Transformative Tech Trends
Rapid scientific advances, as well as transformative events like Covid-19, have led to the rise of exciting new technologies. Learning about what these technologies are and how they are being developed can help users, betting fans on world series predictions, gamers, and anyone getting ahead. The realm of tech and data has kept growing, and here are some top trends that prove it.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is not a new trend. Since the internet has existed, there has been some form of cybersecurity, which works to keep information and critical infrastructure safe from hackers and malware. Passwords, two-step authentication, and firewalls are common examples of cybersecurity.
On a large scale, large organizations and governments use more sophisticated methods to keep data secure. Society is more connected and online than ever, and services like Wi-Fi, once a luxury, are now seen as a necessity. But as technology and our dependency advanced, the threats to our security did as well.
This has applied more since the beginning of the pandemic. Remote work, online shopping, and virtual meetings became the new normal overnight. And technology, threats, and cybersecurity quickly adapted to this new way of living. Hackers are increasingly trying new ways to steal data and get past security.
Blockchain
Blockchain, or a chain of blocks, may seem confusing, but its basic principle is quite simple. It is a type of database that stores information in blocks and chains, and that is why it bears that name. Blockchain technology is mainly used for financial transactions, such as money transfers, and does not require a third party or intermediary like other transfer technologies.
The data enters a new block of a chain. When the blocks are filled with information, they chain to the previous block and store the information in chronological order. This leaves a timestamp, which cannot be changed, and a numeric code that links to the previous string. If a hacker tried to steal a block, the code would disappear, making it obvious that a block was missing.
Blockchain is known more than anything for its use in cryptocurrencies. In the case of Bitcoin, it uses the blockchain to record all transactions, and blocks of data are stored on mainframe computers. What makes blockchain-type databases different from other types is that no one person or entity owns or has access to the information. This is known as “decentralized” information.
For example, let’s say a company that has traditional database technology has a thousand mainframes that store all of its information. The company owns all data, including personal and financial information about its customers, employees, and vendors.
If the company was hacked or its information was compromised, it would be a security problem. However, in the case of blockchain-type databases, this information is decentralized, so it is more secure.
IoT
The Internet of Things, more commonly known as IoT, is a new technological trend that has been growing for the last decade. In this hyper-connected digital age, “things” are built and designed to connect, hence the name “internet of things.”
Apple is the perfect example: the iPhone connects to the iWatch, which connects with other mobile devices, not just those from Apple. This connectivity became the standard in the last decade, and the technology is expected to evolve even faster in the next. Smart cities are another perfect example, as urban centers are also interconnected.
Consumers are not the only ones who benefit from this new technology: the internet of things is revolutionizing how companies operate. This trend has been called “the Industrial Internet of Things,” or IIoT.
For example, IoT makes management reporting more accurate by connecting machines or operational technologies to computers. Take the example of a car manufacturer that records information on its assembly line, whether it is employee or material usage. The Internet of Things allows the company to have a real-time bird’s-eye view of the operation, which facilitates decision-making based on information.
