There is no doubt that the Internet is one of the greatest humanities inventions in terms of communication and data analysis. The Internet led us to speed up most of our processes numerous times. We will talk more in-depth in this article about how the Internet was born and how we managed to achieve such technologies as shared web hosting.
The start of the actual Internet
Do you at least imagine how drastically the Internet has changed since 1969? Just try comparing the first website to anything we see online today, not to mention online businesses that have created millions of jobs around the world. Pretty impressive, isn’t it?
It wasn’t the only content that progressed so fast. Cybersecurity has also become incomparably more complex, requiring more attention and resources.
Imagine the internet at the beginning of its existence. It could be likened to a safe, quiet town where everyone knows each other’s name. Even malware was less harmful back then. Created in 1971, for example, Creeper was just an innocent, self-replicating program designed to roam the Internet peacefully, displaying the message, “I’m Creeper, catch me if you can.”
So the key was to grab attention, not cause potential harm. The first threat that actually found itself in the headlines was the Morris Worm program, created in the late 1980s.
Spreading through the Internet, the threat, according to some estimates, affected about 10 percent of the computers on the network, which was nearly sixty thousand and successfully destroyed by Morris Worm. The U.S. Court of Appeals estimated the damage at between one hundred thousand and ten million dollars (although there are sources claiming that the damage could have been as high as $ 98 million). Well, its creator, Morris Worm, “earned” three years of probation, four hundred hours of public works, and a fine of more than ten thousand dollars.
Truly magnificent infrastructure and its villains
Then it was time for the big bang. Between 1996 and 2008 the number of websites jumped from one hundred thousand to 162 million and the internet has become similar to a global super city where billions of townspeople live normal lives in the face of ever-emerging new threats.
All this legacy is alive today, and far from every Internet user can distinguish safe “neighborhoods” from dark and shady outcrops. Cyber threats have long since changed and have become extremely aggressive. Today, it’s no surprise that malware is raping money from users, stealing login data, or trying to take control of devices. However, even this does not satisfy the developers of malware who lead to other forms of criminal activity.
Through direct contact with consumers and the application of social engineering techniques, cybercriminals seek to deceive victims. Through malware-clogged websites or fake emails, scammers seek to extract information such as credit card details, passwords, or login account information.
Even more advanced are the so-called Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) attacks. These are extremely well-organized and funded, covert attacks targeting a specific commercial or governmental facility. Their purpose? Exploit vulnerabilities through malware and social engineering techniques to gain valuable data and establish a long-term network of victims.
Securities evolution and changes
So we really had the opportunity to learn safety lessons. Today’s IT defenses consist of many advanced solutions, so even without special technical knowledge, users can at least partially reduce the risk of attack. Since the first “antivirus” program designed to defeat Creeper and named Reaper, security solutions have become increasingly sophisticated, offering a wide range of services.
For example, modern tools can create a safer online browsing environment by recognizing threats based on their inherent behavior. At the same time, they protect consumers from spam, false letters, or social engineering gimmicks committed by cybercriminals. With the advent of online banking, some security solutions are designed to create a highly secure environment in the network where financial information is sent.
Now, even if you lose your smartphone or tablet, it doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your data and privacy. Particular software allows tracing devices. If it has been stolen – can be remotely deleted.
However, the most important measure that consumers should take is to learn to protect themselves. International Internet Day is a great opportunity to review the most effective daily security practices.
1839 – the first telegraph
The history of the telegraph began when in 1839. Completed the construction of the world’s longest optical telegraph line from St Petersburg to Warsaw. It also crossed all Europe, and telegraph stations were installed. According to the Universal Encyclopedia, the optical telegraph had a total of 149 stations. The transmission of the signal between the terminals took 15 minutes, and the transmission of the telegram of 100 signals took 35 minutes. The optical telegraph was used until 1854 and the first electric telegraph station was installed in 1855. Telegraph stations were also installed along the way during the construction of new railway lines. In 1913, already over 300 telegraphs in Europe were built, and more than 0.5 million telegrams per day were received and sent in Europe.
2020 – Lithuania connected 5G
At the end of 2018, Telia was the first in Lithuania to test 5G on a real-world network. Reached a record speed of 1.8 Gb / s. Now we connect 5G and invite you to test it together. Since November 2020, Telia 5G connection has been operating in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda centers. Each new technology gives us new opportunities and makes it easier, more convenient, and faster to work and have fun. In addition, they pave the way for new ideas that turn into services. No exception and 5G connection. This next-generation mobile technology is ready to deliver billions of Internet-connected devices at gigabit speeds and ultra-low latency. This will be the beginning of a new era again.
In conclusion
Cybersecurity is incredibly important nowadays. Multiple incidents occurred when huge databases got leaked and millions of people got harmed because of stolen identities. A good VPN or cybersecurity can prevent it. Shared web hosting can be also an option when it comes to protection.
If you are planning to protect your identity or website data feel free to check out hostens.com