One of the key themes of the articles we have written for this publication is that “software is eating the world”. To put it another way, many everyday activities and objections are being transformed by internet-based technologies. This is not necessarily a sinister plot. This is happening because most of us benefit in the process. If we want to buy, sell, rent, hire, talk, shout or share, this internet-enabled world helps us do that more easily. However this process is not all hugs, puppies and emojis. These technologies transform our relationships with each other in ways that are not wholly healthy and may expose us to shame and ridicule. They also may compromise our property and physical safety. How will we deal with this collectively and individually?
“Cybersecurity” is a growing area of attention for government, companies and individuals. 2014 offered many examples including the hacking of nude photos of Jennifer Lawrence and the release of large quantities of sensitive information from the Sony Corporation by individuals who may be associated with North Korea.
This article will:
- explore the personal implications of cybersecurity. What risks do we face as individuals?
- look at the range of technical threats cybersecurity tries to protect against. How do these threats manifest themselves and what does that mean for prevention?
- discuss cybersecurity initiatives that impact information professionals such as the eSmart libraries program.
An upcoming article will examine the organisational issues around cybersecurity.
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