Data Breach and socio-infrastructures

Over the past five years, data breaches have surged, driven by various factors such as hacking, malware, human error, and misuse. This increase has created a divide between technology providers and users, leading to multiple categories of breaches. These breaches impact various aspects of society, highlighting the growing tension between technological advancements and human vulnerability. As the darker side of technology continues to evolve, it provides new opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit weaknesses in the system.

These crimes can have a significant impact on industries, users, law enforcement, and society, as highlighted in the theme of the “Data Breach Investigation Reports.” According to the report, in 2022 alone, nearly thirty thousand incidents of data breaches were recorded.

However, after filtering and confirming these cases, the final count of verified breaches was around five thousand. Industries ranging from Accommodation & Food Services to Arts & Entertainment, Education, Finance, Healthcare, and others have been targeted by data breaches since 2018 on a global scale. Small businesses have been particularly vulnerable. Regions most affected by these data breaches include the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. In these areas, cybercrime, particularly data breaches, continues to rise steadily.

The report indicates that the primary motive behind these breaches is financial, although unauthorized surveillance and other purposes also play a role. The majority of these incidents involve external hacking attempts. These technological complexities have a widespread impact, touching nearly everyone except, perhaps, some industries. Since 2018, more than 80%-90% of reported breaches each year have been linked to the growing digital landscape.

One notable case occurred in September 2022, when Uber experienced a data breach that exposed sensitive information of over 57 million riders and drivers, along with 7 million of their partners. Among the compromised data were email addresses, passwords, phone numbers, and, most alarmingly, live location data. This breach was carried out by a group of hackers who used social engineering tactics to gain access to an Uber employee’s cloud storage account.

The story of data breaches highlights their role as a vigorous, hidden threat in the technological world, capable of disrupting social infrastructure through the influence of two key entities; law and society. While industries themselves are often shielded from the direct effects of data breaches, it is the employees and broader social infrastructure that bear the brunt of the impact. As the frequency of data breaches increases, the involvement of law enforcement becomes more likely, leading to conflicts between employees and users. Social norms, especially those centered on reputation, self-respect, and social hierarchy, are significantly affected.

This influence extends beyond individuals, affecting institutions, public spaces, community facilities, and many other areas of life. In regions like Asia, cultural practices and traditions present additional challenges. Data breaches may isolate individuals from society, creating insecurity even in a modern context. This disturbance affects the arts, crafts, folk traditions, and cultural symbols, with modernity often prioritized over traditional values, driving fears among traditionalists of losing their cultural heritage. Furthermore, data breaches result in severe financial and reputational damage, amplifying their impact on both personal and societal levels.

Such things can fuel law enforcement to address these problems through various interpretations of existing laws, which may indirectly impact a country’s administrative policies and even lead to political upheavals. While legal intervention may be necessary, companies and industries also hold responsibility for ensuring the security of their customers to avoid misunderstandings. An opinion for entrepreneurs and businessmen to avoid such disruptions to social infrastructure is to limit third-party involvement. By doing so, they can maintain more control over their systems and reduce the risks of external vulnerabilities.

Proper security measures, including firewalls and other protective protocols, should be implemented to ensure that platforms remain secure and accessible. This would not only protect user data but also create an environment where users, particularly culture enthusiasts, can freely and confidently engage with the platforms, fostering a space where cultural expression and preservation are encouraged. In an era where traditional arts, crafts, and cultural symbols face challenges from modernity and technological advancement, secure platforms can offer a vital refuge for those looking to celebrate and share their cultural heritage.

For culture enthusiasts, the ability to participate without fear of data breaches or privacy violations is essential, as these platforms often serve as critical outlets for the preservation and transmission of cultural knowledge, folklore, and artistic traditions.

Additionally, the confidence that their personal information and creative contributions are protected can inspire greater participation, allowing these individuals to focus on promoting their culture and engaging with like-minded communities. This protection helps ensure that cultural values are maintained and respected, contributing to a richer and more diverse digital landscape. Last not the least Providing a safe, secure space for such individuals encourages creativity and participation without fear of compromise or hesitation.

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