Inform/Cybersecurity

Summary

Cybersecurity is a popular term used to encompass all aspects of the security of users and computers on the Internet. It is not commonly used among professionals, who prefer "information security" or "computer security".

Prerequisites

• None

Related

• Privacy
• Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (USA)
• Cybersecurity Strategy of the European Union (EU)

Discussion

Cybersecurity encompasses the security of servers (e.g. from data theft), home computers (e.g. from being co-opted into a botnet) and networks (e.g. from being used to divert traffic). It may also be used to cover the security of infrastructure (SCADA) systems such as the computers which run transport or utility networks.

Cybersecurity legislation may contain one or more of the following features:

• Criminal penalties for malicious actions or information theft
• Safe harbors or liability limitations for information sharing about cybersecurity incidents
• Requirements on companies to improve their network security

Questions To Ask

The following are helpful questions to ask, specifically about proposed cybersecurity legislation:

• How does it benefit the average internet user?
• What, if any, risky or unwanted behaviours are enabled by any liability limitations?
• Are any technological prescriptions (e.g. for security measures) at risk of being outpaced by change and restricting innovation and improvement?

Further Reading

• Computer security on Wikipedia
• Cybersecurity at Chatham House
• UK Cybersecurity Information Sharing Partnership - a voluntary approach