Unfortunately, there are some disadvantages to computers that happen to make the world less safe. This change in safety security is due to the proliferation of cybercrime. An example of cybercrime is identity theft. Identity theft is a potential that makes usage of computers exponentially less safe. Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information without your permission. With your data, nefarious actors can withdraw money from bank accounts or make unauthorized purchases with debit or credit cards.
The increase in surveillance capabilities also serves as a potential tool that makes computers less safe due to access capacity by nefarious actors. Hackers can infiltrate computer monitors, or technologically enabled devices. Such devices are baby monitors, smart televisions, or home security systems, to name a few. IoT (internet of things) growth has created privacy concerns and security issues due to its high dependency on the internet and lack of standardization.
Browsing attacks are another threat that makes computers less safe. Unknowingly, malware is downloaded by internet users who believe they are accessing trusted software or completing a required update. Other tactics include utilizing a trojan horse to infect browsers with vulnerabilities that exploit the computer system, known as man-in-the-browser. New advents of browser attacks involve cryptojacking. Hackers mine cryptocurrencies for themselves by hijacking another user’s computer resulting in infection by malware and slower processing. Tracing the source of the hijacking may be difficult due to the cryptocurrency’s anonymity.
Contrarily, there are aspects of computers that render a safer world. Alternatively, surveillance can have a positive effect in many instances. Surveillance capabilities have the potential to deter crime such as theft and vandalism. In all, it fosters an increased sense of safety and security. In addition, it has been proven to be a reliable witness source should the situation arise, for example in legal matters. The well-known amber alert system is a successful example of surveillance interaction that is meant to alert society members to child abductions and give informative data to encourage capture of perpetrators.
Increased communication capabilities have allowed for a safer world built on connection. Smart phone technologies can connect people across the globe instantly. Connection methods involve computer applications and social sites such as Meta, Instagram, or TikTok allow for family members and friends to communicate by way of instant messaging, posts, or in-app phone calls made via audio and or visual. Additionally, learning languages and practicing with locals, or translation capabilities has become increasingly simple. These capabilities also allow for new connections to be made, and for the flow of creativity, skills, and knowledge.
Networking abilities have allowed for an increase of knowledge. Information that once may have had limited access, can now be accessed by millions. This includes weather alerts, breaking news, or educational materials. It must be noted that due to the overwhelming access to information, it must also be vetted and checked for inaccuracies to avoid misinformation. Misinformation is a growing threat to global security that social applications like YouTube, Meta, and X work to combat daily.