Since the turn of the new millennia, the Internet has gone from an emerging technology to a modern-day necessity. The COVID-19 pandemic has only amplified the need for fast and reliable Internet access.
People have spent more time at home than ever in the past two years, and Internet usage has skyrocketed during that timeframe. Learn how COVID-19 impacted our Internet habits and what it means for the future of technology, business, and leisure.
Internet Usage Since 2020
Internet usage has risen steadily in the United States since 2000. However, in March 2020, when lockdowns were first implemented, Internet usage took a sharp increase. When compared to March of 2019, Internet usage in March 2020 was 18% higher. The higher internet usage has led to many businesses re-evaluating their network infrastructure.
The effect in the United States isn’t an isolated incident. The entire world has felt the impact of the pandemic and has also experienced an overwhelming increase in Internet usage. The global Internet capacity has risen 35% since the start of the pandemic. Although the Internet has experienced a boom since March 2020, less Internet-capable regions are undeniably falling behind.
2021 Work Trends
When lockdowns were first implemented, all “non-essential” workers had to start working from home. What once seemed like a few weeks-at-home hiatus turned into a few months, then a full year. And now, it’s been well over a year and a half. Although some companies have had their employees return to the office or have opted for a hybrid schedule, it looks like working from home is here to stay.
However, work-from-home is a luxury not everybody can have. There is a strong correlation between education level and the ability to do a job at home. 58% of those with a bachelor’s degree and 68% with post-graduate degrees say they can do their job from home. Meanwhile, only 17% with a high school diploma indicate that they can work from home. The change in workforce dynamics has had an increasingly adverse impact on less-educated demographics.
Internet Security
With the increase in Internet usage, cybercrime has seen a significant boost as well. Cybercrimes in the first quarter of 2020 increased by 273% when compared to the same quarter in 2019. As businesses and people spend more time online, cybercriminals are working overtime to target unsuspecting victims. Not to mention, there are unique security risks for businesses whose workforce works from home.
For all modern businesses, the threat of a cyberattack is something that will never go away. And with the increase in Internet usage and the popularity of a work-from-home schedule, the threat will only increase in the future. Learn how Vector Security Networks can better protect your businesses and employees from cyberattacks.
Since the turn of the new millennia, the Internet has gone from an emerging technology to a modern-day necessity. The COVID-19 pandemic has only amplified the need for fast and reliable Internet access.
People have spent more time at home than ever in the past two years, and Internet usage has skyrocketed during that timeframe. Learn how COVID-19 impacted our Internet habits and what it means for the future.
Internet Usage Since 2020
Internet usage has risen steadily in the United States since 2000. However, in March 2020, when lockdowns were first implemented, Internet usage took a sharp increase. When compared to March of 2019, Internet usage in March 2020 was 18% higher. The higher internet usage has led to many businesses re-evaluating their network infrastructure.
The effect in the United States isn’t an isolated incident. The entire world has felt the impact of the pandemic and has also experienced an overwhelming increase in Internet usage. The global Internet capacity has risen 35% since the start of the pandemic. Although the Internet has experienced a boom since March 2020, less Internet-capable regions are undeniably falling behind.
2021 Work Trends
When lockdowns were first implemented, all “non-essential” workers had to start working from home. What once seemed like a few weeks-at-home hiatus turned into a few months, then a full year. And now, it’s been well over a year and a half. Although some companies have had their employees return to the office or have opted for a hybrid schedule, it looks like working from home is here to stay.
However, work-from-home is a luxury not everybody can have. There is a strong correlation between education level and the ability to do a job at home. 58% of those with a bachelor’s degree and 68% with post-graduate degrees say they can do their job from home. Meanwhile, only 17% with a high school diploma indicate that they can work from home. The change in workforce dynamics has had an increasingly adverse impact on less-educated demographics.
Internet Security
With the increase in Internet usage, cybercrime has seen a significant boost as well. Cybercrimes in the first quarter of 2020 increased by 273% when compared to the same quarter in 2019. As businesses and people spend more time online, cybercriminals are working overtime to target unsuspecting victims. Not to mention, there are unique security risks for businesses whose workforce works from home.
For all modern businesses, the threat of a cyberattack is something that will never go away. And with the increase in Internet usage and the popularity of a work-from-home schedule, the threat will only increase in the future. Learn how Vector Security Networks can better protect your businesses and employees from cyberattacks.
