Jo Sungchul Jojo

As our world continues to advance technologically, computers collect and use more and more data. With the rise in data, the importance of cybersecurity exponentially increases. Cybersecurity is the state or process of protecting and recovering computer systems, networks, devices, and programs from any type of cyberattack. Cybersecurity is important to individuals, families, and businesses. All of us have data stored in our computers and the cloud that we need to keep safe and protected. Unfortunately, there are cybercriminals who make a profit from stealing and even selling others’ data. To combat this, cybersecurity professionals provide protection in the form of anti-malware, password protection, and counter-hacking. Personally identifiable information and protected health information are especially dangerous if in the hands of cybercriminals. “Identity theft is not a joke. Millions of families suffer every year”(Schrute).

There have been countless times in history where cyberattacks have had horrible implications. Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube have all had cyberattacks that hurt the public and leaked private data. One of the most destructive cyberattacks was the Melissa Attack in 1999, created and shared by David Lee Smith. It prompted users to open a file using Microsoft Word, and then unleashed the virus. The virus caused destruction to hundreds of companies and the repair to all of these systems cost around 80 million dollars. Similarly, in that same year, NASA was attacked by 15-year-old James Jonathan. NASA was shut down for 21 days! All this goes to show that the effects of cyberattacks extend beyond countries, classes, and companies.

In this day and age, our church, St.Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Church, has a responsibility to advise our members of cybersecurity and cyber threats. This issue has never been more persistent and our church has done a good job so far in keeping our data safe. However, we should continue to take active measures to ensure the safety of our church’s data.

• Keep software and systems updated.
• Invest in security software.
• Adopt and enforce policies governing how employees and volunteers use church systems.
• Adopt a clear policy governing who has access to passwords to critical systems and online accounts, including online banking and social media.
• Consider purchasing insurance against cyber threats.