Bringing Tech to Life: A series on vTECH io’s Key Players
Part one: A Brief History of the Internet
My kids laugh when I tell them I am older than Google. The truth is, technology has become so intertwined in our day-to-day life it’s hard to forget, technology isn’t that old. How did we go from the days of Dail-up to a $197 Billion cyber security industry? Let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, exploring how we transitioned from our first home computers to the emergence of cybersecurity titans like vTECH io.
When computers transitioned from expansive mainframes taking up huge rooms to individual households, it set the course for our ever-evolving world of tech. Home computers started becoming an option in the early 70’s with the Altair 8800 being considered the first true personal computer. Released in 1975, the Altair 8800 was introduced by Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS). It featured an Intel 8080 microprocessor, and users could program it using switches and an LED display.
Cybersecurity started soon after when researcher Bob Thomas created a program called “The Creeper” that worked on the ARPANET’s network, ARPANET being the precursor to the internet. In 1979, a young Kevin Mitnick made headlines by hacking into The Ark, a computer system at the University of Southern California. This event marked a turning point, raising awareness about the vulnerabilities of computer networks.
The modern internet, as we know it, was born in 1983 with a critical milestone—the adoption of the Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). This revolutionary move standardized the fundamental communication protocols that form the backbone of the internet, creating a cohesive and interconnected network of networks. Previously, various computer networks existed, but they operated in isolated silos, lacking a unified framework for communication. TCP/IP changed everything by enabling diverse computer systems to communicate and share data seamlessly across a global infrastructure.
This breakthrough laid the foundation for the expansive digital landscape we navigate today, powering the internet’s growth and evolution into an indispensable tool that has transformed every facet of modern life. With the internet came a growth in computer viruses and malware, leading to the invention of commercial antivirus software. The first antivirus company, starting in 1987 lead a wave of new cyber security systems, contributing to the development of more sophisticated and effective solutions. Today, commercial antivirus software has become an essential tool for individuals and organizations, providing critical protection against a vast array of cyber threats and malicious software.
Having delved into the fascinating history of cybersecurity and its evolution, it’s evident that our digital landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and new challenges. As we stand at the forefront of this cyber era, it’s crucial to recognize the critical role cybersecurity plays in safeguarding our digital lives. At vTECH io, we are not just observers of this evolution; we are active participants, leveraging our experience, expertise, and cutting-edge technology to ensure a secure digital future for individuals and organizations alike. Stay tuned for our upcoming installments as we unveil the compelling history of vTECH io and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to enhancing our services for your benefit.