Cybersecurity Trailblazers: How Today’s Youth Shape the Future of Digital Safety and Technological Advancement

by Teong Eng Guan, Regional Director, Southeast Asia & Korea, Check Point Software Technologies

Today’s youths are the first generation ever to grow up fully immersed in the digital world, giving them a unique advantage in addressing the challenges in today’s complex security landscape. Their innate understanding of digital systems and a natural adaptability to new technologies give them an edge in navigating online security. With their deep comfort in tech and innovative perspectives, the potential of this digital generation addressing the societal impact of cybersecurity and cutting-edge technology to ace the future of cybersecurity is exciting.

To drive for improvements in digital safety, we must recognise cybersecurity and technological advancements as social issues, with widespread ramifications when things go wrong. We have seen first-hand what a detrimental impact a cyber attack can have both mentally and physically. For example, hours-long disruptions across 46 public healthcare institutions in Singapore caused by a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack were reported last year, causing an outage in accessing their websites, emails and productivity tools. In Hong Kong, a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) was tricked by deepfake technology into transferring S$34 million to cybercriminals.

The implications of cybercrime are profound, affecting individuals, businesses and governments alike. In fact, in the last two years, the World Economic Forum has ranked cybersecurity among the top five risks facing the planet. Young people, often at the forefront of advocating for collective action on social causes like climate change and global poverty, are the key to making it a priority on the global stage.

The Role of Cybersecurity on Societal Issues

While you may think they are unrelated, cybersecurity plays a significant role in issues such as sustainability and environmental stewardship by ensuring the integrity and reliability of digital systems. In modern infrastructure, digital technologies are integral to managing critical infrastructure such as energy grids, water supplies, and transportation networks. Effective cybersecurity measures protect these systems from cyber attacks that could disrupt services and cause harm to the environment. For instance, smart grids and renewable energy installations rely on secure digital platforms to optimise energy distribution and reduce waste, contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.

Cybersecurity also plays a vital role in the deployment and maintenance of GreenTech. Technologies such as smart cities, IoT (Internet of Things) devices for environmental monitoring, and precision agriculture depend on secure networks to function correctly and provide accurate data. Protecting these systems from cyber threats ensures they operate efficiently and safely, supporting their adoption and enhancing their contributions to sustainability goals. For example, secure IoT devices in agriculture can optimise resource use, thereby reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Cybersecurity Champions in Youth Generations

One of the defining characteristics of today’s youth is their comfort and familiarity with using technology from a young age. Unlike previous generations who had to adapt to digital advancements, younger people have been using smartphones, computers, and the internet almost since birth. This ingrained competence and ease with digital tools make them adept at navigating and addressing cybersecurity challenges.

The current generation’s commitment to social causes can also fuel their dedication to cybersecurity. They are deeply aware of the broader implications of cyber threats, recognising that security breaches can have far-reaching consequences for privacy, economic stability, and even national security. This awareness drives them to advocate for robust security measures and policies that protect individuals and communities. Through social media and other platforms, they can raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity, educating their peers and the broader public on how to stay safe online.

Innovation is another critical strength of this generation. Young people today are not just passive consumers of technology but active creators and innovators. They are at the forefront of developing new technologies and applications, driven by a desire to solve problems and improve the world around them. This entrepreneurial spirit lends itself to cybersecurity, where young innovators are developing cutting-edge solutions to protect data and systems from cyber threats. Hackathons, coding competitions, and tech startups are breeding grounds for young minds to devise creative strategies and tools.

In summary, the youth’s deep technological familiarity, commitment to social causes, and innovative mindset make them the best generation to tackle cybersecurity risks effectively. Their unique blend of skills and perspectives equips them to develop robust solutions and promote a safer digital world.

Youth’s Role in Responsible Development of AI 

The younger generation is poised to play a pivotal role in the development and integration of AI. The UN’s Global Youth Report found that 93.2% of young people have a positive perception of AI, with 76.3% believing AI is a serious but controllable risk. This optimism is an important starting point, but it is crucial we improve the technical understanding of AI, as only 24% of respondents stated they grasp how AI works.

Youth education and involvement in the ethical development and deployment of AI can ensure that it is leveraged for the greater good, promoting inclusivity and fairness. To make the most of these technologies, it is imperative that we give younger generations the necessary skills and knowledge. Specialised training programs and certifications can further enhance their expertise, ensuring that they are well-prepared to safeguard digital infrastructures. By pursuing these educational opportunities, young people are acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement effective cybersecurity measures.

Today’s youth are uniquely positioned to support the cybersecurity needs of the future. Their digital nativeness, innovative spirit and commitment to education and social causes make them the most promising generation to tackle cybersecurity challenges. As digital pioneers, they are paving the way for a secure and resilient digital future, ensuring a balanced view of how technology benefits society while also protecting against the ever-evolving threat of cyber attacks.