When our lives are held to ransom online

The openness that once defined the web is now perhaps making it more vulnerable than ever. Isn’t it astounding to see how a mere click of a button can unleash chaos across the world — all within a matter of a few hours? We are constantly living under cyber threats. The latest cyber attack that hit systems globally is the second in two months. Like the earlier one, this too has affected computers running on Microsoft operating system. Wannacry ransomware affected about 300,000 computers worldwide. This time, ‘Petya’, a new malware, hit corporations, banks and small businesses from Russia to the US. The attack that originated in Europe quickly spread like wildfire. In the digital world no one is safe — whether in the private or the government sector, individuals or groups. According to Symantec, global ransomware attacks are rising every year. In 2015, about 933 attacks were detected per day across the world. In 2016, the number rose to over 1,200. Cyber security firms are developing what are known as patches to cope with such attacks. Some work, others don’t, but the truth is we are compromised from the start in the digital world.

We are dependent on networked computers for business efficiency and seamless connectivity. Sharing of data on the cloud for easy accessibility is the norm. But as firms and governments look at integration in the virtual world, how can we ensure that all the data on the cloud, or on our servers are not compromised? Or is it too much to ask when we are trading our privacy for the pleasures of information? Integrity, governance of data are serious issues that need to be addressed, sooner than later. This is a global problem that needs global solutions. At the personal level, the internet is more real than ever. Let’s just say, it’s virtual reality. The lines are blurred. The digital revolution has opened up a world of economic opportunities for people. Distances no longer matter. We are both creators and the victims and we have been asking for it. Our reputations are on the line. The more sensitive and dirtier the information, the better for cyber criminals to make quick money. Should we pay up to get them back or simply go offline?