By Scott Seavers, Salient CRGT
I’m a digital native, right? I grew up with television and handheld computer games, and earned a computer science degree in 1987. I programmed FORTRAN, PL1 and COBOL on an IBM mainframe less capable than the phone in my pocket today and used a TRS-80 in my dorm room to play games and write papers.
But no, I’m a digital immigrant—technology grew up with me, I didn’t grow up with it.
My college aged kids are digital natives, but they are not quite as ‘native’ as the generation born today with a tablet in their hands.
On the other extreme, my parents are definitely digital immigrants, and very reluctant ones at that. And while they realize technology is part of today’s world, they don’t embrace technology; they just tolerate it because they have to. My mother literally has handwritten notes on how to do just about everything on her phone, tablet, and computer.
Generational differences aside, one thing we all have in common is the central concern that none of us truly understands cyber security but we have learned the importance of it. Devastating breaches continue to sap activity from the U.S. economy, often leaving confidential data vulnerable in the process.
Millions of federal employees and contractors have been affected by the massive data breaches. Still, while many of us have had to replace our credit cards within the past year due to one or more data breaches, we continue to naively put our personal details on digital forms every day and take it for granted that someone will ensure it is appropriately secured.
On the grander scale, cyber security is a matter of national security and protecting critical systems and data has to be taken as seriously as any other threat to our freedom.
Safe networks are essential to survival; almost as important as the traditional requirements for food, water, and shelter. Without effective cyber security our financial institutions, critical infrastructure, and government cease to function properly.
And the reality is that with every step forward in improved network security, there is someone else working equally hard or harder to find a way to breach it. This should concern us all—it is not only a threat to our way of life and freedom, but there is a significant global financial burden associated with protecting our data and staying one step ahead of the enemies attempting to steal it.
So whose responsibility is cyber security? Ultimately, we all play a role. Just like industry and the government, individuals need to be aware of the risks of data compromise and take action to avoid or mitigate any threats.
In situations where national security is at stake, the government normally takes the lead and industry is expected to support agency efforts—and to develop independent innovations. This team effort gives the best chance for success.
The recent announcement to stand up the National Background Investigations Bureau (NBIB) to take over suitability and security clearance background investigations for the Office of Personnel Management provides an excellent example of the collaborative nature of cyber security. It is actually an interagency effort, as the Department of Defense will have the responsibility for keeping the data secure.
While this is a clear example of government taking the lead, industry will most certainly be relied on to provide support.
Building the IT and cyber security systems will be a challenging and comprehensive effort. To be successful, this effort will require purpose built information technology companies that have the right experience, cyber security experts, and a culture of innovation to help bridge the gap in government expertise and manpower shortfalls.
We’re in this together. Going back to an analog world is not an option, so we owe it to ourselves to be digitally aware and equally cyber security aware. We cease to function effectively when networks and data are compromised, whether it’s at home, at work or within the government.
Our nation’s future depends on reliable and safe networks, aware users, and competent cyber security professionals to protect them. It’s a team sport.
Together, we all play an important role: government, industry, digital natives, and digital immigrants. What are you doing to ensure your future, the future of your company, and the future of our nation?
