New Technologies (HL IB Geography)

Cybersecurity

• Cybersecurity, also called computer security, is the process of keeping information systems' hardware and software safe from being stolen or damaged

• It also keeps information on computers and other technology safe

• Cybersecurity is becoming more important as more people and businesses depend on computers and the internet

  • Large companies, government agencies, the military, and airlines are frequent targets

• Phishing is one of the most common risks to computer security

  • This means someone is trying to get private or secret data like usernames, passwords, bank account details, and credit card information

• Malware is often described as malicious software (including virus, worms, spyware or ransomware)

  • They are commonly used to attack a network system by obtaining information transmitted from the hard drive (spyware) or by blocking certain systems from functioning on the network (ransomware)

• Computer firewalls block access to internal network systems from different forms of attacks

• Even though most computers have some kind of security, threats are getting more sophisticated, so security systems need to keep up

• One of the biggest problems with cybersecurity is that there are no international rules or laws that everyone has to follow

E-Passports

• E-passports, also known as biometric passport, are passports that have an embedded electronic chip

• This chip stores the passport holder's personal information, biometric data (such as fingerprints and facial recognition), and a digital photograph

• It also uses Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to ensure that the chip is authentic

• E-passports boost border security and streamline immigration processes

Advantages of e-passports

• Reduces counterfeiting

  • The technology makes forgery and alterations very difficult and reduces the risk of identity theft and fraud

• Automated border control (ABC) systems can process an e-passport quickly, reducing waiting time

• There is a direct comparison between the traveller and the biometric data on the chip, which checks identity

Disadvantages of e-passports

• The chip has radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to communicate with electronic readers at border control points

• However, illegal scanners are capable of hijacking this

• The chip has a unique ID that can be tracked

• The chip can be accidentally damaged, which sends a notification to the system and prevents entry

• The owner of the e-passport does not have access to the data stored on the chip