ARTICLE

Cybersecurity: cause and effect

Vasilis Manousopoulos
By:
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Contents

During “The Matrix Reloaded” movie, the Merovingian said the following phrase: “There is only one constant. One universal. It is the only real truth. Causality. Action, reaction. Cause and effect.” In the case of Cybersecurity, however, what is the cause and what is the effect?

Cause

The modern era requires companies to implement their actions and carry out their business purpose based on technology and information systems, which makes them more functional and direct but also more vulnerable to external risks that could potentially affect their business.

One of the most widespread foreign risks is cybercrime to which Cybersecurity can provide a proper solution. Cybersecurity, which has developed a lot over the years, affects a number of areas, which can be summarized in the following 3 key areas:

  • The first area is the e-mail which was made in the late 1980s by Ray Tomlinson. Through e-mails, messages can be sent which are intended to steal our data
  • The second area is the internet which made its appearance in its original form in 1989 and evolved in 1990 into its 3 key fundamental technologies HTTP, URL and HTML by Tim Berners-Lee. The internet has always been and it remains the basis for the operation of cybercrime
  • The third area is social media which has created a database of personal data for a multitude of users, which malicious users can use for their own benefit

As is easily understood from the above 3 areas, cyber security is an ongoing effort to avoid risks arising from the operation of businesses and their employees. Malicious users are evolving and developing new tactics and techniques to challenge IT systems at the same time as businesses try to preserve their integrity. It is therefore clear that there is a recurring, evolving threat to all businesses, large or small.

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Effect

Improving cyber security is essential. Thus, we can say with certainty that the business budget will increase significantly to meet the need for Cybersecurity.

From a technological point of view, malicious users are developing their attack methods, but they are not the only ones, as there have been significant technological developments that can prove important in dealing with these attacks.

Some of these developments concern:

  • Blockchain, which is an information recording system in a way that makes it difficult or impossible to change, breach or cheat systems.
  • The great improvement in the security of Cloud applications
  • The integration of IoT security which is a major development in the field of security as it can focus on the protection of connected devices and networks on the internet of things
  • The Artificial intelligence which is able to respond to new threats, anticipate risks and adapt accordingly

Conclusion

With the development of cybercrime, which is at its highest level of all time, cybersecurity has become the fastest growing technology sector. The need to shield businesses from malicious users is constantly increasing and the rapid development of technology makes it necessary to integrate sound procedures and controls.

Cybersecurity is here to stay. Will businesses be able to cope with the challenges it brings with it?

Grant Thornton | Insights

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