Unlike what they always say, the house doesn't win all the time!
The millennial and the generations after have never experienced a world without the internet. They have spent nearly their entire lives surrounded by computers, digital devices and the world of social media. They are born wired, navigating the digital landscape as effortlessly as they breathe.
As I, a cybersecurity practitioner at 62, contemplate their unique advantages, I can't help but wonder how different my digital journey might have been had I been born a digital native, like my own daughter. This thought often strikes me when I watch her seamlessly navigate the vast digital landscape. The young millennial and GenZ’s upbringing gives them a unique advantage that has profoundly reshaped the world of cybersecurity, spotlighted by the recent events like the MGM/Caesars hack. Come to find out, these hackers are individuals aged 19 to 22.
In a world where technology evolves at a breathtaking pace, digital natives stand out for their natural understanding of it. They eat, drink and breathe technology, while at 62 I'm still learning its language every day. What truly astonishes me is how these digitally native young hackers appear to have an innate mastery of hacking techniques. A generation of logical thinkers equipped with advance tools, they identify and get to know their target very well. Patiently executing each step. And with each move getting closer to the target. Ultimately, being able to penetrate and hack two of the largest casinos in the world. Incidents such as this, showcase hackers’ profound comprehension of the rules governing the game, as if they have written the code for this particular game. They know how to play this game well enough to beat the house.
The MGM hack provides a telling glimpse into the world of young hackers. In this instance, the hackers set their sights on employees and gained access to sensitive information through well-thoughtout vishing attacks. They leveraged voice calls to impersonate authoritative figures within the organization, skillfully coaxing employees into disclosing confidential data. This level of social engineering not only reveals their technical skills but also highlights their remarkable understanding of the weakest link – the human element.
In this dynamic landscape of cyber threats, the importance of collaboration across generations becomes evident. Digital natives bring fresh perspectives and adaptability, while my generation offers experience and wisdom. It's a synergy that's vital for staying ahead in the field of cybersecurity.
My reflections on the native fluency of young hackers reshape my understanding of cybersecurity. My journey, intertwined with my daughter's experiences, underscores the unique advantages they possess. As they continue to redefine the landscape, I'm hopeful that the future of cybersecurity will be safer and more secure, guided by both the wisdom of experience and the innovation of youth. Born wired, they are the vanguards of a digitally connected world.
