Challenges arising from the rapid changes in information technology and possible mitigation measures
Data security and privacy: information technology has the potential to process a variety of large data. Unfortunately, transmitting, storing, and processing large amounts of data present opportunity data breaches. Data breach regulations have continually raised the standards for data security practices. Other mitigation measures include enhanced encryptions, the use of biometrics, strong access controls to limit access to sensitive data, and regular system updates (Dhirani et al., 2023).
Cybersecurity risks: risks such as increase in fraud, malicious attacks and data breaches increase with the rapid changes in information technology (Anica-Popa et al., 2024). Mitigation measures include investing firewalls, multi-factor authentication, and data encryption. In addition, technology users need to be sensitized on the risk and mitigation measures as end users including use of strong passwords, nature of phishing attacks, and the need to regularly update system security patches.
High implementation cost: rapid technological changes require rapid development and implementation. However, integrating new technologies require substantial financial investment with regard to the technology and business model reassessment and modification to adapt to new technologies. Strategic investment planning guided by a cost-benefit analysis of investing in new technology and embracing flexible and adaptive business models can help organizations make informed technology investment decisions.
Job loss concerns: ease of automation resulting from the integration of artificial intelligence in business processes has resulted in an increase of job displacement concerns. However, with workforce reskilling, the rapid changed in information technology present numerous job opportunities and thus mitigates unemployment risks (Braxton & Taska, 2023).
Intellectual property and copyright challenges: with the ease of sharing data, replicating content and infringement of copyright and theft of intellectual property has increased. Mitigation measures include implementing efficient copyright enforcement systems and developing/strengthening intellectual property policies and laws (Torous, 2024).
Social challenges: mental health issues due to cyberbullying, online harassment, and exploitations of children or naïve internet users are some of the social challenges resulting from the rapid changes in information technology. Implementing digital well-being initiatives such as educating user on mindful digital consumption and regulating social media platforms are some of the mitigation measures.
Emerging practices and technologies issues in computer network security
Technologies are evolving rapidly, unfortunately, cybercrime is also evolving rapidly. Therefore, it is important to address emerging issues in computer network security. Emerging practices and technologies in computer network security are discussed below:
The use of artificial intelligence in security: With the abilities to analyze a variety of large volumes of data, AI is increasingly being used to detect and respond to security threats. Unfortunately, AI is also a security threat as attacker can manipulate AI leading to undetected threats. Moreover, security models based on AI may inherit data biases from the data used to train the models resulting in wrong classification of threats. In this case, organizations should continually train AI models with diverse datasets and continually evaluate AI models to ensure they are resistant to manipulation and that classification of threats and vulnerabilities is accurate and reliable.
Internet of Things (IoT) Security: the increase in use of IoT devices has introduced new vulnerabilities as the devices at times are poorly secured due to the use of weak or default passwords and lack of timely firmware updates and can thus be exploited by attackers. Network segmentation and enforcing security standards for IoT devices through development and implementation of policies and laws.
Cloud computing security vulnerabilities: with the move to cloud, security vulnerabilities such as data breaches have increased. Therefore, it is critical that the cloud environment is secured. Data protection strategies such as encryption and limiting access through identity and access management can help in mitigating or securing cloud computing security vulnerabilities.
Zero Trust Architecture: the technology requires that trust is not assumed and every access request should be verified The technology requires strict identify verification, least privilege access, and constant monitoring.
Opportunities for using blockchain for computer security: despite the scalability challenges and the legal concerns regarding compliance to regulations and data privacy. Blockchain provides properties such as decentralization and immutability and thus has the potential to enhance security.
Conclusion
With the adoption of emerging technologies, cyber threats are increasingly becoming sophisticated. Therefore, organizations have to balance between improving network security through adopting emerging technologies and mitigating the challenges the technologies introduce. Adopting best practices, developing and implementing policies that guide the adoption of emerging technologies, and investing in robust security infrastructure can help organizations adopt new technologies while protecting the organization from possible security challenges.
The rapid changes in information technology result in challenges such as cybersecurity threats, issued with data security and privacy, ethical concerns on use and accountability for unintended consequences of the information technology, and skills gaps. To ensure that information technology contributes to the efficicency and effectiveness of organizational processes, organizations have to define measures to mitigate the challenges arising from the rapid changes in information technology.
References
Anica-Popa, L., Vrîncianu, M., Pugna, I. B., & Boldeanu, D. (2024). Addressing cybersecurity issues in ERP systems – emerging trends. International Conference on Business Excellence, 18, pp. 1306-1323. doi:https://doi.org/10.2478/picbe-2024-0108
Braxton, J. C., & Taska, B. (2023). Technological change and the consequences of job loss. Academic Economic Review, 113(2), 279-316. doi:https://doi.org/ 10.1257/aer.20210182
Dhirani, L. L., Mukhtiar, N., Chowdhry, B. S., & Newe, T. (2023). Ethical dilemmas and privacy issues in emerging technologies: A review. Sensors, 23(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/s23031151
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