ENGL 101 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY The Cyber Frontier Navigating Through Online Threats 2025.docx

The Cyber Frontier: Navigating Through Online Threats

Nicole Tressler

Liberty University: ENGL 101

Professor Angela O’Neal

November 6, 2024

“For every lock, there is someone out there trying to pick it or break in” (David

Bernstein). With the increasing reliance on computers, being aware of the potential problems

and their personal effects is crucial in this technological age. Threats of cybersecurity breaches

have become increasingly more common as technology progresses; creating risks for

errors such as weak passwords, and neglecting updates, to name a few. Many people have

become comfortable with using technology, given its frequent use on a daily basis. This

complacency has the potential to create a false sense of security which leads many to

underestimate the threat of data leakage and theft. However, there are preventative measures

that can be taken to ensure better safeguards against this threat. Through the cooperation of

business leaders and government officials, the problem of cybersecurity should be addressed

through a two-pronged approach of technology and legislation, while also considering the

human factor, to prevent sensitive data from being compromised.

Given the rapid rate at which technology is developing, it is imperative that preventative

measures, such as hardware or software, are in place to protect against the rising number of

strengthens protection but it also delivers better long-term results that can outweigh its

financial investment. The amounts lost on previous cyberattacks demonstrate how the long-

term benefits of investing in safeguard technology far outweigh the short-term cost. Lastly,

social media, a relatively new form of information sharing, often serves as a “gateway” for cyber

criminals to easily extort data from its users. As found in a study by IEEE, social media is

certainly attractive for its ease-of-use and cost-effectiveness, but it also provides a portal for the

growing wave a cybercrime to be conducted through (White et al., 2022). This creates another

means of data extraction for criminals in which many people may have never considered.

Legislation is an effective deterrent against cybercriminals and provide law enforcement

with the necessary tools to investigate cyber offenses effectively. Laws and treaties can facilitate

international cooperation between law enforcement agencies, making it easier to address

cybercrimes on a global scale. Cooperation between law enforcement and technology

companies is a strategy that helps keep pace with emerging threats as the technology continues

to advance. Implementing laws to counter new and emerging technology would facilitate a

stronger grip on rising cybercrime. Because of various forms of technology, there are now

numerous types of cybercrime that have to be addressed. As quoted from Crime Justice Journal,

“Cybercrime is progressing at an extreme pace, with new trends and methods of exploiting the

new technologies emerging constantly” (O’Shea et al., 2022). Thirdly, by requiring companies to

since they are financially responsible for their assets and protection. While many people have

this view of complacency, most overestimate the complexity of cybersecurity when it is on a

small, easy-to-manage, and personal level. While some basic knowledge is required, there are

many resources widely available to help inform and teach people how to properly address this

topic. Additionally, there are numerous technologies, hardware, and software that exist which

require little effort or experience to operate. “A comprehensive set of tools were released to

promote cyberhygiene practices and make users aware of the risky behaviors and attitudes

when they are online” (Antunes et al., 2021). Being personally involved in private security

measures also enables the user to have a hands-on approach to seeing what data is being

shared and viewed from external sources. Thus, providing an extra measure of security for

personal information. Lastly, the companies themselves do handle cybersecurity threats, as is

their job. However, it is also the responsibility of the employee to minimize the risk of attacks by

being aware of what happens with sensitive data that may be at risk. As an article from IEEE

states, “Many, including those who had experience of cybercrime, downplayed or

underestimated the risks involved” (White et al., 2022). This prevents potential threats and

systems breaches in the company, creating a more efficient business environment.

In conclusion, addressing the pervasive issue of cybersecurity requires a multi-faceted

that online security is exaggerated and taken too seriously, there are numerous consequences,

such as identity theft and financial loss, that highlight the importance of personal protection in

the growing digital world. Overall, with the various ways to prevent cybercrime, it is imperative

that action is taken to reduce the amount of crime that pervades our world of technology.

References

Antunes, M., Silva, C., & Marques, F. (2021). An Integrated Cybernetic Awareness Strategy to Assess

Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviours in School Context. Applied Sciences, 11(23), 11269.

https://doi.org/10.3390/app112311269

O’Shea, B., Asquith, N. L., & Prichard, J. (2022). Mapping Cyber-Enabled Crime: Understanding Police

Investigations and Prosecutions of Cyberstalking. International Journal for Crime, Justice and

https://www.state.gov/cybercrime