As we approach the year 2026, the digital world presents us with incredible opportunities alongside serious hidden dangers. A leading expert has described these dangers as a metaphorical snake, silently threatening our connected society.
The Hidden Digital Snake: A Clear and Present Danger
Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, Africa’s first Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management, issued this stark warning on 31 December 2025. He argues that the real peril in our digital age is not obvious. It is a subtle, adaptive threat that exploits weaknesses in our ethics, technology, and awareness.
This digital snake takes many forms. It includes sophisticated cybercrime like ransomware and identity theft, which attack personal and national security. It thrives on the spread of misinformation and fake news, which damage public trust and democracy. It also involves the violation of data privacy, where personal information is harvested and used to manipulate people without their knowledge.
Unlike old-fashioned threats, these digital dangers evolve quickly. They often outpace laws and regulations, and their full impact is not felt until it is too late.
Global Fight Against the Digital Threat
In 2025, the world saw major efforts to tackle this digital serpent. The European Union pushed forward its AI Act, creating strong rules for ethical artificial intelligence. The United States reinforced its National Cybersecurity Strategy to protect vital infrastructure from attacks.
In Asia, Singapore enhanced its Digital Safety Framework to fight misinformation and teach digital literacy. The African Union also accelerated its Data Policy Framework to promote responsible data use and cybersecurity cooperation across the continent.
Global groups like the UN’s Internet Governance Forum are working to set common standards. These actions show a growing understanding that we need vigilance and cooperation to manage the risks of new technology.
How to Defeat the Digital Snake: Strategies for Safety
Professor Ademola outlines clear steps to neutralise these threats. The first line of defence is strong cybersecurity. This means investing in advanced tools like AI-driven threat detection and constant monitoring to stop attacks before they happen.
Secondly, digital literacy is essential. People must be taught critical thinking skills to spot false information online. Education systems need to include digital ethics, helping learners understand the responsible use of technology.
Third, we need ethical governance and good policies. Leaders must create transparent rules that hold companies accountable and protect public interest. Finally, public-private partnerships are crucial. Governments and tech companies must work together to innovate safely.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, new challenges will emerge. Advances in quantum computing could break current security systems. Artificial intelligence might deepen social biases if not carefully managed. The merging of biological and digital technologies presents unknown risks.
The conclusion is clear. The digital snake is a complex set of interconnected threats. Defeating it requires constant awareness, smart collaboration, and a firm commitment to human values. By facing these dangers with courage, we can ensure technology serves humanity's common good, creating a future of integrity and shared progress.
