High profile cyber attacks on organizations ranging from Target to the NSA have further emphasized what many already knew- cyber security is one of the most pressing issues of our time. No individual, business or institution, regardless of their location, means, or level of technical engagement, can afford to ignore the threat of cyber attacks. Robert S. Mueller, III, the current director of the FBI, recently delivered a speech addressing this very issue, and his remarks are worth reading.
3 Points to Consider on the Future of Cyber Security
Hackers are the Primary Concern
Hackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, coordinated, funded and networked. New technologies to stop hackers are effective, but only to a point. True cyber security has to focus on prosecuting hackers and discouraging computer experts from pursuing this path. No technology will plug every vulnerability, so the only way to reliably boost security in the long term is to stop the source of attacks – the hackers themselves.
Law Enforcement Has a Significant Role to Play
In the past, many viewed cyber security and the enforcement of cyber crime laws as something outside the boundaries of traditional law enforcement. However, tracking down cyber criminals and ensuring that they are prosecuted to the fullest relies on traditional law enforcement tools like physical surveillance, forensics, cooperating witnesses, sources, and court-ordered wire intercepts. In order to stop the growth of cyber crime and deter potential hackers, law enforcement has a substantial role to play.
Private Sector Assistance is Paramount
The technical expertise necessary to protect hardware, software and networks is often missing from the public sector. The responsibility of building the safeguards of the future falls to the private sector, and it is a responsibility businesses must take seriously. Businesses are disproportionately affected by cyber crime, and the market for protections is larger than ever. Partnerships between public and private actors are essentially for identifying the threats of the future and coordinating an effective response.
As part of his remarks, Mueller mentions that cyber attacks are quickly becoming a bigger threat than terrorist attacks. As more and more essential information shifts first into digital form and then into the shared space of the internet, the frequency and consequence of these attacks will only multiply. Prepare yourself for the challenges of the future by relying on a workforce that can keep your most essential assets safe. Work with the technical talent solutions experts at The Squires Group to begin gathering the resources you need.
