Cybersecurity Panel: Is Smart Technology Increasing Your Risk for Cyber Attacks?
Georgia Tech experts discuss the risks posed by emerging technology.
Cybersecurity issues extend far beyond phishing attacks. As smart technology continues to grow and improve business operations, daily activities, and education, it also presents significant risks to our physical safety and comfort. Achieving complete security online is an unrealistic goal, thus making prevention through education and proactive measures essential.
A recent virtual panel hosted by the Georgia Tech Alumni Association explored these challenges. The discussion, titled "Is Smart Technology Increasing Your Risk for Cyber Attacks?" featured Saman Zonouz, director of the Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity (OMS Cybersecurity) Cyber-Physical Systems track; Larry Truong, OMS Cybersecurity alumnus; and Victoria Joh, B.S. Computer Science alumna. Evan Johnson, B.S. Computer Science alum and director of IT & Data Operations for the Georgia Tech Alumni Association, moderated the event.
Each of the panelists shared their insights on the vulnerabilities faced by the public and private sectors as the world continues to embrace emerging technologies.
Personal Privacy
Joh opened the conversation by emphasizing the importance of carefully evaluating tech gadgets that are used daily and marketed as convenient solutions to everyday problems. She noted that prioritizing the protection of one's "personal critical infrastructure" can significantly reduce the risks of cyber threats.
At the top of Joh’s list of concerns are home surveillance systems that can be accessed remotely by not only the owner but also third parties. Criminals can unlawfully access these systems, compromising the owner’s privacy and posing significant risks. Joh added, “Making sure that your home security is protected as much as possible, changing default passwords, and taking precautions regarding who has access to that system is going to be key.” The panelists also noted the importance of recognizing one’s personal needs, as unnecessary functionalities in many smart devices can increase the risk of cyber attacks.
Threats to Critical Infrastructure
As digital technologies continue to evolve, the risk of cyber attacks on critical infrastructure is becoming a growing concern. Truong highlighted the motivations behind these cyber intrusions, saying, “A lot of attacks are not necessarily for financial gain but instead aim at compromising our security, safety, and way of life.” Zonouz further elaborated on this topic, explaining, “The 16 sectors of critical infrastructure defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are all based on cyber-physical systems. Avionics, oil and gas, healthcare, and many others provide core societal functionalities, which is exactly what makes them great targets for attacks.”
Throughout the discussion, Zonouz reiterated the importance of threat modeling, which includes analyzing vulnerabilities, identifying potential threats, and assessing the possible impact of a successful cyber attack. By adopting this approach, organizations and the public sector can safeguard their assets and better prepare for possible cyber threats.
If you are ready to assess threats to software, networks, and computer systems and obtain relevant tools to advance your career in cybersecurity, consider Georgia Tech’s Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity or Cybersecurity Certificate.
To learn more, watch the full discussion.
