The Importance Of Information Security Nowadays

In today's world, living without continuous access to information at any time or place through several devices is nearly unbelievable. However, the security of this information has become even more critical than the access itself. In fact, information security now plays a dominant role in our daily lives—why?

From the moment we wake up, the first thing many of us do is check our phones, connect to the internet, and engage in activities such as social networking, banking, shopping, and much more. Our personal computers, which store sensitive data such as documents, photos, emails, and personal information, are often left running around the clock.

On our way to work, we rely on smartphones and look for wireless networks to stay connected, opening our devices to the risks associated with shared networks. Through the day, we use credit cards for everything from buying breakfast to paying for parking—each containing important personal information.

At our workplaces, sensitive data includes not only personal information but also company financial results, confidential business plans, and research—critical elements that provide companies with a competitive edge.

These conveniences are made possible by important technological advancements over the last few decades. Yet, in recent years, we hear more about threats like unauthorized access, cyber-attacks, hacking, and privacy violations than about innovations in data storage and transmission. These concerns no longer affect individuals alone—they have become a matter of national security, with governments and international institutions increasingly involved.

The Growing Threat of Cyber-Attacks

Here are the top ten most common cybersecurity threats that organizations and individuals face:

1. Phishing Attacks

Cybercriminals send fraudulent emails or messages designed to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or financial details.

2. Malware

Malicious software, such as viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware, is used to compromise systems, steal data, or disrupt operations.

3. Ransomware Attacks

Threat actors encrypt victims' data and demand a ransom for its release, often causing significant downtime and financial loss.

4. Password Attacks

Exploiting weak or stolen passwords through techniques like brute force, credential stuffing, or social engineering to gain unauthorized access to accounts or systems.

5. Insider Threats

Employees or contractors misuse their access to systems or data, whether maliciously or unintentionally, causing breaches or leaks.

6. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks

Attackers overwhelm a target's servers or network resources with excessive traffic, causing disruptions to services or downtime.

7. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

Cybercriminals intercept and alter communications between two parties to steal sensitive information, such as during unsecured Wi-Fi use.

8. SQL Injection Attacks

Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in a website's database by injecting malicious SQL queries, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data.

9. Zero-Day Exploits

Attacks target previously unknown vulnerabilities in software or systems before developers can issue a patch.

10. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)

Sophisticated, prolonged attacks by organized groups aiming to infiltrate systems, often for espionage or intellectual property theft.

These threats can have shocking effects. Attackers exploit security vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to computer systems without the owner’s knowledge. This allows them to impersonate legitimate users, intercept data, and disrupt networks, potentially causing service outages for legitimate users.

To combat these threats, information security professionals have established various systems and tools, including antivirus software, firewalls, content filtering, encryption techniques, and more. However, the ongoing battle between security experts and malicious actors is ever-evolving. As technology advances to protect information, it also creates new vulnerabilities that can be exploited.

Understanding the Impact of Largest Data Breaches

Managing Information Security

Protecting information is no longer just a technical issue—it has become a business importance. Companies, organizations, and individuals now recognize that information security requires comprehensive strategies, including policies, awareness, and training. 

Organizations are increasingly focusing on risk assessments, security audits, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to privacy and security. One of the most crucial aspects of information security is protecting customer and employee data. To build trust and credibility, companies must ensure that their customers feel confident that their information is secure.

The Role of Standards in Information Security

Standards play an important role in contemporary information security. They offer organizations well-established frameworks, helping them better manage risks, comply with legal requirements, and show their dedication to protecting sensitive information. By embracing and following global information security standards, organizations can promote a culture of trust, strengthen their security defenses, and be better equipped to deal with the increasing cybersecurity threats of the digital era.

Standards contribute to robust information security by:

• Providing a structured approach
• Enhancing risk management
• Building trust with stakeholders
• Standardizing best practices across industries
• Promoting continuous improvement

The Role of PECB in Enhancing Your Information Security Management

PECB offers a variety of training courses designed to support you and your organization in improving information security management.

Such training courses include:

• ISO/IEC 27001: Information Security Management System
• ISO/IEC 27002: Information Security Controls
• PECB Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
• ISO/IEC 27005:2022: Information Security Risk Management
• ISO/IEC 27035: Information Security Incident Management

These standards help you to implement consistent and effective information security practices, ensuring that your organization’s systems are secure and your data is protected. With the increasing importance of information security, the number of ISO standards continues to grow.

By adopting these training courses and getting certified against them, organizations can enhance their information security posture and build trust with clients and stakeholders.

Conclusion

Information is one of the most valuable assets for individuals, organizations, and businesses. Protecting it is essential to maintaining trust and ensuring success. Information security will remain a headline issue as technology advances, and the threats to data become more sophisticated.

Achieving a high level of information security requires cooperation at all levels of an organization. Information security must be integrated into every aspect of an organization’s operations, from design and planning to implementation. Compliance with information security standards should be a daily responsibility, and certified professionals are essential to maintaining security.

About the author

Vesa Hyseni is a Senior Content and Campaigns Specialist at PECB. She is responsible for creating up-to-date content, conducting market research, and providing insights about ISO standards. For any questions, feel free to reach out to her at support@pecb.com.