In an age of technological connectivity where unprotected systems are prone to attacks and threats, having cybersecurity standards is of paramount importance. Everybody and almost everything is online nowadays. Many personal, commercial, government, school transactions now occur in a virtual environment. Attacks could happen within and outside the network, so protecting data and information should be ensured.
Massive IoT Connectivity
In the coming years, 200 billion smart devices are projected to be connected to the IoT on a global level. This is in comparison to the 2 billion connected devices more than a decade ago. These devices include more than the smartphones and laptops used by individuals daily, they also include objects that connect industries and companies as well as government entities.
Sectors that process millions of data such as universities and healthcare systems will be more connected than ever. As technology becomes more advanced, homes and communities will also become more integrated into the network. Therefore, cybersecurity standards are becoming more important.
Beefing Up Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity mechanisms and standards seek to protect individuals, groups, and institutions, that are using or existing within a digital or cyber environment. The environment not only constitute users and devices, the cyber or digital processes and applications within the network is also part of it. The billions of data that are stored, processed, or that pass through the network daily are also part of this network.
Cybersecurity mechanisms and standards are supposed to not only protect but also to prevent and address any attacks or issues that may occur within the network. These potential issues include external threats such as malware, ransomware, viruses, among others. It also includes hacking and data theft activities that have become more prevalent with the increase in online users. Behind these attacks are individuals that steal the data for profit or for the challenge of infiltrating a secure system.
Enabling Security Standards
The National Institute of Standards and Technology is a federal agency that focuses on developing and implementing compliance and standards across industries. The agency provides a set of cybersecurity guidelines and framework across industries, including cyber security military certification. These guidelines also assist cybersecurity experts and technology manufacturers when developing products or when working with the private and public sector.
The institute releases guidelines, such as the NIST 800-171, to ensure security standards are complied with. The most recent policy directive applies to any organization that works with defense or military contracts. The provision includes guidelines for handling and storing sensitive information and data. It also covers safe sharing and encryption of the information across the network. Monitoring system access to the data is also part of the new NIST compliance guidelines.
In the coming years, the digital network will further expand, connecting more users and devices online. While the positive implications are a lot, it also opens these users to potential attacks and cyber issues. Security measures should always be updated and implemented according to standards to protect individuals, companies, and institutions against these attacks.