What is ICT?
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is the use of computing and telecommunication
technologies, systems and tools to facilitate the way information is created, collected, processed,
transmitted and stored. It includes computing technologies like servers, laptop computers and software
applications, as well as the wired and wireless communication technologies that support telephones, the
Internet, the Internet of Things (IoT) and the metaverse. The goal of ICT is to improve access to
information and and make human-to-human, human-to-machine and machine-to-machine (M2M)
communication easier and more efficient.
This broad label includes the infrastructure and telecom components that enable synchronous and
asynchronous communication across short and long distances. It consists of telecommunication and
cloud computing services as well — and the governance policies that support their use.
The importance of ICT cannot be overstated because it has become the foundation of modern society —
driving innovation, enhancing productivity and fostering global connectivity.
History and Evolution of ICT
The concept of ICT can be traced back to the 19th century with the development of the telegraph and
the telephone. These two inventions revolutionized the way people worked and interacted socially by
making it possible for one person to communicate with another person in a different location in real or
near-real time.
In the middle of the 20th century, radio and television introduced the concept of mass communication,
and by the end of the century, the internet had become a mainstream tool for communication,
commerce and entertainment. Its use continued to grow rapidly in the following years, revolutionizing
the way people work and digitally transforming the way people communicate.
Year
Technological Advancement
1837
Morse code and telegraph
1876
Telephone
1895
Wireless telegraphy
1927
Television
1947
Transistor
1951
UNIVAC I (First commercial computer)
1969
ARPANET (Foundation of the Internet)
1971
First email
1990
World Wide Web
1991
GSM (Global System for Mobile communication)
1994
Netscape Navigator (Widely-used web browser)
1998
Google
2001
Commercial 3G networks
2004
Facebook
2007
iPhone
2008
Bitcoin (First blockchain-based cryptocurrency)
2010
4G networks
2016
AlphaGo (AI system defeating world champion Go player)
2020
5G networks
2023
Zoom (350 million daily meeting attendees)
Today, broadband internet and smartphones have made it easier than ever for people to create, access,
share and consume information and in the future, ICT promises even more exciting developments. 6G
networks will provide faster and more reliable connectivity, generative AI systems like ChatGPT will
change the way people create and acquire information and emerging technologies like quantum
computing and Web3 will inspire a wide variety of new ICT tools and applications.
Information and Communication Technology Basics
ICT is often used as a synonym for information technology (IT), but the two terms can have slightly
different meanings when used in different contexts. In the United States, for example, the acronym ICT
is used in more often in education because in that context, IT can also mean instructional technology. In
some industries, IT only applies to enterprise computing, while the broader label ITC encompasses both
IT and communication technologies.
Using IT and ICT interchangeably can lead to confusion, particularly in situations where the distinction
between the two is important. For example, a job posting that requires expertise in IT may be different
from one that requires expertise in ICT, as the latter may require additional skills that specifically
support communication and collaboration tools.
IT is often considered to be a subset of ICT that deals with the technical aspects of managing
information, while ICT is a broader term that encompasses both IT and communication technologies.
While IT deals primarily with computer hardware, software, and networking technologies, ICT includes
not only these technologies but also communication technologies such as telegraph, telephone, radio
and television.
ICT Infrastructure and Systems
Information and communication technology includes a wide range of information, telecommunication
and support tools and services that work together to facilitate communication.
This includes:
Hardware and software that supports the way information is created, disseminated, acquired and stored.
Infrastructure and electronics that enable communication between hardware devices.
Protocols and interfaces that enable seamless communication and data exchanges between different
hardware and software components.
Tools for protecting sensitive information and ensuring the integrity of an ICT system.
Standards for protecting data in transit, during processing and at rest.
Governance policies for how information should be accessed, secured, processed, transmitted and
stored.
Workers who have the skills required to design, develop, maintain and support ICT systems.
ICT infrastructure includes information technology, telecommunication technology and the services they
support.
Centralized and Decentralized ICT
When ITC architectures are centralized, the hardware, software and network infrastructure components
that support communication are located in a single location and users can only access these resources
from that location. This approach was cost-efficient during the early days of computing when the cost of
wired communication infrastructure was high and mainframes had limited processing power.
Broadband internet made it possible to decentralize ITC architectures. Once data could be transmitted
faster and over greater distances, it became possible to store and access data remotely and run the
same applications virtually on multiple remote servers. This led to increased adoption of unified
communication systems (UCSs), cloud-based services and new types of collaboration tools.
The increased bandwidth broadband provides has also inspired new ways to use peer-to-peer (P2P)
network architectures. In a P2P network, each node (or user) can act as both a server and a client and
share information with other nodes without the need for a central server.
Today, this type of architecture is often associated with blockchain and cryptocurrencies, but it’s
important to remember that P2P also plays an important role in the Internet of Things by allowing IoT
devices to communicate with each other, share data and perform complex tasks that individual devices
cannot handle.
Impact of ICT on Society
ICT has reshaped the world’s economic landscape and workforce dynamics.
E-commerce has created new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike, supporting
globalization by enabling transactions and interactions to occur across borders seamlessly. Smart cities
are improving urban living by leveraging IT and communication technology to improve transportation,
public services and municipal infrastructure.
The combination of information technology and communication technology has had a lasting impact on
society. As technology and collaboration tools continue to advance, organizations are finding it
necessary to continually reevaluate their best practices for sharing digital information and governments
are continually looking for ways to reduce the digital divide.
Digital literacy has become a necessary skill for everyone. The digital economy has introduced new types
of jobs, improved productivity and allowed employees to collaborate remotely from just about
anywhere they can connect to the internet.
The environmental effects of ICT have also been profound. Data centers and electronic devices require
significant amounts of power to operate, and the rapid growth and constant evolution of technology has
led to a surge in e-waste as obsolete devices are discarded. This waste often contains hazardous
materials that pollute the environment and can harm human health.
As IT and communication technologies continue to advance and become more like a necessary utility
than something nice to have, individuals, organizations and governments need to recognize both the
benefits and challenges of ICT’s impact on society. Best practices for building a more connected,
inclusive and environmentally responsible world include:
Supporting ESG (environmental, social and governance) initiatives.
Prioritizing the development of affordable, repairable digital technologies.
Investing in infrastructure and connectivity solutions that provide remote and underserved areas with
access to ICT services.
Encouraging the development and adoption of open standards and robust data protection regulations
like GDPR.
Facilitating international cooperation and partnerships between governments and businesses.
Developing new ways to educate people about ICT.
Promoting the creation and dissemination of local content that reflects the values of users worldwide.
ICT Skills, Certifications and Job Opportunities
As the world becomes increasingly reliant on digital communication, the job market for ICT professionals
continues to expand. Individuals with the right skills and qualifications can look forward to a dynamic
and rewarding career in this ever-evolving field. To succeed in this industry, candidates must possess a
combination of technical skills and soft skills.
The following jobs require candidates to have a strong foundation in both information technology and
communication technologies:
Telecommunications Engineer: Designs, installs and maintaining communication systems and networks,
including phone, wireless and fiber-optic networks.
Unified Communications Specialist: Focuses on integrating various communication technologies, such as
voice, video, messaging and collaboration tools.
Network Architect: Designs, implements and sometimes manages data communication networks to
ensure optimal performance, reliability and security.
VoIP Engineer: Specializes in designing, implementing and maintaining Voice over Internet Protocol
systems.
Wireless Network Engineer: Designs, deploys and maintains wireless communication systems, including
Wi-Fi networks, cellular networks and satellite communications.
Radio Frequency Engineer: Works with long-range and short-range RF technologies that allow
information to be shared.
IoT Solutions Architect: Develops and implements P2P wireless networks that allow Internet of Things
(IoT) intelligent devices to communicate with each other.
Video Conferencing Engineer: Specializes in the design, implementation and maintenance of video
conferencing systems. May also be responsible for establishing video conference best practices that
allow employees and business partners to communicate securely.
Telepresence Engineer: Designs and maintains telepresence systems that use high-quality video and
audio communication technologies to create immersive, lifelike meeting experiences for remote
participants.
ICT Certifications
While college degrees are desirable, many times it’s possible to get a job in ICT by acquiring a
certification (or multiple certifications) that validates the candidate’s knowledge and competence.
Popular certifications for information and communication jobs include:
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Collaboration: Focuses on advanced collaboration and
unified communication skills, including voice, video and messaging solutions.
CompTIA Network+: Validates the candidate has a solid foundation in networking concepts, including
network design, configuration, management and troubleshooting.
CompTIA Security+: Certifies a professional’s knowledge and skills in IT security, including network
security, threat management and secure communication.
Mobile Device Security Analyst (GMOB): Validates the candidates knowledge about the security aspects
of wireless communication technologies and mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP): Certifications: A suite of certifications that certify the
candidates knowledge about various aspects of wireless networking.
Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer Expert: Candidates possess knowledge and expertise in
telecommunication technologies, along with hands-on experience using Microsoft Teams, Microsoft 365,
and PowerShell.
ICT and Digital Transformation
As businesses were forced to adapt rapidly to ensure business continuity and maintain productivity
during COVID-19 lockdowns, digital transformation became a necessity rather than an option.
Companies of all sizes suddenly had to rely on digital collaboration tools and services to keep their
operations running. Teleconference calls, screensharing apps and virtual meeting platforms like Zoom
and Google Hangouts quickly became essential tools for employees forced to work from home the
pandemic.
The need for communication and collaboration tools during the pandemic touched every sector of the
economy, including education, healthcare and e-commerce.
Online e-learning platforms experienced a surge in demand as schools and universities had to quickly
transition to remote learning.
Contact tracing, remote patient monitoring and telemedicine became integral components of
healthcare delivery during the crisis, allowing healthcare professionals to provide essential services
while minimizing the risk of infection and ensuring the safety of both patients and providers.
E-commerce platforms thrived during the pandemic as consumers sought safe and convenient shopping
alternatives. The rapid growth of e-commerce led to an increased need for digital services that allowed
businesses to meet the increasing demands of their customers.
Virtual events and conferences gained traction, enabling organizations to share knowledge and foster
professional connections during lockdown.
The Importance of Cybersecurity
As the world continued to embrace the digital transformation brought on by the pandemic, it quickly
became clear to individuals, organizations and businesses that cybersecurity was more important than
ever.
In 2022, 47% of all U.S. businesses lost money because of a cyber attack. According to the “Hiscox Cyber
Readiness Report 2022,” each attack cost companies in the U.S. a median of $18,000.
The global annual cost of cybercrime is predicted to hit $8 trillion in 2023 and grow to $10.5 trillion by
2025, according to Cybersecurity Ventures’ “2022 Official Cybercrime Report.”
In the wake of COVID-19, popular attack vectors include:
Phishing: Uses social engineering, spam and SMS text messages to trick the victim into revealing
sensitive information or gain network access to conduct other malicious activities.
DDoS: Floods the target with excessive traffic and makes it unavailable to legitimate users to divert
attention from other malicious activities.
Ransomware: Malicious software that encrypts a victim’s data and demands payment for the decryption
key. This type of attack vector can be delivered as a service.
Supply chain attacks: Targets third-party software and hardware vendors to gain access to a primary
target’s network and data.
Cryptojacking: Installs cryptocurrency mining software on an unsuspecting users’ device and uses their
computer resources to to generate digital currency without the victim’s knowledge or consent.
To combat these types of increasingly sophisticated and expensive threats, ITC administrators should
layer their security efforts and follow these best practices to help ensure their information technology
and communication services run smoothly:
Implement firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDSs).
Use zero trust and require multifactor authentication (MFA).
Follow the principle of least privilege (PoLP)
Encrypt sensitive data.
Support cybersecurity awareness training.
Create a comprehensive incident and response plan.
Require all major stakeholders to review, test and help update the plan on a regular basis to keep up
with the ever-changing threat landscape.
Compliance and ICT
Compliance is the process of adhering to the legal, ethical and professional standards that govern the
use of technology.
As ICT continues to evolve, so does the need for businesses and organizations to comply with national
and international laws and regulations for ICT — or face legal penalties and reputational damage.
Because cyber threats have become increasingly sophisticated, governments worldwide are mandating
stringent cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and maintain user privacy.
As artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications become more sophisticated, new
compliance measures are expected to address intellectual property and copyright issues and help
mitigate the risk of identity fraud through generative AI.
Governments and financial institutions have also introduced compliance measures specific to
cryptocurrency transactions to lower the risks that digital currency can be used for money laundering,
terrorist financing and tax evasion. Cyrpto compliance, which already includes Know Your Customer (KYC)
and Anti-Money Laundering regulations, is crucial for businesses that want to operate in the
cryptocurrency space.
ICT and Entertainment
The impact of ICT on the traditional entertainment industry is undeniable. The shift from physical to
digital media has led to new business models and revenue streams for IT and communication services
and changed consumer behavior. Examples include:
Streaming video services, such as Netflix and Hulu, have changed the way people consume movies and
television shows.
Social media and content sharing platforms, like Facebook and YouTube, have redefined the way digital
content is created, consumed and monetized.
Online gaming and betting platforms have introduced new audiences to online entertainment options.
Advances in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality have renewed interest in
interactive storytelling and the metaverse.
Digital audio workstations (DAWs) have streamlined music production, making it more accessible to
aspiring musicians.
The future of ICT: Opportunities and Challenges
As society ventures further into the 21st century, information and communication technology is
expected to continue evolving at an unprecedented pace and touch every aspect of people’s lives.
ICT’s influence on business and management has been profound. From streamlining operations and
enhancing decision-making to enabling new business models and fostering global collaboration,
technology has become an integral part of both modern enterprises and small businesses.
The future of ICT is undeniably exciting, but it also demands a thoughtful and proactive approach to
planning in order to ensure technology’s impact on society is both positive and equitable.
One of the most significant challenges facing ICT is the digital divide. Ensuring that all individuals,
regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, are digitally literate and have access to technology
and the internet is going to be essential for fostering inclusive growth and reducing inequality. This
particular challenge is going to require concerted efforts from governments, the private sector and civil
society.
Data networking and cybersecurity have also emerged as important challenges. Protecting ICT
infrastructure from terrorists and IT systems from data breaches, while also ensuring the privacy of
personal information, is going to require resilient networks that are capable of supporting an everincreasing demand for data. In turn, this is going to require constant vigilance and significant
investments in cybersecurity.
In education, ICT has transformed the way people teach and learn. Artificial intelligence and e-learning
platforms that support virtual and augmented reality are expected to further revolutionize the
educational landscape. As the demand for tech and communications skills continues to grow, there will
be a wealth of new job opportunities in areas such as generative AI, software development, data
analytics, network engineering and cybersecurity. Educating and preparing workers for these emerging
roles, is vital to ensuring that the benefits of technology are shared widely and that all individuals are
equipped to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues should not be overlooked, because technology’s
impact on society extends far beyond mere convenience and efficiency. For example, cloud computing
has raised concerns about data sovereignty and privacy, while the rise of artificial intelligence and
automation has sparked debates about job displacement and ethical decision-making.
As people navigate the future of ICT, it is crucial for society to balance the need for progress with the
protection of individual rights and the well-being of ICT users.