Compare cybersecurity risks in the U.S. and another country.

Contrary to popular belief, the United States is actually not the best nation with cybersecurity. Although it is definitely above average, the U.S was only ranked fifth in a study comparing 59 other nations in terms of cybersecurity. Japan, France, Canada, and Denmark were ranked higher than the U.S (Konkel). The United States is actually one of the nations facing an unprecedented amount of cyber attacks every year. This explains why 58% of cybersecurity companies are located within the country (Chachak). Canada, on the other hand, is considered one of the best nations with cybersecurity and there are even plans in place for the country’s government to allocate nearly $1 billion dollars on cybersecurity (Chachak). The RCMP, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, in Canada is being expanded to investigate cybercrime. The creation of the Canadian Centre for Cybersecurity acts as a national authority that collaborates with other international partners on cybersecurity issues. This national authority also offers cybersecurity guidance and tools for small and medium-sized organizations since they account for 71% of data breach victims within the country (CSA). There is also a nationwide call for more cybersecurity legislation and standards. Other nations like Canada are surpassing America in cybersecurity measures not because America is becoming less secure but because other nations are allocating more time, resources, and money to improve their cybersecurity. Countries like Canada, Denmark, and Japan are heightening cybersecurity measures as advancements in technology comes with advancement in cyber attacks. Given the increase in political tensions between other nations like Russia and North Korea, the U.S is considered a high-profile target in comparison to Canada. America should continue strengthening its cybersecurity and making sure that it is not falling behind in creating and acquiring the most up-to-date security programs. 

References:

Chachak, Elias. “Top 10 Countries Best Prepared Against Cyber Attacks.” CyberDB, 15 Sept. 2019, www.cyberdb.co/top-10-countries-best-prepared-cyber-attacks/.

Konkel, Frank. “Which Country Has the Best Cybersecurity? It Isn’t the U.S.” Nextgov.com, Nextgov, 13 Apr. 2021, www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2019/02/which-country-has-best-cybersecurity-it-isnt-us/154794/.

“Takeaways from Canada’s Cybersecurity Strategy.” CSA Group, 25 Jan. 2021, www.csagroup.org/article/five-take-aways-canadas-new-cybersecurity-strategy/#:~:text=The%20Canadian%20government%20has%20developed,partnerships%20for%20innovation%2C%20stronger%20law.