Cybersecurity: Analysis of issues and threats by Franklin Enwezor

Wale Oloworekende

In today’s digitally interconnected world, cybersecurity is no longer a niche concern of IT departments—it is a central pillar of national security, economic stability, and individual privacy. From data breaches affecting millions of users to ransomware attacks crippling critical infrastructure, the rise in cyber threats is not just alarming but increasingly complex. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the major issues and evolving threats in cybersecurity, underscoring the urgent need for a multidimensional response.

The Digital Age: A Double-Edged Sword

Digital transformation has redefined modern life. Government services, banking, education, healthcare, and communication now heavily rely on cyberspace. But this technological advancement has also opened up vast avenues for cybercrime. As more systems become interconnected and data-driven, the attack surface for cybercriminals expands.

Key Issues in Cybersecurity

1. Data Breaches and Privacy Violations
Personal data has become a lucrative commodity. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities to steal information such as names, addresses, financial records, and health histories. High-profile breaches—like those affecting major retailers, social networks, or health services—havedemonstrated how fragile digital privacy truly is.
2. Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware is among the most damaging forms of cybercrime. Attackers encrypt victims’ data and demand payment, often in cryptocurrency. Critical sectors like hospitals, transportation, and schools have been paralyzed by such attacks. The rise of “Ransomware-as-a-Service” has made it easier for even low-skilled criminals to launch sophisticated attacks.
3. Phishing and Social Engineering
Cybercriminals frequently exploit human error. Through deceptive emails, fake websites, or impersonation, they manipulate individuals into revealing passwords, downloading malware, or transferring money. Despite increasing awareness, phishing remains one of the most successful attack vectors.
4. Insider Threats
Not all threats come from external hackers. Disgruntled employees, negligent staff, or contractors with excessive access can pose significant risks. Insider threats are particularly difficult to detect and often go unnoticed until substantial damage has occurred.
5. Lack of Cybersecurity Awareness
Many individuals and even organizations lack basic cybersecurity knowledge. Weak passwords, failure to update software, and poor digital hygiene continue to be exploited. Cybersecurity education remains an underfunded and undervalued aspect of digital development.
6. Vulnerable Infrastructure
Critical infrastructure—power grids, water treatment facilities, telecommunications networks—are increasingly reliant on digital systems, many of which were not designed with cybersecurity in mind. Their compromise could lead to widespread disruptions or even loss of life.

Emerging and Evolving Threats
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cybercrime
While AI enhances cyber-defence tools, it is also being harnessed by cybercriminals. AI can be used to automate phishing campaigns, crack passwords more efficiently, and generate realistic deepfakes for disinformation or fraud.
2. Internet of Things (IoT) Vulnerabilities
Billions of IoT devices—from smart TVs to connected cars—often lack robust security measures. These devices can be hijacked and used to form massive botnets that launch Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
3. Supply Chain Attacks
Attackers increasingly target software and hardware vendors to compromise their clients. The infamous SolarWinds breach revealed how attackers could infiltrate hundreds of organizations through a single compromised software update.
4. Cyberwarfare and State-Sponsored Attacks
Nations now use cyber tools to conduct espionage, sabotage, and influence operations. From targeting elections to disabling enemy infrastructure, the line between criminal and geopolitical cyber activity is blurring.

The Human Element: Weakest Link or Strongest Defence?
Technology alone cannot solve cybersecurity problems. Most breaches begin with a human error—a misclick, an ignored update, or a misconfigured setting. Thus, cultivating a culture of cybersecurity is critical. This involves:
● Ongoing security training for employees
● Stronger identity and access management
● Public awareness campaigns about digital risks
● Responsible digital citizenship, starting from early education
A Call for a Collaborative Response
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Governments, businesses, educational institutions, and citizens must collaborate to build resilient digital ecosystems.
● Governments should enforce data protection laws, invest in cyber defence infrastructure, and foster international cooperation.
● Private sector organizations must prioritize cybersecurity in their business strategies, not just compliance checklists.
● Media and educational institutions should work to demystify cybersecurity, making it accessible and understandable to the general public.
● Individuals must stay informed and take simple, proactive steps to protect themselves online—such as using multi-factor authentication, updating software regularly, and being cautious with unsolicited emails or links.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is not a destination but a journey. As technology evolves, so too will the threats that seek to undermine it. While we cannot eliminate cyber risks entirely, we can manage them effectively through vigilance, cooperation, and strategic investment. The cost of inaction is not just financial—it is social, political, and deeply personal.
We are all part of the digital ecosystem. To protect it, we must treat cybersecurity not as an afterthought but as a foundational element of our digital lives.

About the Author:
Franklin Enwezor is a cybersecurity analyst and advocate for digital resilience. He writes on the intersection of technology, policy, and human behavior in cybersecurity. With experience in IT security operations and risk assessment, he champions holistic approaches to digital defence.