TOEFL Integrated Writing Practice – Technological threats

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First, give yourself three minutes to read this article:

Over the past few decades, technology has undergone a remarkable evolution that has changed how we live and function in society. However, as technology develops and becomes more sophisticated, we also face a wide range of hazards in the virtual world. Concerns ranging from data breaches to cyberattacks have made cybersecurity a top issue. We'll look at three crucial cybersecurity issues : the increase in cybercrime, the effects of advanced persistent threats (APTs), and the difficulties of protecting privacy in the big data era.

In the twenty-first century, cybercrime has increased dramatically in both volume and complexity. Cybercriminals are using more advanced techniques to get past security measures. Malware, ransomware, phishing and social engineering on key infrastructure are just a few of the tactics used. Targeting of organizations, governments, and people results in severe financial losses and service disruptions. Although there are more expenditures being made in cybersecurity infrastructure, it is still difficult to outwit criminals.

Advanced persistent threats (APIs) are the second thing to take into account. These are covert, ongoing computer hacking operations frequently directed towards a particular target by individuals or groups. APTs frequently target political parties, corporations, and other organizations with highly valuable information. The attackers break into a network without authorization and go unnoticed for a long time while stealing vital information or causing harm. The intricacy of this type of danger, which requires sophisticated threat detection and prevention techniques to combat, makes it particularly worrisome.

Finally, the issue of privacy in the big data era is a major worry for cybersecurity. Massive amounts of data are being collected and stored by corporations and governments. In this setting, concerns about data privacy, consent, and regulation assume a crucial role. To mitigate this problem, it is essential to ensure strong security measures to protect user data, legal frameworks to restrict data usage, and user transparency regarding how their data is utilized.

Next, listen to the following lecture:
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You have twenty minutes to answer the following question. You can refer to the article as you write your essay. You may not listen to the lecture again.

Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on the solutions presented in the reading passage.

Sample Response

In the lecture, the speaker addresses the concerns raised in the reading passage about cybersecurity issues, offering a more balanced perspective on each of the three points discussed: the increase in cybercrime, the impact of advanced persistent threats (APTs), and privacy concerns in the big data era. First, the speaker challenges the idea that cybercrime has dramatically increased in both volume and complexity. While the reading passage emphasizes the exponential rise of cybercrime, the speaker argues that this view ignores the parallel advancements in cybersecurity defenses and risk management strategies. The growth in technological defenses, including investments by businesses and governments and improvements in cybersecurity expertise, means that the increase in cybercrime is not as alarming as it appears. Rather, the digital landscape is evolving, and so are the countermeasures. Second, the lecture casts doubt on the significance of APTs, which the reading describes as a serious and ongoing threat. The speaker argues that although APTs are a type of cyberattack, their frequency is often overstated. Many incidents categorized as APTs could be more accurately classified as basic threats that could have been mitigated with standard cybersecurity practices, such as regular patching and proper network management. The speaker warns that focusing too much on APTs might distract organizations from the essential cybersecurity fundamentals. Finally, the speaker addresses the concern about privacy in the big data era, acknowledging the genuine nature of the issue. However, the speaker points out that the discussion often overlooks the significant progress made in data security and privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). With these advancements, companies are investing more in securing data and ensuring privacy by design and default. While privacy concerns are important, the speaker believes that these challenges are manageable and far from insurmountable. In conclusion, the lecture suggests that while cybersecurity threats exist, the overall progress in technology, regulation, and practices means that the risks are not as dire as presented in the reading passage.

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