In our modern world, everything from streetlights to fridges can be connected to the internet. This means that they can be hacked just like computers can. Because of this, both government and private businesses are starting to see that they need to protect everything, not just their computers, from hackers.
Think about all the things we use every day that are now online. These are called “physical and virtual assets”. Physical assets are things you can touch, like security cameras or smart thermostats. Virtual assets are things like apps or online services. Both can be attacked by cybercriminals who might want to steal information, cause trouble, or even ask for money to fix the problem they created.
It’s super important to keep these things safe because if they aren’t, it can cause a lot of problems. For example, if a traffic light system gets hacked, it could cause accidents. If someone breaks into a power grid system, it could turn off the lights in an entire city.
So, what can we do about it? Well, organizations are starting to use the same tools and rules used to keep computers safe, like firewalls and passwords, and applying them to other things connected to the internet. They are also making plans for what to do if something gets hacked, similar to how they plan for natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes.
Keep in mind that cyber protection isn’t just for the tech people. Everyone in an organization, from the boss to the newest employee, needs to be aware of the risks and how to keep their stuff safe. It’s a team effort!
Now, if this all feels a bit overwhelming, don’t worry – help is available. Diversified Outlook Group is a company that works with these issues every day, helping to ensure that organizations are protected against these digital threats. If you want to learn more about how they can help you or your organization, you can reach out to them at support@diversifiedoutlookgroup.com. They’ll be able to help with a plan and the right actions to keep your assets safe!
For further reading on the importance of cybersecurity across all sectors, not just IT, visit the original post at:
www.nextgov.com/ideas/2024/12/cybersecurity-response-not-just-it-issue-emergency-preparedness-priority/401572/.