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THE ROLE OF CYBERSECURITY IN THE INFORMATION AGE.
CHALLENGES OF THE INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Boburjon Shokirov
Student of Fergana state university
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15474644
Annotation.
The 21st century is known as the era of information
technology. With the rapid growth of the internet, new opportunities for
communication, education, and commerce have emerged, transforming all
aspects of human life. However, alongside its advantages, the internet has
introduced several social and legal challenges, such as addiction,
misinformation, and cybercrime. This article analyzes the cultural and legal
implications of internet use, the rise of cybercrime, and the growing threat of
cyberterrorism. Furthermore, it explores preventive cybersecurity measures
and the responsibilities of state authorities in combating cyberthreats in
Uzbekistan.
Keywords:
Cybercrime, cybersecurity, information technology, social
networks, cyberterrorism, digital threats, internet addiction, legal regulation.
The Information Age and the Rise of Cyber Threats:
The 21st century is considered the age of information technology. It is
almost impossible to imagine today’s global progress without the internet. The
internet, as is widely known, is an international system of interconnected
computer networks that enables the exchange of information and documents. It
has opened the door to vast possibilities: people can now access global libraries,
attend virtual universities located on the other side of the globe, and perform
freelance digital work (such as translation, content creation, and publishing)
without leaving their homes.
One of the major attractions of the internet is social media and messaging
platforms, which allow for cheap and fast communication, online training, and
video conferencing. These advantages have made the internet more popular
than television and radio. However, its negative effects are also increasingly
evident. Many young people lack the skills to critically consume information,
making them vulnerable to manipulation, disinformation, and even internet
addiction. Notably, China has recognized internet addiction as a medical
disorder and established rehabilitation centers for its treatment.
Unfortunately, many youths waste valuable time scrolling through social
networks, forming opinions based on whatever information they encounter—
regardless of its accuracy. It is common to see individuals posting opinions or
literary works without considering their relevance or credibility, and often filled
SOLUTION OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS IN
MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMY
International scientific-online conference
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with grammatical and spelling errors. Social networks are now filled with praise
circles, public shaming, and baseless content, with gossip and personal attacks
becoming normalized. Due to the lack of effective oversight, many users
mistakenly believe they can do anything online. While some advocate for
freedom of expression, their online behavior often reveals their lack of ethical
and intellectual depth.
Despite these drawbacks, statistics indicate that 96% of young people
globally interact through social media. Among them, Facebook remains the most
popular platform, followed by Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest,
Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, WhatsApp, Flickr, and Weibo. Social media platforms
are also being actively used in Uzbekistan to promote the country’s reforms and
achievements in the global media space and to contribute to the spiritual
development of society.
Cybercrime as a Global Challenge:
Among the major global challenges of our time is cybercrime, which has
been steadily increasing. These crimes include the distribution of malware,
password theft, bank fraud, the dissemination of illegal and morally corrupt
information, and other forms of digital sabotage. The term "cybercrime" refers
to a wide range of offenses conducted through information and communication
technologies: spreading malicious software, phishing, hacking, illegal website
access, identity theft, copyright infringement, and electronic fraud.
Another serious threat is cyberterrorism, whose danger to society
continues to grow. A cyberterrorist act (cyberattack) involves using information
technology to cause or threaten to cause serious harm to people, infrastructure,
or public safety. The appeal of such attacks to terrorists lies in their low cost and
high impact. Experts argue that such cyberattacks are often masked as efforts to
promote democratic values in developing countries while in fact undermining
their national sovereignty and public consciousness.
Efforts to exploit the internet for destabilizing countries are increasing.
Social networks and their backers sometimes interfere in domestic affairs under
the guise of freedom and openness. Consequently, experts are now suggesting
transitioning to a new internet model that limits user anonymity, which would
help curb online crimes. Countries like China and Russia are already developing
or implementing closed, state-controlled network systems.
Cybersecurity Policy in Uzbekistan:
Uzbekistan, as part of the global information community, has adopted a
consistent state policy on the effective use of information and communication
SOLUTION OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS IN
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International scientific-online conference
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technologies. While digital technologies create new conveniences for citizens,
they also raise the issue of cybersecurity. One of the most pressing tasks is to
ensure protection against cybercrime and prevent its escalation.
Effective cybersecurity requires implementing the following key measures:
Educating staff on the fundamentals of information security;
Regular vulnerability testing of software systems;
Using reliable antivirus software;
Using licensed and official programs;
Applying multi-factor authentication in information systems;
Enforcing strong password policies;
Encrypting data stored on hard drives.
In this regard, it is also essential to emphasize the responsibilities of
authorized state agencies in Uzbekistan. These bodies are tasked with protecting
the country and its citizens from internal and external cyber threats, ensuring
national security, upholding the rule of law in cyberspace, preventing and
investigating cybercrimes, and protecting public and private interests in the
digital domain.
Conclusion
The internet and modern communication technologies, while enabling
remarkable social and economic progress, also pose serious risks to individual
users and society at large. Cybercrime, misinformation, and digital addiction are
growing challenges that require coordinated legal, technical, and educational
responses. Uzbekistan’s commitment to cybersecurity and its implementation of
proactive measures highlight the country’s strategic vision in adapting to the
digital age. Ensuring cybersecurity is no longer optional—it is a fundamental
pillar of national security and social development in the information age.
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