• 25
  Nov 2019

• Staying Safe in the Wild Web World

  
  

  Ryan Nambiar | Information Technology

Information Technology (IT) is constantly shaping our world. From 2G network to 4G network, from Cable Televisions to smart TVs, from passwords to face recognition, from writing cheques to mobile banking, Information Technology (IT) and Systems have revolutionized the way we live life every day. But not everyone is aware that this convenience comes at a cost. The rapid rate at which technology is advancing is not only delivering convenience, ease and solutions but also poses threats. In the light of recent occurrences of privacy and data breaches, countries world over are voicing concerns and encouraging technocrats to devise solutions to counter this new enemy. Most countries now have Cyber Laws in place and Cyber Crimes, unlike in the past are now taken and dealt with sensitivity and diligence. Governments are summoning social media and other technological giants to court rooms to safeguard the digital assets of citizens.

Its noteworthy that 90% of the world's data has been created in the last couple of years. And cybercriminals aren't after you, as a matter of fact they are after your data. They on purpose exploit ‘wireless trust' by infiltrating your data and selling it on the dark web (an organized digital black-market) or hold your data against you to demand a ransom. The main problem that causes this vulnerability of data is lack of awareness - people aren't updated with regard to security standards. From old encryption standards like WEP as opposed to WPA PSK, to using bad free anti-virus software, to falling to fraud text messages saying you won millions, to logging into fake websites/unsecure websites with your credit cards details.

To combat the problem of cybercrime, there needs to be awareness amongst users of different generations. In Information Technology (IT), cybersecurity is generally an afterthought. Mr. Karan Sajnani, Director - RUDRA Cybercurity, was recently at MET Institute of Computer Science addressing MCA students beside other technical and non-technical students and to talk about this pivotal topic. Mr Karan emphasized saying, “Young developers should incorporate cybersecurity beforehand in the creation of applications and websites than to leave it till the project is finished”. This indeed is an important advice to professionals at the ‘Creator End’ of Information Technology (IT) and ITES solutions. Yet at the user end the old proverb still remains true that ‘Prevention is always better than cure’. Hence here are a few yet important preventive measures that we must keep in mind while using Systems, Apps, Websites etc -

• Keep updating your passwords. Try to include numbers, upper and lowercase with a minimum size of 8 characters
• Read your URL's Web Address to make sure they are HTTPS Secure (instead of just http)
• Do not pass sensitive information like bank details etc over public networks like a cafe or railway station networks
• Don’t open random spam links passed on by others
• Keep updated with the Information Technology (IT) related news to know which apps are stealing information from you
• Always install new official software updates and patches from Operating System or App makers to ensure security measures on your devices are up to date.