Cybersecurity and Privacy Course Introduction

Welcome Message

• Good morning and welcome to the course on Cybersecurity and Privacy.
• Purpose of today: Ice-breaking and course overview.

Course Overview

• Discussion on contents of the course and expectations from students.
• Importance of motivation regarding the relevance of cybersecurity and privacy.

Importance of Cybersecurity

• Question posed: Is cybersecurity important for managers?
• Key terms associated with cybersecurity:
  • Data: Protection of data from unauthorized access.
  • Vulnerability: Management of vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks.
  • Unauthorized Access: Preventing unauthorized use of data.

Understanding Privacy

• Privacy defined as:
  • Personal control over data disclosure.
  • Security measures in place to protect that data.
• Intersection of cybersecurity and privacy is crucial.

Real-World Relevance

• Example of a phishing email from the director of IIT Madras:
  • Importance of checking email authenticity, sender ID, and signs of spoofing.
  • Phishing and Spear Phishing explained:
    • Phishing: General attempts to obtain sensitive information.
    • Spear Phishing: Targeted attacks using social engineering based on background information.

Recent Cybersecurity Threats

• Overview of individual experiences with phishing and social engineering.
• Discussion on ransomware attacks:
  • Ransomware as a common threat where hackers encrypt data and demand payment.
• Case study: Kaseya ransomware attack affecting POS systems in retail.
• Example from Chennai Corporation that refused to pay ransom due to outdated systems.

Consequences of Cyber Attacks

• Importance of protecting sensitive data, particularly in healthcare:
  • Attack on All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) underlines risks.
  • Health data security is crucial due to potential embarrassment and organizational losses.
• HIPAA Act: Regulations for healthcare data protection in the U.S.

Cybersecurity Statistics

• 91% of organizations report at least one cyber incident per year.
• Cybersecurity becomes a top priority for CEOs and organizational leaders.
• Ongoing digital transformation highlights the dual nature of technology:
  • Bright side: Economic growth through digital technologies.
  • Dark side: Increase in cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

• The importance of addressing cybersecurity is continually rising.
• Need for increased awareness and proactive measures in the digital age.