Guest article | Author: Marek Ostafil, Co-Founder | Smart Secure Networks

The most recent global geo-political changes showing us that different types of threats that seemed to be remote for a very long time became very realistic and are concerning us as well. As humans we mainly focus on threats that we see and can physically perceive. This is also a major additional danger of the cyber threats. We don’t see them, so we do not consider them as threats until something happens to us or our devices – we lose access to services, computer, we lose money, data.

Cyber threats are growing exponentially. Not only in terms of the technological advancement, number of threats but also their kinds.  It is not only a simple ransomware attack that is the worst thing that can happen to us. The landscape of threats is much more complex than this. What we need this time to acknowledge that we are all vulnerable and subjects to cyber-attacks. Cyber threats are not reserved only to large institutions, companies, or VIPs. Every one of us can be a victim. What we must do finally is to introduce an everyday “cyber-hygiene”.

Advancing digitalization of all areas of our lives is bringing us many advantages but also create new areas of vulnerabilities. Let’s remember that cyber criminals are not only equipped with very advanced technological tools to launch cyber-attacks, but they are also using tricky psychological tools. Hence entire area of social engineering attacks. This is especially important in our working environment. But if we do not introduce cybersecurity awareness in our everyday life also our working environment will suffer.  Phishing attacks, request to open an attachment with the false invoice, or login to a website that is impersonating well know service, a request from a supervisor to make money transfer. The examples are countless.  Advanced digitalization and robotization will require from us even more attention to potential cyber threats. Introduction of the smart devices in working environment, gathering, processing, and managing large amounts of data is becoming part of the standard in the new, smart workplaces.

We must take care of our security by being vigilant but also implementing strong user authentication methods, including multifactor and password-less authentication. But we also must ensure that the communication and authentication between smart devices takes place and is encrypted. It is time to think more about cybersecurity in a long-term considering that threats that were abstract to us all not long time ago are a hard reality today.

Smart Secure Networks as a coordinator of the Polish IoT & AI Cluster – SINOTAIC focuses its activities on the integration of human capital, technologies and development of highly innovative solutions based on experience, technological potential of technology providers and research institutes in the area of IoT and AI. The Cluster fosters potential of its members and partners through integration, creation of joint solutions and educational projects. Cluster has developed a network enabling to create, validate and implement IoT products and related services distinguished by their innovativeness, cyber security and high quality of implementation. Cluster provides support in digitalization and implementation of the smart technologies across industries. One of the main objectives of the Cluster is also to foster International cooperation, exchange of experience, know-how and skills to support development and integration of the IoT based technologies globally.