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We all know not to click on links in our email from unknown senders, or give out personal information to random callers, but technology has advanced in the last ten years and so have cyber scammers.
Cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly intricate and hard to trace. Thousands of people and businesses are affected every year by cyber-attacks. Every 39 seconds, a cyber-attack happens somewhere in the world.
As cyber threats grow, cybersecurity professionals are looking to new technologies like blockchain and quantum computing to strengthen protection. These technologies have the potential to greatly improve cybersecurity measures, allowing for more secure and efficient data and system protection.
Blockchain to Block Crime
Blockchain technology is best known for its use in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, but there are many uses for this technology outside of crypto.
One huge advantage for cybersecurity, blockchain can be used to generate a secure and tamper-proof record of transactions and data exchanges. By recording unalterable transactions, businesses can build a transparent and trustworthy system for documenting and validating data transactions, which can be especially valuable in supply chain management and identity verification.
Smart contracts are another cybersecurity blockchain tool. Smart contracts are self-executing contracts in which the contents of the buyer-seller agreement are directly put into lines of code. These could be used for paying employees every Friday, for vehicle registration after purchasing a car, or even buying a ticket to a conference.
Organizations use smart contracts to automate and streamline key areas of cybersecurity, such as access restrictions and permission management, cutting out the need for an intermediary.
Computing Against Fraud
Unlike traditional computers that are restricted in their processing abilities, quantum computers do functions at exponentially faster speeds and with far less energy usage than conventional computers.
This agility makes quantum computers valuable for complicated cybersecurity applications.
One of the most promising uses of quantum computing in cybersecurity is cryptography. It involves transforming messages or data into a code while preventing unauthorized parties from understanding the message even if they intercept it. Researchers are working on quantum-resistant cryptography that can withstand quantum computer assaults.
Cryptography can be used in a wide variety of applications, from securing financial transactions to enabling secure communication between individuals or organizations. It is essential for keeping sensitive information safe from hackers and malicious actors.
An Army of Cyber Pros
Since 2020, the demand for cybersecurity professionals has increased by 60%. The Covid-19 pandemic led many industries to hyper-digital transformations. With more data and sensitive information circulating online or in the cloud, there is an increased risk of cyber-attacks, creating a need for more professionals who can help address the evolving cyber landscape.
While new technologies like blockchain, quantum computing, and AI advance, cybersecurity professionals need to upskill. Cybersecurity engineers, analysts, and architects, while leveraging these technologies for cybersecurity measures, must also be aware of how new tech can be used for more advanced cyber-attacks.
The Human Factor
Implementing new tech solutions or hiring a cybersecurity professional can help enormously against attacks. However, studies have shown that 95% of cybersecurity breaches happen because of human error.
Businesses can help protect themselves from the most basic cyber-attacks by teaching employees simple skills like using strong passwords and multi-factor authenticators, learning to recognize phishing scams, and keeping software up to date. Yearly cybersecurity training and awareness programs can go a long way to avoid company-wide breaches.
Protecting Our Digital Future
Overall, blockchain and quantum computing technologies have the potential to greatly improve cybersecurity measures. While these technologies are still in their early phases of development, they are already being employed in real-world applications. They will most certainly play a crucial part in protecting the digital environment of the future.
We’ll be discussing these trends and more at VivaTech this June. Check out which cybersecurity specialists will be on stage this year.
And don’t forget to book your pass!
