{"id":13836,"date":"2019-07-12T13:11:15","date_gmt":"2019-07-12T11:11:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/regenesys.net\/?p=13836"},"modified":"2026-10-28T09:29:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T07:29:19","slug":"the-future-of-it-security-and-cybersecurity-threats-in-the-digital-age-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.regenesys.net\/reginsights\/the-future-of-it-security-and-cybersecurity-threats-in-the-digital-age-2","title":{"rendered":"The Future of IT Security in the New Digital Age: An Opportunity for Africa to Arise!"},"content":{"rendered":"
As the 4th<\/sup> Industrial Revolution kicks into top gear, there is a consensus among scholars, industry practitioners, and consumers of ICT products and services that the future of the world is intractably tied to technology. This reality makes the future of cybersecurity in the digital age a big deal.<\/p>\n Imagine your hi-tech electric car stopping abruptly in the middle of the road; think about the chaos that would ensue if all the traffic lights in the city go off at once; just try to imagine for a moment that all telecommunication companies and banks get locked out of their computers and networks in one fell swoop!<\/p>\n Such is the possibility, the grim reality that faces humanity in the wake of hackers getting unfettered access into our devices and networks in an increasingly connected world.<\/p>\n This scenario is not a scene from a horror movie or a Sci-Fi blockbuster.<\/p>\n There is an existential threat to our collective and individual safety as long as human beings keep inter-connecting with all kinds of devices within global, regional, and national digital networks like the internet and many intranets<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n From research into medicine to transportation, entertainment, agriculture, and almost every other aspect of life, a global shift away from the use of technology would reverse the course of human evolution\/progression.<\/p>\n How would you survive without swiping your card at the supermarket or shopping for your baby’s toys online?<\/p>\n The fact that modern humans (in most parts of the world) are now one with their connected devices means cybersecurity is a burning issue that concerns everyone.<\/p>\n Read Also:<\/p>\n If you store your memorable vacation pictures and myriads of other files in an imaginary \u2018cloud,\u2019 if you hail a cab with your smartphone or transfer money to your loved ones through mobile money facilities, then you are exposed, and cybersecurity should concern you.<\/p>\n When you chat on WhatsApp or search for a job on LinkedIn using a computer or mobile device (and every other activity you engage with on the internet) you are vulnerable to cyber-attacks.<\/p>\n As the Internet of Things, or IoT, leaves tech shacks and coffee shop discussions and becomes mainstream in the real world, the kinds of changes it will bring along are staggering, yet fascinating.<\/p>\n Similarly, 5G technology, machine learning, peer-to-peer payment systems (otherwise called cryptocurrencies), and other new tech are poised to change the way we communicate, trade, travel, play, and strive to survive every single day<\/p>\n All of these are, unfortunately, open to cyber-attacks if the networks and devices we use to connect are not adequately protected.<\/p>\n Africa is not immune to cyber-attacks. For instance, South Africa faces its fair share<\/a><\/span><\/span> of data breaches, just like every other country struggles to adapt to new – and fast-evolving – cyber threats.<\/p>\n Hackers are stealing data and selling passwords on the ‘dark web,\u2019 and other delinquents are collecting ransom from cyberbullying schemes, among other scams.<\/p>\n The following stats are indeed shocking, given that we depend so much on our mobile devices and networks to thrive:<\/p>\n The figures are mindboggling! Sooner or later, this reality is going to affect you too!<\/p>\n With all these happening daily, the point becomes clear: malicious hackers are getting better at their vices and would go to any length to infect networks, computers, mobile devices, wearable tech, and other devices to steal your data and files.<\/p>\n Teenage cyberbullying, revenge porn on social media and other related menaces are happening faster than countries can craft legislation and formulate policies to tackle the nuisance.<\/p>\n To make it worse, the humongous revenue business owners and start-ups<\/a><\/span><\/span> make from selling anti-virus, malware-fighting tools, and other cybersecurity solutions make it evident that this multi-billion dollar industry is just sprouting.<\/p>\n Cyber-attacks and cyber-infrastructure defence are becoming the latest theatre of a covert war between countries<\/a><\/span>.<\/span> It’s no surprise, then, that governments are investing heavily in offensive and defensive technologies, swelling the pockets of tech firms who create and update patches and other cybersecurity solutions for businesses and governments all over the world.<\/p>\n\n
Can We Survive in the Future Without Connectivity?<\/h4>\n
While there is no doubt that we can live off-grid and jettison our smartphones and sleek computers, abandoning our fancy \u2018gear and toys\u2019 will mean life itself will certainly retrogress or stagnate, to the point where life will be, as Thomas Hobbes puts it, \u201c…nasty, brutish, and short!\u201d<\/p>\n\n
How Would Cybersecurity \u2013 or the Lack of it \u2013 Affect Our Lives?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Cyber-attacks: Gloom, Doom, and More Woes?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/p>\n\n