Cybercriminal activities, hackers, and the former geek sphere are topics that are “on a lot of people’s lips” at the moment. However, only professionals with a technical background in the IT field have the ability to protect themselves efficiently, a fact that has also been true in the past. Many irrational practices and processes are followed, making things unnecessarily difficult for administrators. The situation is admittedly complicated. Nevertheless, it would be helpful if there were more independent auditing authorities from the state and the private sector who ensure that apps, membership portals, and programs are auditable and comply with minimum security standards. Only then will digitalization lead to more innovation and secure cyber convenience.
There is a certain urgency needed, as digitalization is no longer just a nice thing to have but a necessity. Robust auditing practices will result in greater security and enable people to “make their voices heard” in the modern world. After all, shared, participating economies and democracies should be the future. Our modern societies need to be led by leaders who are willing and able to adapt. In future, many industries will become considerably more diverse, and cutting-edge innovations will be seen in various fields. However, the best ideas often get buried because there are far too many unnecessary hurdles. Legal and technical auditing, as well as participative, controlling users, will lead to progress. There are already many standards in place, which is “a step in the right direction”. Nevertheless, without professional tools – which come at a cost, as things need to be monitored on a regular basis – trust cannot be built in the digital space.
Initiatives, startups, smaller companies, and citizens all have certain opportunities. But these are hard to realize due to some things being unnecessarily complex, insecure, pricy, or not compliant with basic legal standards. Players like Uber or Airbnb are examples of companies that allow us to share/save resources and make efficient use of products and services. This is sustainable and beneficial for more than just our personal finances. Such companies set standards for customer-friendly apps and cell phone technologies. Smaller companies can also follow their lead. Collaborative behavior will be based on greater diversity in the coming years, meaning that economic growth will almost certainly be “on the cards”. Stranger danger (lack of trust in platforms and products) could become “a thing of the past” in a number of areas if a more focused and practical approach were taken.
Airbnb and Uber are viewed as too powerful. Moreover, international players are too dominant, and they take steps that prevent new companies from entering the market. The costs to be and remain in the market are too high. While these considerations are justified, there is also hope. Apps have become simpler and more intuitive. Efforts have also been made to make them more secure. Open and transparent access to information can lead to greater innovation. The impact on the elderly is just one example. Delivery and Uber drivers do not need much special training; they can get started relatively easily without facing too many risks. Most drivers in Switzerland are accomplished, interested and mindful motorists, as they are used to driving on peripheral routes. Ultimately, while side jobs and businesses are valuable for many people, they will not be sustainable without auditing and legal improvements.
