We are evolving, constantly and resolutely. Trends are changing faster than we can keep track of, and the innovation landscape is at an all-time high. It is estimated that on a global level, the millennial rules the tech space. Startups are emerging in numbers unseen and unheard of. In this day and age of information overload, security and privacy are being taken more seriously than ever.
India is vast and diverse, not just in terms of culture, but also on the business and tech end. It becomes highly challenging to keep a track of current information security trends and to strictly adhere to various types of compliances. Organizations irrespective of their sizes and across industries are finally taking notice of the InfoSec and Cyber Security landscape and making it a priority, and rightly so.
With each passing year, we are becoming more and more aware of the impacts that security attacks have not just on the victim company/individual but also on the entire industry/vertical and across borders.
The year 2017 saw some of the most widely impacting attacks on organizations, companies, institutes, and conglomerates across the globe and with far-reaching consequences that made everyone reel when hit with the reality of the dangers online. It was the year that saw the emergence of the biggest ransomware attack ever experienced in history (WannaCry).
The year 2017 was also the year that saw the uncovering of detailed and personal information of over half of the population of the United States in one of the most impactful and damaging data breaches (Equifax). Closer home, we have our own list of InfoSec debacles like Aadhaar, IRCTC, and many more.
2018 started with the disclosure of 2 vulnerabilities, the Meltdown and Spectre Vulnerabilities,
which put nearly every single Operating System and Device on earth manufactured in the last 20 years at risk. Both the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities are considered to be “Catastrophic” by Security Experts and Security Analysts because of their fundamental and widespread nature.
India has a very high number of people who are tech users. We are catching up with a series of
initiatives focused on Cyber Security in order to empower citizens digitally and for safeguarding and securing the cyberspace. The “Digital India” initiative is progressing rapidly, bringing with it enhanced cyber attacks that have steadily doubled with each passing year.
In light of all the recent Cyber threats, India is taking baby steps in the right direction. Some of these include the “US-India Cyber Relationship Framework”, the proposed setting up of “National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA)”, the joint working of India and UK in establishing a “Cyber Security Training Center of Excellence” and the proposed “National Cyber Crime Coordination Centre”.
Now that we know more about the effects, impact, and significance of Data, Information, and Cyber Security, is there anything we can do? Yes, we can. The very first step in securing ourselves comes from education and awareness. The first step to prevent ourselves from becoming unfortunate victims is in equipping ourselves and our co-workers/employees/employers/colleagues/acquaintances and basically anyone who uses tech, with information on safeguarding steps/techniques.
Seek security guidance from experts, and stay updated on security trends and security threats. With this series of articles focused on awareness on and strengthening information security, we intend to bring to you, the most potent defense one can get: information!
The future is Tech! Get Equipped.
(Disclaimer: This is a guest post submitted on Techstory by the mentioned authors. All the contents and images in the article have been provided to Techstory by the authors of the article. Techstory is not responsible or liable for any content in this article.)
Image Credit: Seosec.ir
About the Authors: Harshavardhan is a science enthusiast, entrepreneur, serial hobbyist, and a complete cat-person! A Masters Graduate in Biotechnology, Harsha has worked on several projects on subjects varying from tissue culture and regeneration, to microbiology and Instrumentations. Harsha enjoys partying and is an avid reader and music aficionado. He co-founded ZinnoX and is identified as a key contributor to various different aspects of ZinnoX’s growth and planning.
On the other hand, Zakeer Hussain is a sports enthusiast, foodie, entrepreneur, and technology buff. He is also an avid traveler with a flair for presentations. A Masters Graduate in Computer Applications, he is the go-to, in-house tech expert among family, friends, and colleagues. He is the CEO and Founder of ZinnoX, and enjoys picking people’s brains and devising new and unique strategies and approaches towards business!