Security in the Cyber Age: An Introduction to Policy and Technology

Cyberspace is essential for modern life, but it also faces security challenges from criminal groups, foreign intelligence services, governments, and militaries. Security in the Cyber Age provides ways to improve cybersecurity by explaining how cyberspace works, analyzing how state and non-state actors exploit vulnerabilities, and offering technological, policy, and ethical solutions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Cyberspace is an indispensable component of modern life, facilitating social interactions, educational pursuits, shopping, and a wide range of other activities. However, this digital realm also harbors a darker side, with sub-national, transnational, and international actors posing significant challenges to sovereign governments' ability to ensure the security of their citizens. In this complex landscape, criminal groups exploit vulnerabilities through ransomware attacks, foreign intelligence services engage in intellectual property theft and influence operations, governments attempt to rewrite Internet protocols to enable censorship, and militaries prepare to employ cyberspace operations in warfare.

Security in the Cyber Age delves into the intricate workings of cyberspace, analyzing how state and non-state actors exploit its weaknesses and providing insights into enhancing cybersecurity. Written by a computer scientist and national security scholar-practitioner, this comprehensive book offers a multidisciplinary approach, appealing to both the lay audience and students of computer science and political science.

The book explores the technical aspects of cyberspace, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms and protocols that shape its operations. It examines the various threats and vulnerabilities that exist in cyberspace, including malware, hacking, phishing, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. By understanding these threats, readers can develop a deeper appreciation of the risks associated with digital interactions and learn strategies to mitigate them.

Furthermore, Security in the Cyber Age provides valuable policy recommendations to address the challenges posed by cyberspace. It explores the role of governments, international organizations, and private sector actors in developing and implementing cybersecurity measures. The book discusses the importance of cybersecurity legislation, data protection regulations, and international cooperation in combating cybercrime. It also emphasizes the need for robust cybersecurity education and awareness programs to empower individuals and organizations to protect themselves against cyber threats.

Ethical considerations are also central to the book's discussion. Cyberspace poses unique ethical dilemmas, such as the balance between privacy and security, the use of surveillance technologies, and the responsibility of individuals and organizations in protecting sensitive data. The book offers insights into ethical decision-making processes and encourages readers to consider the ethical implications of their digital actions.

In conclusion, Security in the Cyber Age is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of cyberspace and the challenges posed by its dark side. Written in an engaging and accessible style, the book provides a comprehensive examination of the technical, policy, and ethical dimensions of cybersecurity. By leveraging its interdisciplinary approach, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with cyberspace and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to protect themselves and their communities in the digital age.

ISBN-13: 9781009308588