Online security is a concern for the general public, businesses, and governments alike. Cybersecurity has come quite a way since the early days of the internet, and the journey has been instructive as well as interesting.
Understanding the evolution provides context but also highlights the importance of staying up to date with an ever-changing digital world.
Let’s look at it in more detail.
Early beginnings
The inception of the internet brought unforeseen vulnerabilities. In the 1970s, the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET), considered a precursor to the modern internet, experienced one of the first digital breaches when a student bypassed security.
This incident marked the beginning of awareness around network security – though it would be decades before programmers would develop tools like the best VPN service, which now provides a secure connection between our devices and the web.
The 1980s saw the emergence of computer viruses, leading to the development of the first antivirus programs.
Robert Tappan Morris, a Cornell graduate student, released several dozen lines of code, referred to as the Morris Worm.
The Washington Post recalls, “The worm crashes about 10 percent of the 60,000 computers then linked to the Internet. Morris becomes the first person convicted by a jury under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.”
The internet boom
The internet became more accessible in the 1990s, meaning the volume of personal information online surged.
Organized crime entities started exploiting the web to steal data from individuals and governments. In response, firewalls and antivirus programs became essential to protect users.
A NASA researcher created the first firewall program design after a virus attack at NASA’s California base.
VPNs also emerged as critical tools for protecting online communication. Originally, VPNs were used primarily by businesses to connect remote employees, but as online privacy concerns grew, VPNs became more accessible to the general public.
The 2000s
The new millennium introduced more sophisticated cyberthreats, including trojans and spyware.
To combat these, security measures evolved beyond traditional antivirus programs. Multifactor authentication (MFA), although it might seem a more recent development, was reported on by the New York Times back in 2004.
MFA requires users to provide multiple forms of verification before accessing sensitive data.
The 2010s
The 2010s were marked by significant data breaches affecting millions around the world. In response, cybersecurity began integrating AI to predict and counter threats in real time. Machine learning emerged as an important force in security.
Recent developments
In recent years, insider threats have become a major concern. Only last December, Bloomberg reported on bank staffers selling client data to online scammers, facilitating scams targeting the live savings of Americans.
Several popular applications have been found to contain security vulnerabilities.
In 2018, the popular exercise app Strava was found to have given away the locations of secret US Army bases. Only last year, it was found that WhatsApp and Signal had a surprising vulnerability for Mac users. Forbes reported, “So, should you delete or unlink your desktop apps? That depends on your level of threat. Anyone in a high-risk position or profession or location should not be using desktop apps given these findings.”
Protecting yourself today
There are some best practices to protect against cyberthreats:
- Use strong, unique passwords (a password manager can be a good solution).
- Enable multifactor authentication.
- Regularly update your software.
- Be wary of phishing attempts: avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information to unverified sources.
- Use a VPN.
The journey of online security reflects a longstanding battle between advancing technology and new threats. By staying informed and using security measures, individuals and organizations can use the internet more safely.
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[MBA in Finance]
Nazim Khan is an expert in Microsoft Excel. He teaches people how to use it better. He has been doing this for more than ten years. He is running this website (TechGuruPlus.com) and a YouTube channel called "Business Excel" since 2016. He shares useful tips from his own experiences to help others improve their Excel skills and careers.
