The internet has a rich history. Its conception began in the 1930s. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the iteration closest to the modern internet was conceived. J.C.R. Licklider of MIT conceptualized a “Galactic Network”. He imagined it to be a globally interconnected network wherein users access information from any remote location.
Many concepts followed, notably packet switching. This will later be used as one of the fundamental building blocks of the internet.
Birth of the Network of Networks
In the ‘70s, the Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) was created. It dictated how data could be transmitted between multiple networks. A decade later, in 1983, the ARPANET adapted the TCP/IP and assembled the “the network of networks,” which birthed the modern internet.
In 1990, the World Wide Web (www) was introduced. At the time, many confused it for the internet. WWW was a means for users to access data through a series of hyperlinks. It helped introduce to the public the modern internet you know of today.
Online Security and Safety Measures
The internet has revolutionised the way we communicate, and compile and gather data. But like most things, it isn’t without its dark sides. The evolution of the modern internet has given way to multiple opportunities for fraudulent acts.
As widespread as internet use has become, it’s no surprise that cybercrime has become prevalent. In Australia, cybercrime has cost the economy one billion dollars annually. The country itself ranks fifth in the number of exposed records, with over 20 million information exposed per breach.
Hackers, viruses and identity theft are only a few of the many threats that you or your business may be exposed to on the internet.
This is why it’s important to exercise caution.
These days, businesses and organisations have become increasingly dependent on the internet. These groups have more to lose, so it’s only natural for companies to be cautious when staying online.
Internet usage, however, cannot be helped since it makes operations run more smoothly. Hence, the need for security measures. These may include any number of protocols, from automated process for testing network performance that evaluate and uncover flaws in a system to disk encryption to prevent unauthorised access to data.
These measures allow your business and other organisations to continue operating with very little worry of your systems failing.
On the other hand, average users are often more liberated with internet usage.
Your Security Online
Going online has become a part of daily life. Most people communicate, transact and purchase on the internet. It’s possible that some may not even survive well without it. As such, it becomes even more vital for you to be more careful of the dangers that lurk across the web.
One great way of enhancing our security is by guarding your personal information. Ensure that the websites where you use your credit or debit cards have sufficient security measures to protect your data.
Whether you shop online or bank online, it’s crucial to monitor your transactions. Although e-commerce businesses and banks have security protocols in place, hackers have become smarter.
Should you encounter suspicious activity online or your online accounts have been hacked, report it immediately. The perpetrator may not be caught, but at least others will be warned about their exposure to hacking and fraudulent transactions.
