With the growing concerns about cyber security today, it seems as though every aspect of design has come under intense scrutiny for any potential weaknesses. Physical hardware is no exception to this rule, and more and more people are beginning to think about whether or not this is another area they could improve.
Cyber security companies like Cybersixgill have been stating the importance of physical hardware for years now, and when you factor in the growing notoriety of the dark web, this message has never been more important.
In this article, we will be taking a look at what effect hardware has on cyber security and seeing if there is any correlation, as well as diving into a few of the reasons why this tangible side of protection should receive much more attention than it currently does.
A Gateway To Destruction
Unlike a singular security breach such as a data leak or information grab, hardware can actually act as a gateway to destruction for prospective hackers with malicious intent. Hardware affects cyber security in a variety of ways, but perhaps the most notable attribute is that older/less advanced tech can make things much easier for any pesky hackers.
This can mean that if a hacker manages to somehow compromise any component of your computer, they will have a much easier time getting access to anything they may desire, and the number of routes they can take is increased exponentially.
Luckily, cases like this are only severe when the hardware in question is ancient, and this is yet another reason why elderly people are such easy targets for hackers. As long as you have relatively modern and up to date tech, hardware will not play that much of a role in cyber security for the most part.
That’s not to say it plays no role at all. On the contrary; Hardware still plays a key part in the prevention of cyber attacks. Although, with newer tech, security will be much more advanced, and it will be much harder for hackers to compromise any aspect of your physical framework.
Security Can Help
Even though old/outdated hardware can be a potential area of risk, this can be somewhat negated through the use of good security systems and safety protocols. This way, even outdated hardware can still relish in some degree of safety, and this is important for more reasons than one.
For example, it is not uncommon for businesses and companies to cut costs by choosing to purchase old hardware, and were it not for said safety measures, this would become a breeding ground for hackers and cyber attacks.
Safety measures can help circumvent most of the potential weaknesses that old hardware can bring, and in turn, this can drastically reduce the effect that old hardware can have in terms of protection.
One Of The Many Fronts Where You Could Be Targeted
In all reality, hardware is just one of many ways that hackers can get inside of your PC. There is a near endless list of different things that can be considered as potential weaknesses when it comes to cyber security, and educating yourself in this matter is one of the best ways you can keep yourself safe.
Despite popular belief, upgrading old hardware can be an excellent method to improve your online safety, and this is yet another front that you should factor in whenever looking for areas you can improve. This is even the case with tech from just a few years ago – with the rate at which technology advances, the difference between just a few years can make all the difference.
Although, this doesn’t mean you need to run out immediately and buy the latest high-end computer for optimal protection. While this may work in theory, such a venture is only likely going to give you a nominal increase in protection if your current hardware is not overly outdated, and going this route would mean you would need to get a new PC every year.
As long as you have relatively modern tech and utilise all of the tools at your disposal to maximise protection, you should be just fine, and there will be no glaring weaknesses that could make you become a potential target.
So, were you surprised to find out just how much of an impact physical hardware can have on the day-to-day functioning of cyber security? If you are like most, then the answer to this question will most likely be a resounding yes.
Outside of a select few tech-savvy individuals, few people are aware that hardware actually plays a vital role when it comes to the effectiveness of cyber security. Moreover, there is a good reason for this too; it is never talked about. Most people know the consequences that subpar security can bring, but few ever take to researching the ever-expanding implications that this entails.
You should always factor in physical hardware as an essential component to cyber security, and if this knowledge was a lot more widely known, then the world would be a whole lot safer.