Why is Internet Security Important?

 

Internet security is important, because it is essential for protecting personal and business information. High-profile attacks allow hackers to steal credit and debit card information, damaging reputations and causing financial havoc for victims. Business data is also at risk.

Alone, computers are powerful tools. The Internet, however, provides even more potential. For businesses and government entities, the Internet provides a means of allowing customers to handle accounts without having to come to a physical location or talk on the phone. When Internet-accessible information is not secured, however, the consequences can be disastrous.

Databases often store social security numbers and credit card information, which can be used to rob victims and steal identities. One breach can lead to millions of compromised identities, so syndicates in China, Russia and elsewhere are investing a significant amount of time and energy into launching these attacks.

As more organizations move to cloud-based operations, the importance of Internet security is being emphasized. The cloud paradigms require that information be made available over the Internet; personal documents are stored on remote servers. Top-notch security is essential for preventing this information from being stolen. Businesses, in particular, are at great risk; stolen internal documents can cause a tremendous amount of harm.