Data Breaches in the Digital Age

Data Breaches in the Digital Age - Where Lies the Insecurity of Cybersecurity?

With the advance of digital technologies comes an increase in personal and sensitive data breaches. Data breaches are security violations in which private information is captured, duplicated or altered from a system without the owner's consent, impacting any company or sector internationally. Cybersecurity aims to stop data hacking by protecting IT programs, techniques and technologies. But there are loopholes.  

The increase in data has created a volume of cyber attackers with advanced techniques. Victims may include private individuals, modest independent businesses, non-profit organisations, or giant Fortune 500 corporations. With 83% of organisations having one or more security incidents, IBM estimates the average data breach cost for businesses in 2023 was $4.35 million and anticipates this to increase significantly in 2023 to $ 5 million.  

Is The U.S TikTok Ban Hopeless?      

In the United States, TikTok was banned for use on devices owned by the federal government, with some exceptions. At least 33 (of 50) states have banned state government agencies, employees, and contractors from using TikTok on government-issued devices. TikTok is allegedly in breach of US user data regulations. It is not the first social media app to have its privacy and security procedures scrutinised. But it is the first the US government has advocated banning.  

The effects on Cybersecurity, now that TikTok is banned, have received little attention. According to the article by "The Conversation" about the topic, the ban tempts users to work around built-in security measures for access to the software. The kind of risk is subject to the type of ban. 

Employing virtual private networks (VPNs) to circumvent security, for instance. VPNs safeguard your online identity by masking your IP address and encrypting the tunnel via which your data travels. Another method to get around this ban is by using DNS sinkholes. By setting the DNS forwarder to return to a fake IP address or a particular URL, DNS Sinkhole can be used to rig DNS servers. The TikTok ban has been criticised for not dealing with the privacy procedures but brushing it under the rug by weakening individuals' digital security across the American internet.   

IOT and Data Danger?   

The Internet of Things (IoT) can raise employee satisfaction, business productivity, and profitability while transforming companies digitally. The IoT, as it is known, is among the most dangerous 21st-century technologies. Since connected "things" are becoming more prevalent, more ways exist to attack them. Military defence operations, communications, data processing, and logistics have been severely affected by the IoT. Hackers can access the IoT and extract data or cause damage to the entire network if they do so through a weak network point or vulnerable device. This affects data that impacts national security: how defence organisations operate, for example.  

Due to the Internet of Things, enterprises, as well as individuals in their own homes, are impacted. Amazon Echo and Google Home are the most well-known digital home assistants. The concern is that such devices may always listen to you and act upon what they hear.  

What is the impact of Government Systems on Cybersecurity?   

When Russia attacked Ukraine, it reminded Cybersecurity experts worldwide that cyberwarfare poses a severe threat to society. Russia's cyberattacks have deleted data, hampered communication, and stolen information. Such Cyber-attacks undermine government computer systems and support traditional war operations. They can compromise digital networks, interfere with official government communications, steal vital intelligence, and put national security at risk.   

The UK Government phone alert system took place on Sunday, 23rd April, to warn people of dangers, such as extreme weather conditions. There have been several controversies and cybersecurity concerns regarding the topic. The main problem for UK residents is hackers exploiting through phishing scams posing as emergency alerts.  

Cybersecurity and the Second-Hand Device Market   

Refurbished Smartphones and PCs are eco-friendly and cheaper than buying a new device; this is why purchasing a refurbished device is becoming popular. Retailers, manufacturers and networks repair, grade, certify and sell refurbished phones, which is good.  

However, in a study of 185 devices, Kaspersky's Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) discovered that 16% of the devices granted the researcher direct access to private data. Another 74% of the data had the potential to be recovered using file-carving techniques. Only 11% had been thoroughly wiped.  

Digital devices contain more private data than ever before. If you're looking to give away, sell or trade-in your device, it is vital to ensure all content is removed. The NCSC provide tips and tricks on erasing data on your smartphone here:   

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/buying-selling-second-hand-devices  

If you are a company involved in refurbishing or recycling Smartphones or PCs, click the link below for R2v.3, NIS 2018 and GDPR-compliant data erasure and analytics software. 

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