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Ramani (top row, two from left) posing for a photo-op after his session.
By Iffah Salleh
Technology is everywhere. Today's society are becoming overly dependent on network systems. That is the new norm that people cannot run away from. We use social media such as Facebook and TikTok to connect with people throughout the world.
The invention of communication applications like WhatsApp or Telegram has made the oldies “short message service”, SMS, some of generation Alpha would not be familiar with it or have used it unless in an emergency.
Remote access to tools is now usual. We no longer need to utilize it as a trial run or for a short time; this is important, and we use it in order to carry out our everyday tasks or remain relevant.
Simply, COVID-19 has changed the way of communications, it is the era of the usage of technologies. In addition, the Movement Control Order (MCO) gives leverage to communicate freely via online.
Data protection is critical because it shields all types of data against intruders. Confidential information, personally identifiable information (PII), protected health information (PHI), personal information, intellectual property, data, and government and industry information systems are all examples of this.
Most people, especially journalists, acknowledge the importance of cyber security, but they don't know where to turn for information and help. A cyber security toolkit can provide a clear strategy of tasks organizations can do immediately to improve data security significantly.
Cybersecurity protects you
The webinar, Journalism e-Colloquium June 2021, takes place online, via Cisco Webex on 30 June 2021. Among the fabulous panelists includes Ramani Parkunan, a media specialist at Golden Turf Consultancy and an Editor at Asia News Today .
Ramani Parkunan is an experienced journalist and news editor with a focus on politics and business. He works as a media consultant and practitioner. He began his career as an instructor in London before returning to Malaysia to work in the training and outreach branch of Cyber Security Malaysia.
In London, he began his career as a tutor, teaching Management and Information Technology classes. When he returned, he joined Cyber Security Malaysia, where he worked in the Training and Outreach section.
He currently manages Golden Turf Consultancy. His Golden Turf Consultation firm provides media training, media consultancy, and IT advisory services. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from De Montfort University in the United Kingdom, as well as a Certificate in Hacking Forensic Investigator from the EC-Council Malaysia.
Ramani Parkunan
Source: Courtesy of Ramani Parkunan
“Cybersecurity tools are important, but privacy is equally important,” Ramani said. This is a strong statement to remind everyone where we are all riding the wave of technologies and we should be alerted to protect our privacy
The reason cybersecurity can protect user is that privacy itself is important and we should be very careful when we’re sharing our information online.
“We are the future journalists; some people may be for now you can see a visible threat is harassment messages.
“Bear in mind, the more you keep silent, it is much better than exposing yourself too much on the internet,” he added.
Sharing his experience as a journalist, proof of recording is a must. According to him, nowadays we have social media where we can do live streaming which has been a huge convenience in spreading news.
Even so, technologies have been a huge help in journalism industries, which is to regularly check first the news or article that will be broadcast or published because not all stories are worthy for the audiences.
“To have knowledge of cybersecurity as a journalist is crucial, make sure to ensure no other individuals can snoop your information that could be used against yourself,” said Ramani in importance to having cybersecurity knowledge.
Excerpt from Mr Ramani presentation showing tips to be cyber safe
Tips for journalists to enhance cybersecurity
Here are some tips Ramani had provided for budding or future journalists:
To always update your applications
Why do we need to update? This is because of caches. It can enter through loopholes when our security is low and steal the information in the applications or devices.
Install Antivirus
Antivirus could help as the second defense, for example, protect it from spy malware. Nowadays, there are a lot of affordable antiviruses such as Kaspersky from Digi Package as low as RM3.00 through easy add.
Keep your files clean
As a journalist, always make sure your online files are clean that no one could steal the information from. For example, it is recommended to keep files on desktop and offline because that could help from being hacked or stolen.
Do save backup copies
Make backup copies in a pen drive, just in case of anything. Always prepare for the worst.
Never share access to anyone or everyone
Advisable to not be tricked with the “remember me” option, you should always decline. Changing passwords monthly can help to boost the safety of your account from being hacked or identity theft.
Ensure the tools downloaded is recognized or verified
Ensure the toolkit downloaded has a good rating, it could help from downloading the bogus or a hoax tool that only feeds your data and steals your information for identity theft.
What are digital treats?
There are many kinds of digital threats that we will encounter and will left a huge impact on us. Ramani had simplified the kind of threats received and addressed it in the webinar.
To know about the threats and understand the threats are two different kinds of knowledge. For those who identify the threat without understanding could be harmful as they will ignore the threats and keep exposing themselves without protection.
Those who are aware of the digital threats and understand the danger will instantly search for protection (Antivirus) and will be more alert on sharing their information.
Most individuals encounter such threats but are not aware of the danger of data breaches that can potentially lead to identity theft are now being published on social media sites.
Social security numbers, credit card information, and bank account information are now saved in cloud storage services such as Dropbox or Google Drive.
Tips shared by Ramani to brace yourself against cyber threats.
To always be prepared and alert for cyber threats
Cybersecurity is crucial because it safeguards all types of data against theft and loss. Varied from sensitive data, personally identifiable information (PII) to personal information, intellectual property, data, and governmental and industry information systems are all included which can be exposed to cybercrime if not properly protected.
No one can survive today's frenetic pace of cyberattacks and expanding threat vectors unless they have a clear sense of risk prioritization.
The ability to remain adaptable in the face of rapid change in cyber threats, technology defenses, business conditions, and organizational goals is a major motivator in defining the proper priorities.
According to Up Guard, they emphasize the importance of always preparing for cyber threats.
Cybersecurity's importance is on the rise. Fundamentally, our society is more technologically reliant than ever before and there is no sign that this trend will slow down.
The truth is that whether you are an individual, a small business, or a major global corporation, you rely on computer systems every day. When you combine this with the rise of cloud services, inadequate cloud service security, smartphones, and the Internet of Things (IoT), we have a plethora of cyber security dangers that did not exist a few decades ago.
Even if the skill sets are growing more similar, we must recognize the distinction between cyber security and information security
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