Cybersecurity Risks and Safeguarding Data in the Digital Age

Background

Cybercriminals employ other gadgets at a distance in an effort to access other systems over the Internet. Applications utilized by cybercriminals include malicious software (malware), which may encompass Trojans, worms, spyware, or viruses. Today, hack security is still not considered by some individuals as one of the major concerns. However, statistical evidence shows that there is a tendency towards the growth in the number of maleficent actions performed via the Internet and with the help of different software (Diffee & Datta, 2018). Hackers and cybercrime are presently some of the main threats to the functioning of society and its safety (Hatleback, 2018). For instance, the scandal associated with the recent presidential election in the USA and the use of various digital tools to manipulate results prove the necessity to monitor this aspect and introduce appropriate measures to prevent the future deterioration of the situation (Cowley & Greitzer, 2015). In an organization or any company, there are numerous threats such as cybercrime, cyberwar, and cyberterrorism concerning their systems, networks, or crucial information. Cybersecurity is a major issue in many countries across the world, and research needs to be carried out to establish effective interventions towards the mitigation of the problem.

Problem Statement

Cyber-associated criminal activities are growing at a swift pace around the globe. Hacking coupled with the use of viruses is employed to obtain vital personal information illegally. There is a need to understand cybercrime since it is fundamental to know the way criminals are utilizing the Internet to carry out various illegal activities and what may be done to prevent the occurrence of such actions. The Internet has become saturated with vital personal data over the years. Moreover, some personal information is now easily accessible. The extent of critical information that a person or organization decides to share on the Internet ought to be carefully contemplated. Just a simple post shared on any social media platform may provide leeway to more crucial personal details than initially planned. Cybersecurity should be precedence due to the increasing application and simplicity of access to information on the Internet. If people, organizations, or businesses are not careful with the information shared in cyberspace, the identity of the user could be easily taken, devoid of the owner’s consent or their financial accounts drained. Cybersecurity is an important concern not only for government and international agencies but also for the average Internet user.

Research Question

This term paper will use the following question.

What are the most effective interventions that may be implemented in organizations and companies to safeguard their systems, data, and networks against cyberattacks?

Objectives

Regarding the concerns of cybersecurity and the growing importance of the Internet, along with the poor understanding of cybercrime and its essential characteristics, this research project will employ the following objectives:

1. To analyze the concept of cybersecurity, its importance, and role in the functioning of contemporary society
2. To show the negative impact of hackers and cybercrime on various organizations and processes and analyze possible results
3. To investigate the problem of security and measures that can be performed to avoid the further deterioration of the situation and attract attention to the discussed problem

The introduction of these objectives was necessitated by the fundamental need to research the topic of cybersecurity as one of the essentials from various perspectives and outline the most problematic aspects associated with it. The objectives will help to conduct in-depth research on the problem and describe the most important factors that should be considered.

Plan

First, it will be critical to review the literature regarding the growing importance of the Internet and its role in the existing society. This will help to create the theoretical framework for the discussed problem. Second, the existing cyber threats will be evaluated with the primary aim of emphasizing the problems organizations might face and the negative consequences that may appear. Finally, possible approaches to cybersecurity will be analyzed to create a final term paper that includes answers to all the objectives outlined.

Literature Review

The world is currently in a digital era where the Internet is part of daily operations. With advancements in technology, countries across the globe have been struggling to secure personal, financial, government, and organizational data. The United States is