Now is the Time for Cyber Security
EV-Consultech • October 25, 2019
Now is the Time for Cyber Security
We live in an information-driven culture. It comes as no surprise to anyone that information and research drive the majority of our decisions every day, whether we are at home or work. Today that information is increasingly stored online, with businesses moving to cloud storage and many home devices now communicating online through the Internet of Things (IoT).
As a result, cyber security is becoming almost as important as physical security. Just as someone may break into your house and steal your valuable possessions if your house isn't properly secured, now they can do that with your personal information as well. So the question to ask now is, what steps can we take to safeguard what is important to us?
Following are several important notes to observe about cyber security as it stands today:
Everyone is at Risk
"Well of course cyber security attacks are a risk out there, but I'm not in that category."
Well that sounds kind of silly, doesn't it? But in reality many of us find ourselves thinking this way, even if it is subconsciously. One of the first steps we all can take in defending ourselves against threats in an online world is to simply understand that we are not exempt from these risks. Even the most well protected systems today have been infiltrated by unwanted visitors, so naturally we would be a little unwise to think ourselves free of danger.
Research, Research, Research!
The digital landscape is drastically changing in a relentless cycle, both for good and for bad. New technologies make the development of even faster, more efficient technology possible. New systems are established for protecting crucial information online, and new methods of breaking into those systems are being developed simultaneously.
While it is unlikely that this cycle will break any time in the near future, we can do our part to stay ahead of the curve by understanding the newest technology and systems available for the protection of our company's (and our personal) information. So make sure to spend a few minutes every week in research, so that you and your business are equipped with the technology and wisdom to fight the security battle well.
Replace Old Technology with Better Systems
When was the last assessment done in your business about the state of your systems? While some of us may have updated our systems quite recently, others may have held off on investing in newer technologies, whether it be for financial or operational reasons. Nevertheless, current systems offer increased protection against security breaches, and can save you and your company a lot of time and money in the long run.
Certain older machines - especially those running Windows 7 - may be at an increased risk for cyber attacks, as the end of life phase for Windows 7 begins on January 14, 2020. At this time, systems still running the operating system will no longer be supported by Microsoft, and security updates will cease being issued.
Be sure that your company's machines are consistently updated (and upgraded, if the time is necessary) so they are equipped with the newest security systems and your information is protected in an online world.
(Click here
for more information about the end of life phase for Windows 7)
Now is the Time
Now is the time for cyber security: to understand the risks, research both new technologies and new threats, and to make sure that all of us and our systems are current and safe from unnecessary threats.
We hope this has been an interesting and helpful read. Stay safe out there!
Introduction: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has sparked widespread conversation about its role in society, while balancing excitement for innovation with concerns over its long-term implications. As AI continues to reshape industries ranging from creative arts to data analytics, it proves to have substantial advantages and significant ethical risks. The Benefits: The integration of AI technologies offers creative and economic potential across different sectors, driving efficiency and creative evolution. AI is viewed as a primary driver for societal development and innovation. Its ability to process datasets enables breakthroughs in fields like healthcare, environmental science, and social justice. Structured query language (SQL) AI tools, such as Claude and ChatGPT, are becoming increasingly popular for complex and routine professional tasks. These systems can transform disorganized data into accessible business intelligence at a faster, more efficient pace than before. In terms of creative evolution and inspiration, there is much debate regarding the ethical standards of AI image generation. Some claim that AI image generators don’t visually plagiarise creative works but instead function similarly to human artists who are inspired by other works and artists they have seen. This technology can change how people create media and new creative processes, essentially pushing the boundaries of traditional art. Significant investment in AI has fueled a market boom with major tech leaders betting heavily on its continued development and expansion. According to Syracuse University, artificial intelligence technologies profited about 244 billion U.S. dollars in 2025. The Challenges: Despite its benefits, the adoption of AI introduces critical challenges that threaten economic stability, ethical standards, and the environment. The increasing use of AI has created anxiety regarding its impact on the labor market. As a result, there is concern that AI will make many careers centered on media creation and repetitive tasks obsolete. AI's impact on future job prospects could eliminate the need to hire human employees, potentially causing a decline in employment rates and economic growth. The ethical implications of AI are multifaceted, involving issues of intellectual property and environmental sustainability. Data centers have thousands of processing units and servers that run 24/7, creating excess heat that can damage these systems without proper cooling. The common practice to cool down these servers is to use water in small to large amounts. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, a 100-word AI prompt consumes about 1 bottle of water. On a national scale, data centers consume around 228 billion gallons of water, according to CBS News. To meet the increasing demand for AI services, substantial amounts of water are necessary, which can potentially cause environmental issues and overconsumption of natural resources over time. AI also presents substantial challenges regarding integrity, individuality and authenticity. In terms of art, artists argue that AI exploits their work without necessary consent or compensation due to evident similarities between original and AI-generated works. Similarly, this idea applies to the professional job market when hiring applicants. The use of AI to generate resumes and portfolios has made it increasingly difficult for job applicants to differentiate themselves, as many use identical AI chat prompts, leading to a loss of originality to set candidates apart. Conclusion: The ongoing debate over AI highlights a divide between its potential for progress and its capacity for disruption. While AI may provide substantial economic benefits, it simultaneously threatens established artistic frameworks, job market practices, and economic sustainability. Addressing these challenges requires a system that considers human and AI capabilities, while demanding ethical practices and ensuring a stable environmental footprint. At EV-Consultech, we help clients stay informed about the latest technologies and innovations to help their business thrive. Contact us today and learn more about the importance of AI knowledge.
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