2 April 2021. Working from home is a challenge that many residents of the country, the European Union and the world have faced in recent months. One of the most pressing issues that arose in this regard was not the topic of organising a workplace within one's own four walls but ensuring cybersecurity. The COVID-19 crisis has revealed the importance of this topic not only for countries and large companies but also for each individual. Undoubtedly, the issue of the Internet security will remain on the agenda even after the end of the crisis.
Who among us has not faced the issue of personal data protection? In today’s world, where private documents are sent by e-mail, online stores have access to customers’ bank accounts and photos are stored in the cloud, the topic of cyberspace security plays a key role. In addition, hacker attacks, which previously seemed to be a problem of ministries, agencies and large corporations, are increasingly implicitly directed at individuals. Universities regularly suffer from server failures provoked by hackers (in December 2019 this problem befell the Giessen University), small and medium-sized businesses (for the use of unprotected computer programmes, the federal state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has been seriously criticised in recent months) and private computers. What awaits us in the coming years in a world where there is already nothing really personal left?
According to research by Gartner, the global market for information security will reach 140 billion euros by 2022. The rapid growth of the sector is indicated by one thing – the solution of the issue lies in the hands of the international community.
In order to protect the computer networks of individual citizens and small and medium-sized businesses, it is necessary to stop relying on their own strength in the field of security in cyberspace. We must introduce the most modern technologies. The experience of well-known cyber defence manufacturers should be followed, says Yury Zhdanov, President of the International Police Association Russian Section (IPA RS).
Interestingly enough, the trend towards the loss of private space security on the Internet has also led to the opposite dynamics. This, according to many experts, will be the salvation for the future of our cybersecurity. In Germany and other EU countries, the attitude towards social networks is gradually changing. There is a desire and willingness to regulate them. This trend was developed precisely during the Corona crisis. It goes against the concepts that have been widespread until recently in Western Europe about the complete inviolability of the Internet space.
This is especially relevant when fighting the spread of false information. Many people realise the problems of an endless stream of false or inaccurate data and conspiracy theories. They have gained incredible strength with the beginning of the pandemic.
The importance of the Internet and its activities during the pandemic has grown exponentially. The amount of damage is estimated at billions of dollars, Mr Yury Zhdanov stresses.
The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated the urgent need to take active steps to strengthen the security of personal data storage on the Internet. The right way to achieve this goal is a cyber dialogue at the interstate level. A separate individual person is no longer able to protect themselves and their personal data. We can only hope that the lessons learned from the pandemic will lead to real positive results.
The ABC of security is issued in cooperation with the International Police Association Russian Section (IPA RS)
The International Police Association (IPA) was founded in Great Britain in 1950. Nowadays it consists of 69 National Sections, including the Russian Section.
The IPA is an international non-governmental organisation. It is in Consultative (Special) Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, in Consultative Status with the Organisation of American States and UNESCO. The Association also cooperates with INTERPOL.
The IPA RS became an organisation’s member in June 1994. It includes personnel of the Police, the Office of the Procurator-General of the Russian Federation, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, Custom authorities, the Federal Financial Monitoring Service (Rosfinmonitoring), the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Federal Security Service (FSB RF) and retired veterans of the aforementioned bodies.
The main goal of the International Police Association, as well as of National Sections as parts of the organisation, including the Russian Section, are developing an international police cooperation, enhancing the authority of law enforcement agencies and improving relations between law enforcement and the public, summarising and spreading best practices of the police activity from different countries, as well as social support of law enforcement veterans and their relatives. Moreover, the IPA actively participates in sport development and plans to hold sport events under its auspices both in the Russian Federation and abroad.
Another activity of the Association is the promotion of cultural ties. The IPA helps hold and takes part in film festivals (DetectiveFEST International Festival of detective films), recitals and other events of cultural exchange.