In general, as the life advances, tendency to adoption of changes / upgradation slows down automatically. This may be quite natural but resistance to newer technology is uncommon. The word “Luddite” has once again brought this in flash. It indicates a person opposed to new technology or ways of working. It is currently in news related to the Christopher Edward Nolan, the Oppenheimer Director. His recent accolades include two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards and he is set to receive a knighthood in 2024 for his contributions to film.
History of “Luddite” is more than a century old. The term relates to Ned Ludd, a pseudonym, used by followers, who protested against manufacturers for using machines in a fraudulent and deceitful manner to replace the skilled labour of workers and drive down wages by producing inferior goods. Over time, it has been used to refer to those opposed to industrialization, automation, computerization, or new technologies in general.
On the other hand, technology is crossing barriers with time. Things are moving fast and job is accomplished at the click of mouse. Even the settlement of trade in stock market is moving to same day settlement like intraday trading. Crypto currencies have already crossed the geographical barrier. Resisting to the changes is very tough.
On the other hand, these changes are putting everyone at risk. Challenges and risk are originating from any corner of the world. Extent can be imagined by the theft of sensitive information belonging to millions of AT&T’s current as well as former customers. Social Security numbers, their pass codes, full names, email addresses, mailing address, phone numbers, dates of birth and AT&T account numbers is suspected to have been compromised.
Among the Credit Card related frauds, BIN attack is becoming more common as technology has gotten better at enabling these attacks. Previously, these attacks would have to be conducted manually or take plenty of time and effort. With today’s number generators and botnets, a successful attack can take place in days or hours.
With news ranging from technology and social media penetrating everywhere (recently Japan’s Imperial family made an Instagram debut) to sporadic news of digital detoxification by one or other concerned, resisting to technological advancement is very tough task. There is no way to have armour which is foolproof and protects from financial frauds. Sticking to the Luddite approach will exaggerate the matter for self as well as others involved. Hence adopting to changes and upgradation has to move with the appropriate updating of knowledge and skill within the individual’s capacity.
Despite all precautions, fraud may happen – above two instances have exposed millions. Hence need of the hour is to remain vigilant. It is the only way to restrict the impact and take appropriate measures to rectify and recover the damage.
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“With social media and technology evolving every day, you have to be very careful about how you protect yourself because anything is achievable now.” Anil Kapoor
My Simple Goal 