Cybersecurity: An indispensable necessity in today’s world and the need for public education

In today’s digital age, our daily lives are increasingly dependent on technology and the internet—from banking transactions and work communications to social networks and government services. This deep dependence, alongside countless benefits, has revealed a new level of vulnerabilities. “Cybersecurity” is no longer a luxury option; it is a fundamental necessity for survival and efficiency in this environment. This article outlines the reasons for this necessity and the importance of public education in this regard.

Why cybersecurity has become a vital necessity

Cybersecurity encompasses a set of solutions, tools, processes, and systems designed to protect networks, devices, applications, and data against attacks, damage, and unauthorized access. It no longer concerns only large servers; it directly affects everyday life and the overall health of economic and social systems.

In a world where data is considered “the new oil,” our personal information holds immense value. The leakage of such data can trigger a chain of harms:

• Identity theft: Fraudsters can open new accounts or gain access to existing ones using personal information.
• Financial fraud: Unauthorized withdrawals or purchases using stolen cards.
• Extortion and blackmail: Using private images or communications to pressure victims.

Cybersecurity, through encryption, strong authentication, and strict access policies, acts as a defensive shield against these threats. Even simple encryption using algorithms like AES-256 can significantly enhance data protection.

Organizations, regardless of size or sector, rely heavily on IT to manage inventory, communicate with customers, and conduct transactions. Cybersecurity ensures the stability of the digital economy by providing the infrastructure for safe and secure exchanges.

Critical infrastructure and national security

Crucial infrastructures—energy, water, transportation, finance, and telecommunications—are no longer separate from the digital world. Industrial control systems (ICS) and supervisory data collection systems (SCADA) that manage these infrastructures are now connected to extensive networks.

A targeted intrusion into these systems could disrupt infrastructure networks and cause direct, physical consequences, including property damage and threats to human life. Therefore, securing these networks is a matter of national security, requiring close collaboration between governments, militaries, and cybersecurity experts.

Maintaining public trust in technology

A society that embraces new technologies progresses faster. E-government, remote education, and digital health services can only succeed if citizens feel safe using them. Negative security experiences—like repeated phishing attacks or recurring theft—reduce users’ willingness to engage with online services. This can create a “digital security gap,” where individuals are deprived of digital benefits due to fear of risks. Security ensures long-term usability of technology.

The necessity of public cybersecurity education: Building a human defense layer

Technical analyses often focus on the most complex defense technologies. However, research shows that the human element remains the most vulnerable link in the security chain. Even an advanced firewall cannot prevent someone from willingly giving their password to an attacker.

A key statistic highlights this: over 80–90% of successful cyber intrusions into organizations start with a human factor, such as clicking a malicious link. Public education aims to turn ordinary individuals into a vigilant first line of defense.

Many known vulnerabilities that are exploited have long-available patches. Education should emphasize the importance of regularly updating operating systems, browsers, and applications. Users should learn to assess their digital environment and recognize potential risks, raising cybersecurity literacy.

Maximizing cybersecurity effectiveness

Cybersecurity reaches its highest effectiveness when it becomes a social norm, not just an administrative task. In workplaces, employees should be encouraged to report any suspicious activity without fear of punishment. Ignoring phishing attempts reported by staff can allow real breaches to occur.

Public education should convey that security is not a single layer but consists of multiple layers (authentication, network, applications, and individual behavior). If one layer fails, the others must prevent a breach. Teaching users about the legal consequences of unauthorized activities (hacking, malware distribution) and encouraging responsible use of digital tools is essential.

Cybersecurity is no longer solely the responsibility of IT professionals; it is a basic 21st-century civic skill. Just as individuals must learn to read and write, they must also learn the fundamentals of protecting their digital identity and assets. In short: cybersecurity is the key to the growth and prosperity of the digital economy.