Cyber security- a simple term with a simple meaning: “to be safe online” but are we actually careful enough? Do we actually think twice before posting something online?
With the technological sector booming combined with the internet revolutionizing the 21st century, along with the current coronavirus pandemic, more and more hands are joining to get virtually connected. And so is the necessity of spreading the word of being safe online. But why exactly? Why do we have to stay safe online? Living in today's digital world, hackers and cyberterrorists have endless opportunities to exploit individuals, government institutions, and even large companies.
Cyber-attacks are growing at an enormous rate. The latest statistics shows there is an increase of 37% Cyber-attacks in India in Q1 2020.These attacks range from DoS (Denial of Service) attacks, phishing to eavesdropping attacks. Today, cyber criminals are not only behind money but are also designed to access, delete, or extort an organization’s or user’s sensitive data like when Qatar National Bank Systems were hacked, the personnel details belonging to employees were stolen.
Cybersecurity is not only about tools and techniques used by Cyber Experts but it’s also about how vigilant we are pertaining to digital data. The knowledge of cyber security is predominant since it includes everything ranging from protecting our sensitive data like personal information, trade secrets, and governmental and industry information systems from theft and damage attempted by criminals and adversaries.
Many Colleges and Universities are now offering Cyber security specialization as their four-year degree course. The North Cap University also offers cyber security specialization course for B. tech graduates covering domains like Penetration Testing, Web and Mobile Security, Network Security, Malware Analysis, Block chain and Forensics. These courses are practical oriented that opens ample job opportunities to the budding cyber experts. The course curriculums are revised and vetted regularly by industry experts to bridge academia industry gap. To enhance the employability rate steps like involvement of student in Industry based Projects, conducting various workshops and guest lectures on cyber tools and techniques have been initiated.
Our lives revolve around internet. There are some security measures that should be adopted by individuals to stay safe online. The usage of strong passwords, parental guidance to children, use always latest software and be cautious before clicking on any suspicious link. So be safe and always stay alert whether online or not as it's rightly said: Savdhani hati aur durghatna ghati.
Dr Shilpa Mahajan
Assistant Professor(Selection Grade)
Department of CSE
The NorthCap University
