Introduction
Living in the 21st century, where information communication technology is the mainstream, we say that ICT growth is really rapid. Just to secure one’s earning, I
feel that fields related to ICT are all great career options.
ICT cloud-oriented structure is progressing daily. System security is and will be at a higher risk in the coming
days. This allows me to feel convinced in choosing cybersecurity as a career path.
Cybersecurity
With the growing volume and sophistication of cyber-attacks, the volume of these attacks reaches to thousands daily. Cybersecurity researchers have been working for many years to prevent computers, databases, programs, systems, and networks from unauthorized access, attack, change or destruction. In addition, it is also a critical issue in discussions of government and security policymakers in the current situation of security around the globe. E-Government services, capital markets, corporations, and other businesses collect processes and store a large amount of confidential information on computers and transmit that data over the internet for professional purposes. In recent years, Lithuania and Iran are cases of countries affected by cyber-attacks. Pakistan has played an important role in the global war on terrorism after 9/11. As a nuclear state and its geopolitical position, the possibilities of various internal and external security concerns raised during the last decade including cybersecurity. The government of Pakistan is implementing defense policies that should stop the entry of terrorists into the country and supervise territorial borders. Critical defense measures for important cyber services of the country such as NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority), E-Government services and capital markets also require the attention of the government in the current security situation. These services use firewalls and other technologies to protect the systems, however; there are many possibilities by which the terrorists can use technology as a source to attack, control and stop essential ICT services.
Most countries are deploying online services, with Pakistan being one of the countries in which most of the organizations are deploying information technology services into their infrastructures as well as higher authorities taking interest in deploying these types of technology and services into their infrastructures. NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) is a centralized national ID database of Pakistan, which is shared among banks, passport offices, Election Commission Departments, Mobile networks and FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), etc. NADRA is the only organization that registers and stores information about the population. According to the report(Threat Track Security 2014), NADRA is one of the top-ranking organizations in the world because of its use of state-of-the-art technologies for its services.
At present time, European countries are using SCAP (Security Content Automation Protocol) algorithm for their NVD (National Vulnerability database) in which data enables automation of vulnerability management, security measurement, and compliance (APWG 2013). It is apparent that hackers had tried to hack confidential information (Cybersecurity - Stanford, CA, USA 2014, Pro Pakistani 2013). NADRA may be the current target for cyber terrorism to block or sabotage its essential services, hack human confidential information and use them for illegal purposes.
When I see such concerns, I see a real need for employees in cybersecurity. It is one of the best positions to adopt as a career path. It will help me protect not only important systems but also allow me to be the one helping their nation fight against growing security challenges.