On February 6, 2024, we celebrate Safer Internet Day, a global event aimed at promoting a safer and more responsible use of the Internet, especially among younger generations. This day plays a crucial role in raising awareness among the general public, as well as businesses and institutions, about the importance of online security and cybersecurity.
This event provides an ideal platform for discussing the challenges related to Internet security, particularly in an era where cyber threats, such as the 46% increase in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks reported in the latest NETSCOUT report, pose major risks to the security of our online information.
On this Safer Internet Day, it’s essential to acknowledge the growing importance of cybersecurity in the face of digital threats, especially DDoS attacks. These attacks, which aim to make an online resource unavailable by overwhelming it with traffic, highlight the need for secure and resilient digital infrastructures. Our recent research revealed that nearly 7.9 million DDoS attacks were recorded globally in the first half of 2023, averaging about 44,000 attacks per day.
In this context, real-time network visibility becomes a critical element of organizations’ cybersecurity strategies. A detailed and comprehensive view of network traffic is indeed indispensable, not only for quickly identifying and countering potential threats such as DDoS attacks but also for ensuring efficient data management and the continuity of online activities. Real-time data flow monitoring is fundamental for detecting anomalies, preventing information loss, addressing latencies and bottlenecks, reducing the risk of data leaks, and responding effectively to security incidents. Anticipation is key, as General Sun Tzu reminds us in his “Art of War”: “The one who excels at resolving difficulties does so before they arise. The one who excels at defeating his enemies triumphs before the threats of these materialize.”
Today, more than ever, it’s vital for individuals, businesses, and institutions to understand the risks associated with online data security and to actively engage in implementing robust data protection practices. This involves educating people on good cybersecurity practices, investing in advanced network monitoring solutions, and cooperating to strengthen security standards. Together, businesses and security specialists can and must work towards creating a safer and more resilient digital environment for all. In this spirit, the approach of the Ministry of Education to extend its initiatives until March reinforces the idea that Rome, like good security practices, wasn’t built in a day.