Month: January 2022

Cyber Threat Maps

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A cyber threat map, sometimes known as a cyber attack map, is a live map of current computer security attacks. These maps allow one to observe attacks as they pass through countries and continents. The majority of the cyber threat maps resemble video games, with colorful light beams indicating attacks from one region of the world to another.

Cyber threat maps can be highly useful in examining past attacks in terms of locations, volumes, and patterns. They can also help someone who is just starting out in their studies to acquire a sense of what is involved in the intricate world of cybersecurity. Last week, I had my introductory lecture on cyber security at Malmö University. I used cyber threat maps in my lecture to help raise awareness of how prevalent cyber security attacks are.

Kaspersky Cyberthreat Real-Time Map

Here are three of my favorite cyber threat maps (listed in no particular order):

• Check Point ThreatCloud Live Cyber Threat Map

• FireEye Cyber Threat Map

• Kaspersky Cyberthreat Real-Time Map

If you want to learn more about the topic of attack detection and how cyber threat maps work, you are welcome to get in touch.

Where are we today with IoT Security Standards?

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IoT security standards are necessary because the IoT is fundamentally insecure. It is hard to predict whether or not an IoT device will be hacked, and even if it is, what data will be compromised. There must be defined criteria for security standards for this technology to evolve responsibly without introducing new problems. Here is a quick rundown of some of the most recent security standards.

In the United States, in December 2020, the IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2020 was signed into law. This is the first piece of IoT legislation in the US aimed at ensuring that federal agencies only buy IoT devices that adhere to strict security protocols. A new cybersecurity standard for consumer IoT (ETSI EN 303 645 V2.1.1) products was introduced in the European Union in June 2020. The purpose of this standard is to encourage better security practices and the use of security-by-design concepts in the creation of new connected consumer products. The Department of Culture, Media, and Sport in the United Kingdom announced new measures also in June 2020 to protect users of internet-connected household devices from cyberattacks. They implemented a product assurance scheme that requires certified IoT devices to bear an assurance label or kitemark indicating that they have completed independent testing or a thorough and accredited self-assessment process.

When it comes to the IoT, one of the most crucial considerations is security. As the IoT grows more intertwined in people’s lives, security standards are required to keep it safe from hostile attacks and prying eyes. There is so much that can be done to improve IoT security, and this is an opportunity for bright minds to get together and influence the IoT’s future.

Finally please remember that you are welcome to contact me and suggest themes for future posts.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Doing a Ph.D. at Different Times in Your Life 

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A Ph.D. is a big commitment, and there is no doubt that it is a big investment in your future career. Figuring out when to make this investment can be tricky, but there are a few factors to consider to find the right time for you.

For most people, their 20s are the perfect time to do a Ph.D. That is when your career is just beginning, you can take advantage of the opportunities that being a student provides, and you still have lots of energy and enthusiasm for the subject after several years of hard work. The problem, though, with youth is that they may not be adequately aware of the commitment a Ph.D. requires. One can argue that they are not mature enough to understand that they will need to work long hours to do well.

For other people, there are many benefits to starting a Ph.D. as late as in their 50s or 60s. You might have already achieved financial stability or professional goals, and carrying on with a Ph.D. may be something you want to do for yourself. On the other hand, it can be harder to do a Ph.D. as an older student because of a lack of time and energy.

Overall, the benefits and drawbacks of doing a Ph.D. at different ages depend on individual circumstances and goals. But your life stage will have a significant impact on your Ph.D experience and your career prospects. I think, overall, the right time to do a Ph.D. is when you have a stable life. If you are a single person, it is also important to make sure that you have enough time to devote to your research and still have the ability to have a social life.

You are welcome to contact me for more information and tips on what it is like to be a Ph.D. student, particularly in Sweden, but also worldwide.

The Internet of Things and Security

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The Internet of Things (IoT) is changing the way we live. The IoT is the idea of having devices that are connected to each other and can be controlled via the Internet. Cameras, refrigerators, alarm systems, televisions, and other electronic gadgets are examples of such devices. The IoT has contributed to giving people an improved quality of life.

But how can we put our trust in all of these IoT devices? How can we be sure they will not turn against us? How will we know whether or not the device we are utilizing is safe? All of these questions are key to unlocking growth in the IoT.

IoT devices can be both, physical and virtual in nature. They can have a variety of different functions, from being a simple remote control to being a complex system that monitors the environment, collects data, and sends it back for analysis.

Many people do not realize that their smart home devices may contain security vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Hackers can enter a smart home or even switch off the power by exploiting weaknesses in IoT devices such as connected door locks and lighting systems. For instance, over the course of one week, a study by the UK-based consumer group Which? discovered 2,435 malicious attempts to enter into devices with weak default usernames and passwords in a fake “smart home.”

Cybersecurity is a critical responsibility for organizations of all sizes, but manufacturers, in particular, must do more to ensure that IoT devices are secure from hackers and do not endanger consumer lives. Recently, in the UK, the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Bill was introduced subjecting stricter cybersecurity rules for manufacturers, importers, and distributors of IoT technologies. This new legislation intends to better protect consumers’ IoT devices from hackers, as well as help the IoT market get the trust it needs to reach its full potential. 

If you would like to learn about IoT security and how to safeguard your IoT devices, please get in touch.