How do engineers make cyber networks safer?

Cyber threats are ever-evolving, changing in nature, and have the ability to shut down entire cyber networks and engineering systems quickly. We rely on these cyber networks to do many things, such as communicate with one another, do research, watch entertainment, and more. Because technology is so integral to society, there is always a risk that cyber threats will attack critical cyber networks. However, the constant risk can be mitigated, and cyber networks can be improved by a well-rounded cybersecurity program that involves the technical skills of system engineers who work to ensure that the business’ cyber networks and systems are secure through various means.

By definition, engineers, specifically system security engineers, are “an individual, groups, or organization responsible for conducting system security engineering activities including designing and developing organizational systems, upgrading legacy systems, and coordinating security-related activities” (Nieles et al., 2017). Engineers can handle developing and designing cyber networks for businesses and performing routine preventative maintenance so they are up to date to handle potential cyber threats. They can install firewalls to protect those networks from both unwanted or excessive traffic and worms that may try to infect computers connected to the network. One popular tactic that cybercriminals will use in order to gain access to cyber networks is through a form of social engineering called phishing, where they will send an email with a malicious link to unsuspecting employees of a targeted business. These emails will often look legitimate or “flashy” so that an employee will click on them, and the perpetrator can obtain log-in credentials to crucial systems. Engineers can work with cybersecurity specialists to develop training information on how to spot these phishing attempts and other scams. Should there be a problem with the cyber network, engineers can consult, diagnose and help correct the issue.

Cyber networks are crucial for individuals and businesses, and we often rely on them for many things. However, the increased risk means that cybersecurity programs must watch to prevent cyber threats constantly, and the additional security an engineer can bring is invaluable.

Nieles, M., Dempsey, K., & Pillitteri, V. Y. (2017). An Introduction to Information Security. NIST Special Publication. https://doi.org/10.6028/nist.sp.800-12r1