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Author(s):
Derek S. Reveron John E. Savage
Journal
Elsevier BV
Abstract

Over the past decade, people everywhere have become as dependent on the virtual world for their daily activities as they are dependent on the physical world for human activities. Global fiber optic networks have enabled communication in an unprecedented manner, connecting people in unique ways, propelling global supply chains, and giving consumers access to a variety of data from around the world. The online world is threatened by interstate rivals that engage in influence operations, economic espionage, and intelligence gathering and criminal groups that steal identities, ransom data, and grow their enterprises. Insiders facilitate intrusions wittingly and unwittingly raising the importance of corporations’ roles in cybersecurity. This convergence between the virtual and physical worlds with the government and the corporate upends the entire frame of reference for national security, which is tilted toward physical attack and strict jurisdictional lines. As cybersecurity integrates further into U.S. national security, a new approach is needed to incorporate a human security construct at the user level. This article is adapted from their forthcoming book, Security in the Cyber Age from Georgetown University Press. The views expressed are their own.

Concluding remarks
The uncertainty is based on technological change, but also on how society integrates new technologies into political, social, economic, and national security practices. The Internet is no longer a luxury, but a digital necessity to participate in society. It increasingly demands government attention to make cyberspace safer and more secure by promoting digital human security.

Reference details

DOI
10.1016/j.orbis.2020.08.005
Resource type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2020
ISSN Number
0030-4387
Publication Area
Civilian cybersecurity
Date Published
2020

How to cite this reference:

Reveron, D. S., & Savage, J. E. (2020). Cybersecurity Convergence: Digital Human and National Security. Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orbis.2020.08.005 (Original work published 2020)