Approaching the development of cyber-policy and -infrastructure in light of the “short arm” of predictive knowledge requires a flexible and adaptive approach that acknowledges the dynamic nature of cyber threats and technological advancements. Here are several strategies to consider:
Risk-Based Approach: Adopt a risk-based approach to cyber-policy and infrastructure development, focusing on identifying, prioritizing, and mitigating the most significant cyber risks facing organizations and society. Rather than attempting to predict specific future threats, prioritize resilience-building measures that can adapt to evolving cyber threats and technological changes.
Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Foster multi-stakeholder collaboration among government agencies, industry partners, academia, civil society, and international organizations to develop comprehensive cyber-policy frameworks and infrastructure that address diverse perspectives, expertise, and interests. Engage in dialogue and information sharing to identify emerging threats, best practices, and innovative solutions.
Agile Policy Iteration: Embrace agile policy-making processes that allow for rapid iteration, experimentation, and adaptation in response to changing cyber threats and technological developments. Develop policies and regulations that are flexible, scalable, and technology-neutral, enabling them to accommodate emerging trends and unforeseen challenges without the need for constant revision.
Capacity Building and Education: Invest in capacity building and education initiatives to enhance cybersecurity awareness, knowledge, and skills among policymakers, government officials, industry professionals, and the general public. Promote cyber literacy and digital hygiene practices to empower individuals and organizations to recognize and mitigate cyber risks proactively.
International Cooperation and Norms: Strengthen international cooperation and collaboration to develop common norms, standards, and principles for cyberspace governance and cybersecurity. Engage in diplomatic efforts to promote responsible behavior in cyberspace, deter malicious activities, and build mutual trust and confidence among nations.
Investment in Research and Innovation: Support research and innovation in cybersecurity technologies, tools, and methodologies to stay ahead of emerging cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Foster public-private partnerships and industry-academic collaborations to drive innovation, develop cutting-edge solutions, and address critical cybersecurity challenges.
Resilience and Continuity Planning: Prioritize resilience and continuity planning in cyber-policy and infrastructure development to ensure that organizations and critical infrastructure sectors can withstand and recover from cyber attacks and disruptions. Develop incident response plans, contingency strategies, and recovery mechanisms to minimize the impact of cyber incidents and maintain essential services.