The Future of Cybersecurity and International Data Collection

The world is experiencing an increase in cybersecurity threats due to the coronavirus pandemic. Our digital systems and connectivity have become more critical than ever in securing global commerce.

But despite the increased threat, our cybersecurity infrastructure is moving toward more secure systems and methods. This is the result of technological innovation and a growing economy of skilled professionals from around the world, making international data collection and application more secure and efficient.

But achieving a secure future requires an understanding of technology and the changing politics of the global data world. Here’s what you should know about the future of cybersecurity and international data collection.

Decentralized data transfer

The future looks bright for international data transfers of all kinds. Thanks to the power of technologies such as machine learning, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) working with 5G wireless connectivity, our virtual world is shrinking.

Just as air travel has changed the way we think about physical distance, the next generation of cybersecurity technologies will reduce the distance between our digital economies. Among the innovations that make this possible are decentralized cloud-based databases and communication systems that can remain secure within individual cryptographic notes. In addition, data collection and analysis can now be accomplished through simple algorithmic functions running through de-identification processes.

But these advances are just a preview of what the future of cybersecurity might look like when it comes to international data collection and communication. The following essential cybersecurity innovations will shape the future and how we navigate global digital ecosystems:

Machine learning

Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence technologies that allow computer systems to perform tasks without being explicitly programmed to do so. Essentially, this means that a computer system learns based on input-not like the intelligent computer from War Games. 

In today’s market, however, these systems are being used for far more innocuous purposes. For example, machine learning is now integrated into cybersecurity software that looks for and protects against unauthorized network access.

DarkTrace, for example, uses cyber AI to understand the digital environment. This machine-learning process simulates normal network operations and analyzes the entire system to find anomalies. The AI can then react accordingly and learn from the attempted attack.

This demonstrates how future cybersecurity networks will be able to operate within and between international systems. As a result, we will be better prepared to defend against unauthorized international data collection and improve commercial data transfer. 

Blockchain

A blockchain system is a decentralized database in which each data point is stored in its own unique encrypted node. To hack into such a data system, a hacker must have enough computing power to decrypt the entire chain. This gives the blockchain system a unique security advantage.

An additional advantage of these systems is that they are open for use in the global marketplace. Regardless of where a user is located, they can securely access their specific data with personalized access keys. Because the system operates through an open-source network, users also receive greater privacy from third-party regulators.

Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the term used to refer to the many now commonplace devices that integrate into the online network. From smart refrigerators to industrial sensors and monitoring systems, IoT devices are already collecting data on a completely unprecedented scale. In turn, big data enables decision-making across all industries. 

As a result, we see increasingly seamless international data collection through devices such as wearable devices, smartphone apps, and smart home systems. However, this ubiquitous accumulation of data poses cybersecurity challenges. The other IoT technology evolves, the more access points hackers will have. 

The future of cybersecurity will require better protection for all IoT devices. However, ensuring ubiquitous device security will require analysis, effort, and coordination. This process will likely require standardized international norms.

Standardized international measures

Faced with the dangers of today’s virtual environment, all kinds of Web applications must prevent security vulnerabilities. To do so, governments worldwide, both individually and in coordination with each other, are taking a closer look at international data collection processes.

Already, this is leading to regulatory legislation that could change international data transmission standards in the future. Here are some examples:

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Introduced in 2016 within the European Union, GDPR sets standards and breaches reporting protocols for businesses. These standards have been mainly adopted around the world as the global economy demands compliance from trading partners.

Fortunately, GDPR requirements are not counterintuitive and are enforceable if your data protection efforts are well documented. GDPR provisions include:

Data breaches must be reported to affected parties within 72 hours of discovery.

Data processing must be fair, lawful, and transparent.

The integrity and confidentiality of stored data must be respected.

Adherence to these standards is only necessary when interacting directly with customers and clients within the EU. Still, these provisions serve as excellent guidelines for international data collection in any region. 

Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard

Meanwhile, any branded credit card worldwide must comply with the PCI Data Security Standard. This means complying with the following security practices to reduce the likelihood of fraud:

• Network security must be maintained.
• Regular security tests must be performed.
• User access and data must be regulated.

While these global rules are limited to credit card companies and electronic transaction processors, they may illustrate the future of systems such as blockchain. As cryptocurrency is currently traded on these networks, similar standards and regulatory oversight could come to this minimally regulated economy. This could affect how we transfer data internationally.

With tighter regulation, the cybersecurity of all virtual systems and digital transaction methods could increase. Standardized terms could reduce the number of access points used by hackers. This could be very important in a world where many international workers increasingly work from home.

On the other hand, increased regulation at the international level could unnecessarily complicate the market and raise barriers to entry. Currently, transactions via blockchain generally go through without any processing fees or government oversight. International coordination of regulatory practices could change this situation in the future.

Overall, international data collection is a complex situation. Regardless of whether improved rules and standards emerge internationally, we must first ensure enough information security experts to make broader regulation possible. 

The growing need for experts

Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field. The need for experts in data security, auditing, and security planning is only increasing as our world becomes increasingly interconnected. Globally, this need is outpacing the level of training of sufficient numbers of qualified professionals. An estimated 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs may need to be fulfilled. 

While some regions have been more successful than others, the world can always benefit from more cybersecurity professionals. Countries around the world face varying degrees of cyber threats and comprehensive protection. In Iran, for example, 52 percent of mobile devices are infected with malware. At the same time, Algeria protects its citizens with advanced legislation and preparation for cyber-attacks. 

Security professionals must be as widespread as the virtual marketplace to ensure safer international data collection practices. As the gap between required and available specialists continues to widen, the importance of fully balanced and secure international data collection and processing also continues to grow. The increasing virtual shift to remote work systems opens the labor market. This gives all types of businesses flexibility in where they hire employees from.

Beyond outsourcing software development, companies should look for cybersecurity specialists worldwide to help them implement better data protection. In the future, this process may become more secure and complex thanks to technological innovation and international data protection rules. 

A secure global data ecosystem

While the changes in international data collection may have both positives and negatives, one thing is sure. In the future, our global digital ecosystems will become more secure through technology and common sense international cybersecurity standards.

As a result, we will all be able to see the benefits of keeping our data private. The future of data privacy will come in the form of better encryption methods for all of our systems using AI and IoT solutions. In turn, we will see more transparent data collection practices as governments cooperate in setting data protection standards. This may complicate the process of international data collection, but it will also lay the foundation for a secure global data ecosystem.

The Internet of the future could be a place where data collection brings more benefits than risks. But first, we must address global cybersecurity issues and train new generations of security experts to ensure that international data collection practices are secure and transparent.