A Brief History of Cybercrime and Cyberwarfare - The Technical and Social History of Software Engineering - page 431

Hopefully, a concentrated and coordinated defense against various kinds of cy-
berattacks and cybercrime can reverse these recent alarming trends.
It is theoretically possible to raise the immunity of computers and software to
penetration by harmful viruses, Trojans, and worms. Both hardware and software
resistance needs to improve by perhaps an order of magnitude compared to today's
standards.
It is technically possible to increase the effectiveness of current defensive
measures such as firewalls and antivirus software. Firewalls should block at least
99% of known threats and 90% of zero-day threats. Antivirus packages should
knock out and remove at least 99% of viruses and worms that penetrate the fire-
walls.
To reverse the number and seriousness of cyberattacks, it will be necessary for
corporations, universities, and government agencies such as Homeland Security
and the FBI to collaborate on both fundamental research and also on deployment
of proven technologies.
As computers and software continue their exponential growth rates and per-
meate every aspect of business and government, better cybersecurity is a major
concern for every government, company, and citizen.
Summary
Computer and software have brought enormous benefits to individuals, compan-
ies, and government agencies. They have also created hundreds of major new com-
panies and wealth beyond what anyone anticipated prior to the 1970s.
But computer and software failures of medical devices and embedded devices
have taken lives and caused injuries. Identity theft has wiped out savings and bank
accounts for thousands of victims.
The good uses of computer and software are in sharp contrast to the harmful
uses by cybercriminals and cybersoldiers.
Every individual, company, and government agency needs to stay at full alert
and constantly upgrade their security measures in the modern world.