The invisible threat: the growing and varied cost of cyber-attacks
“Exposure to cyberterrorism is not benign and shares many traits with conventional terrorism: stress, anxiety, insecurity, a preference for security over liberty, a re-evaluation of confidence in public institutions, a heightened perception of risk and support for forceful government policies. In the cyber realm, this translates into support for such policies as Internet surveillance, government regulation of the Internet and a forceful military response to cyberterrorism. These attitudes may impinge upon the tolerance and confidence necessary for a vibrant civil society. This effect is associated with non-lethal cyberterrorism that causes economic loss as well as with cyberterrorism that causes death and injury.”
Cyber events have been described by world leaders as among the most critical threats we currently face. Data breaches, cyber-attacks, and privacy violations have become commonplace, and cost citizens, organisations, and governments billions each year. There are also psychological factors to consider, as well as the effects on public confidence and political attitudes.
To recognise Cybersecurity Month this October, explore a collection of articles that delve into the area of cybersecurity and its wide-ranging effects on modern society.
Image: Neo-Urban by markusspiske. CC0 public domain via Pixabay.
