Security risks abound in our technology-driven world from common computer viruses to theft of personal information such as credit card numbers and social security numbers. In addition to the latest viruses going around the cyber world through spam and malicious files infiltrating computers through downloaded files and “bad” websites, there is a growing number of new cyber crimes committed using recent technologies.

The biggest technology security issue that the digital world is facing today is online spying, according to a recent study conducted by a major IT security company and supported by experts and analysts from US government agencies, universities and leading technology groups. More than 100 countries have been found to be the bases of operations of cyber spies with much of the espionage activities originating from the Asian region, particularly in China. The Chinese government has actually made a public statement with regards to the issue, saying they are taking action against the illegal cyber operations.

Those involved in these security attacks are not just teenage hackers who have too much time on their hands and are going through a rebellious phase. According to reports, strong well-funded organizations are behind this particular technology security threat of cyber spying and they are targeting the network of important businesses such as electric companies and airlines, those in the financial industry and even the networks of government agencies. Sustained attacks of this nature on businesses will certainly have an effect on e-commerce as the public loses confidence in the security of online transactions.

At present, some of the recent cases of cyber crimes that directly targeted certain companies involved an illegal activity dubbed as “phreaking” wherein hackers were able to get inside VOIP networks. VOIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol, a technology that allows people to make phone calls using their internet connection. When cyber criminals hacked into the systems, they were able to place international calls without having to pay a cent. Needless to say, the targeted companies lost a lot of money because of this crime.

Other areas that are wide open to security breaches are social networking sites, which is the newest trend in the online world today. These are the sites where people, usually with a common interest, form an online network of friends with whom they can share all sorts of information. Because people can invite anyone to their network, whether friends in real life or people they just gotten to know online, there is an obvious issue of security in this social networking environment.

Another ground for cyber crimes, particularly issues on privacy and theft of confidential information, is peer-to-peer software which a user installs in his computer for the purposes of downloading files of “peers” or fellow online users. While downloads are quick, there is a great risk of downloading spyware or malware through the network because it is easy to mistake a malicious file for a legitimate or harmless file especially for the average computer user. In fact, reports found out that half of the cases of data or privacy breaches were committed through peer-to-peer software.

Indeed, technology security has become a universal issue. Both developed and developing nations are involved as computers and Internet access become available to more people worldwide. With rapid developments in technology, experts are seeing that cyber crimes are consequently becoming more and more sophisticated.

Industry forecasts indicated that technology security risks will reach the level where they will be regarded as critical to national security. Within the decade, governments throughout the world are expected to become more aggressive in fighting these risks. The average person is advised to be more aware of existing and emerging technology security issues and learn how to protect themselves from becoming victims of cyber crimes.