1. How should we approach the development of cyber-policy and -infrastructure given the “short arm” of predictive knowledge?

2. How does cyber technology impact interactions between offenders and victims?

1. To develop cyber-policy and cyber-infrastructure that considers our limited ability to see into the future we need a few things. First, we should construct key information networks with security in mind.  Cybersecurity professionals should be a stakeholder at all the design and implementation layers, ensuring security will be part of the process and not a burdensome add on to the result.  We should also create legislation that is informed of current cyber security world.  Subject matter experts, regulatory boards, and other cybersecurity experts should be part of the process of creating laws and defensive infrastructure.  Lastly, we should recognize that many cybercrimes are simply old crimes in a new format, and with that understanding we can understand some, not all, of the needs we have in creating legislation and standards to protect information systems.

2.  Cyber technology can impact the interactions between offenders and victims in the following ways.  First of all, the ability to contact a victim is increased dramatically.  Communication technology is developed and enables people to reach each other across the world in almost instant communication.  This unfortunately means an offender can contact a victim more often than in the past, and from more places.  Next, cyber technology offers more avenues to contact a person, as we move our lives online, we join many interconnected spheres such as social media, forums, or work groups.  All the different ways to be reached are a benefit for an offender looking to cause alarm, distress, or fear.  Anonymity is another way that cyber technology can impact interactions of offenders and victims.  Many stalkers conceal their identity to make it more difficult for law enforcement to identity and prosecute them.  This is easier than ever with cheap internet connectable devices, the multitude of free public WiFi connection points, and wireless data networks gaining coverage around the world.