6 Major Reasons to Worry About Cyber Security Today

People and businesses are more connected than ever, but there are just as many disadvantages to this dynamic as there are benefits. With such an interconnected reality, information can flow easily from one party to another, whether it is voluntarily transmitted or not. As such, criminals who were once confined to actions of theft and fraud in the physical realm can now violate large numbers of people in very short periods of time.

Cyber security is no laughing matter, but most people do not take the concept seriously. From weak passwords and a lack of protective software solutions to unencrypted transmissions and ignorance of the facts, individuals and businesses alike are exposing themselves to great risk every single day.

This is a time when everybody should be focused on securing their finances, personal information, and other sensitive data. To motivate people into pursuing this, let’s examine 6 major reasons why cyber security should be a top priority.

• Cyber Crime Is on the Rise

One of the biggest indicators that someone should fear a particular type of crime is the rate at which it happens. For example, many people fear having their wallets or other valuables stolen from their pockets or vehicles because these kinds of crimes occur often. However, most do not live in constant fear of being murdered, because the murder rate in most places is so low that it doesn’t warrant perpetual worry.

Cyber crime, on the other hand, is becoming more and more common with each passing year. According to McAfee, arguably some of the world’s best cyber security masters, nearly 800,000 personal and business records are lost or compromised every single day due to acts of cyber security failures. Just a few years ago, cybercrimes contributed to a global cost of around $3 trillion per year. And, that figure is set to double in scope by 2020, constituting nearly 10% of the global economy. 

With more and more people falling victim to cybercrime every single year, taking steps to protect yourself now is simply common sense. Here are some of the most important reasons that cyber security is essential. 

• Business Reputations Can Suffer

It’s not just individuals who suffer from cyber security breaches, data theft and identity fraud. Businesses often face many of the same struggles and concerns, which can lead to massive consequences beyond simple financial woes. 

Data breaches and other cyber security mishaps can cause businesses to suffer reputation losses as a result. When customer information and financial data is lost or stolen, confidence in the business’s ability to guarantee protection is considerably reduced, so it is essential to learn proper cyber security procedures in this digital age, especially for professionals. Businesses should proactively seek to recruit employees with cyber security masters degrees, or at minimum, contract with firms that utilize the services of cyber security masters and professionals. 

• Many Devices Have Vulnerabilities

An unprecedented number of tech gadgets and devices are now available on a global scale with varying levels of quality and protection afforded to them. In the past, a greater concentration of computer-based manufacturing allowed for more rigorous security testing and protocols that ensured most devices did not possess obvious security backdoors and loopholes. However, today’s world, encompassed by constant software updates and thousands of manufacturers, creates unique risks.

• Information Can Be Stolen by Anyone

Rapid advancements in security protocol and encryption have been made in recent years, and when utilized properly by those aware of cyber security concerns, they can provide adequate protection. However, most people and businesses are not aware of the full scope of vulnerability in this arena, and a good percentage of these individuals have little to no awareness of how easy it is for information to be stolen.

Perhaps the best example of sensitive information that can be stolen by anybody is information transmitted via an insecure website. The standard HTTP protocol for websites has transitioned to HTTPS, which provides an added layer of security and ensures information is encrypted during transmission. Those who make purchases from websites that do not have HTTPS encryption can have their credit card and/or personal information stolen by anybody, so verifying that websites are HTTPS compliant is essential in eliminating one of the biggest cyber security vulnerabilities.

• People You Know Are Sometimes Involved

When thinking of cyber security risks, most people imagine some unknown, shadowy figure breaking into their computers or forcing their way into websites to steal information. While this may be true in a certain statistical sense, many cyber security crimes manage to mimic other in-world crimes as well. Namely, they involve people you know a surprisingly significant amount of the time.

A family member, lover, friend, or acquaintance may be motivated financially, or they could act out of jealousy or insecurity if they have suspicions that you are being unfaithful or otherwise hiding something that they believe they should know. 

While this may not be the most likely situation under which your information could be compromised, it is worth noting that those closest to you are not immune to committing cybercrimes.

• Recovering from Cyber Crime is a Nightmare

Once you’ve fallen victim to an act of cybercrime, recovering from the process can be a nightmare. Depending on the nature of the cyber security breach, you may be facing thousands of dollars of accrued debt, hits to your credit score, or even potential criminal prosecution. In some situations, highly sensitive information may be embarrassing if it is leaked publicly, causing even further grief.

As such, the combined emotional and financial strain that the aftermath of a cyber security breach can cause should be enough on its own to motivate you into acting immediately to thwart it.

There are numerous reasons why you should be concerned about cybercrime. From the increasingly decentralized nature of device manufacturing to the increased prevalence of cybercrime, you are likely more at risk than you realize. With these motivating factors in mind, acting today is simply the only logical course of action.