical infrastructures such as energy, telecommunication, banking, stock exchanges, etc. Businesses are leveraging technology to transform their business models. Defense and Police agencies are making strategic use of technology to modernize.
Activities carried out in the cyberspace domain has merged cyberspace seamlessly with the physical world. Cyberspace has provided a tool for globalization and tool to Cyber attackers to disrupt critical infrastructures such as financial and air traffic control systems, producing effects that are similar to terrorist attacks in the physical space Cyber attackers and cyber criminals can also carry out identity theft, financial fraud, conduct espionage to steal state and military secrets, recruit criminals and others to carry out physical terrorist activities. Nations across the world are facing, an evolving array of cyber-based threats arising from a variety of sources in cyberspace. The cyber threats can be intentional or unintentional. Unintentional threats can be caused by software upgrades or defective equipment that inadvertently disrupt the systems, and intentional threats can be both targeted and untargeted attacks from a variety of threat sources.

Future of Cyber Security
Cyber security is a complex issue that cuts across multiple domains and calls for multi-dimensional, multi-layered initiatives and responses. It has proved a challenge for governments because different domains are typically administered through soiled ministries and departments. The task is made all the more difficult by the inchoate and diffuse nature of the threats and the inability to frame an adequate response in the absence of tangible perpetrators.
Industry experts have highlighted the future of Cyber Security as very bright and prosperous. Attila Tomaschek, Cybersecurity Researcher at ProPrivacy said “The future of cyber security will have a heavy focus on using artificial intelligence (AI) to secure devices and systems in the increasingly connected world. With the internet of things (IoT) and connected devices proliferating at such an incredible rate, the ways in which we leave ourselves exposed to potential cyber-attacks are also increasing.”

John Shin, Managing Director at RSI Security says ““The future of cyber security will be largely determined by what hackers will be after. And I think this will primarily be in two areas: Health and Wealth. More specifically, this means private healthcare-related data and sensitive payment information. Private health records can be worth a fortune.”
This is being highlighted by the U.S. Department of Labor that work opportunities for Information Security and Cyber Security Experts and Analysts would witness a whopping increase of 28% between 2016 and 2026.


Author –
Dr. Sandeep Kautish
Dean Academics
LBEF Campus