Computers have benefited society for decades. As technology has improved, and the internet has been accessible to most, it has made the world safer, but also a more dangerous place. Computers have incredible power and allow humans to process data and information beyond the limits of a person. One way computers have made the world safer is with advanced weather prediction systems. Meteorologist now have the data to be able to predict weather patterns and spot life threatening conditions earlier than possible. Computers have also benefited world in the medical field. Thanks to computers and the ability to use genetic sequencing, we can have advance treatment for cancer patients with a better chance of favorable prognosis. Another way computers have made the world safer is through advance communication. The ability to communicate important critical information at a moments notice has no doubt made the world safer through better access to telemedicine and advanced national defense systems among others.
However, there are also ways that computers have made the world less safe. Social media has its benefits, but it is not mystery that it has negatively impacted our youth. Many children suffer from constant online bullying, resulting in poor mental health and a rise in suicide rates among young people. Another way that computers have made the world less safe is by the amount of information and data available on each person. Important aspects of life such as banking are now handled mostly over the internet. These accounts can be breached and result in theft or unauthorized collection of sensitive information. Last but not least, critical infrastructure is connected through the internet allowing advance monitoring and the ability to control infrastructure with much ease, however this has allowed opportunities for hackers to gain entry to critical infrastructure systems rendering them un usable and impacting vast amount of people. Cyber Security is important because it protects these systems and can save lives.