Cyberattacks: A Growing Threat to Our Daily Lives

In October 2022, a routine hospital visit turned into a nightmare for a mother in Iowa. Her 3-year-old son, recovering from a tonsillectomy, was accidentally given an overdose of medication. The reason? A ransomware attack had crippled the hospital's computer systems, making it impossible for staff to access patient records accurately. This incident is not an isolated case. Cybercrime is on the rise, with Americans losing over $16 billion in 2024 alone. This is a 33% increase from the previous year, according to the FBI. Globally, losses are projected to reach a staggering $23 trillion by 2027. Ransomware, a type of malware that holds data or devices hostage until a ransom is paid, is a significant contributor to these losses. To combat this growing threat, experts like Dr. Christopher Whyte, an assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, advocate for a "zero-trust" approach. This cybersecurity strategy assumes that no user or device should be trusted by default. Whyte explains that zero-trust is becoming the standard in cybersecurity, emphasizing that one can never be too safe.The rise of new technologies and artificial intelligence has created new vulnerabilities, especially in critical infrastructure. In 2025, there were extensive attacks on America's critical infrastructure by various actors, from criminals to nation-states. The Medusa ransomware group alone targeted over 300 major organizations in the medical and manufacturing sectors. The Department of Homeland Security has warned that these threats are only escalating. However, current laws are struggling to keep up with these rapidly evolving threats. Whyte points to the European Union's AI Act as a positive example, noting that the U. S. has yet to implement such comprehensive regulations. He also expresses concern about ransomware attacks where criminals destroy data, leaving organizations unable to access crucial information. Despite these challenges, Whyte believes that adaptation is possible. The lessons learned in cybersecurity are constantly evolving, just as the threats do. A 2021 executive order mandated that federal agencies adopt zero-trust principles, with the Defense Department setting a 2027 deadline for full compliance.