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For decades, governments have increased their cybersecurity budgets for national defence, but not invested enough to teach citizens adequate cyber-skills despite our growing reliance on the internet. This stance has contributed to cyberattacks becoming one of the fastest growing crimes, costing an estimated $600 billion globally in 2017.
The situation has become even more pressing during the pandemic as our reliance on the internet has grown. Millions of people globally now depend on it for work, school, health, and basic services. Yet many do not understand the risks and lack the skills to keep themselves, their communities and their employers safe.
The cyber highway code
Governments need to improve cybersecurity by using the same strategies introduced to make driving safer. Just as governments mandate airbags and sensors in cars, they should require building more secure digital devices. Just as drivers and passengers are taught how to wear seatbelts and to follow the rules of the road, citizens should be taught how to safely navigate the internet highway.
A small group of nations are moving in the right direction and can show others how best to proceed, according to our Cyber Risk Literacy and Education Index, which ranks 50 geographies, including the European Union. Switzerland, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Netherlands topped the list because of their strong government policies, education systems, widespread access to training and citizen support to reduce risk.
To date, most governments’ strategies to improve cybersecurity overlook the importance of continued cyber-risk education for its citizens across all ages and social demographics. Many countries publish policies and aspirational plans, but few include actual steps or consistent funding to complete the work. Only eight countries in our in ..
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