-Describe three ways that computers have made the world safer and less safe.

Three ways computers have made the world safer is through encryption, authentication methods, and timely notifications. Encryption ensures that the message you are sending will reach the recipient and only be viewed by them only. Encryption allows messages to travel without risk of being intercepted or viewed by someone who is not authorized. New means of authentication ensure that someone is, who they say they are. No more passwords that can be viewed from a distance or even logged via a shared computer. Now there are biometric means of authentication, such as your face, iris, or even your fingerprint. There is also two-factor authentication that makes it harder for someone to claim they are you with only a login and password. Then there is timely or immediate notifications to any device of our choosing. Whether you are home or not, now you can see who is at your door from your cell phone or tablet. Now we can get notifications if a fire alarm is going off in our house while we are at the beach, or even check in on the baby without opening the door and possibly waking him up.

Three ways that computers have made us less safe or more vulnerable is through publicly accessible information, social media and what we share on the platforms, and cyber attacks.

-How do engineers make cyber networks safer?

Engineers play a critical role when it comes to making cyber networks safer, especially now in the current state of affairs. Engineers always need to be ahead of the next best thing or the most recent vulnerability or attack. Engineers are responsible for designing the next wave of protection mechanisms by developing new solutions and ideas to safeguard information. Design and developing doesn’t just focus on the internet or the network, it also pays crucial attention to the physical layer of the network. This physical layer can consist of new secure locks, strategic access systems, and new forms of hardware security. Engineers also aid in the protection of key services such as power plants, hospitals, and water treatment facilities. Engineers also perform penetration testing and look for ways into a organizations network without intent to do damage or take anything. These test help organization understand their weaknesses and allow them to plan for future upgrades and functions.