Hidden Perils of the Digital Revolution: How To Safeguard Yourself!
February 13by Sylvester Stephen Mtenga
The digital revolution has brought a lot of benefits to society. Simplified communications, faster transactions, and even unprecedented access to information are the new norm. However, with as many benefits that technology has bestowed upon humanity, it has invoked a hidden and subtly dangerous field – a falsified sense of security behind our devices and screens.
Despite large corporations like META convincing their users that their products are safe and data is protected, these corporations have time and time again faced public scrutiny after evidence resurfaces that their claims for security are false. Your personal information like name, address and preferences are a target for multinational corporations, governments, and businesses who use it to push out targeted ads. The industry has turned into a profit-centric monopoly with a very thin line between honesty and transparency.
This results in major implications for users, governments and other businesses as well. With our ever-connected devices, cybercriminals now have greater access to our personal information than ever before which accounts for the surge in cybercrime activities.
Cybercrime can be branched into different categories such as cyber breaches, identity theft and fraud, cyber bullying and harassment, extortion and many more.
A notable example of a cybercrime is the UN Security Breach that occurred in early 2021 where hackers accessed the organization’s computer network. The breach resulted from an employee login obtained from the dark web, leading to ongoing attacks on various branches of the UN. The attackers targeted multiple accounts for reconnaissance and further attacks. Additionally, in April 2024, a separate ransomware attack targeted the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), leading to data theft and affecting local IT infrastructure in UN City, Copenhagen.
The breach impacted around 50 accounts within the network and led to exposure of sensitive information such as invoices, receipts, accounting documents and contracts.
It is a blessing that these large organizations have quick access to the resources and personnel for an incident response, but the same is yet to be said for the average netizen like you and me.
Therefore, how can we protect ourselves and our loved ones from cybercrime?
First, learn the basics. Information Technology is not as difficult and complex as professionals paint it to be. Learning the basics of cryptography, password protection, and how network communications work has never been easier especially with the advent of Google.
Secondly, be wary of unknown links. Avoid clicking on foreign unknown links on websites. It might be tempting to always click on the ‘Allow cookies’ button to get rid of the pop ups, however, this gives unknown third-entities unwarranted access to your browser history, and other information. Simply click on the x to remove annoying popups or enable ad-blockers.
Lastly, strengthen your passwords. Update your account passwords regularly (preferably twice every two months) and avoid using the same password on all of your accounts.
By taking these simple yet effective precautions, we can better safeguard our digital lives in an increasingly interconnected world. Cybersecurity starts with awareness and proactive action—an investment in protecting both our data and our peace of mind.
In a world increasingly dominated by technology, the benefits of the digital revolution are undeniable. However, as we embrace these advancements, we must remain vigilant against the growing threat of cybercrime. Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. By educating ourselves, practicing safe online habits, and staying proactive in protecting our data, we can navigate the digital age with confidence and security.
