Cyber inequity is a pressing issue that is creating a stark division between organizations that have robust cybersecurity measures in place and those that are lacking. This gap, known as cyber inequity, is a global crisis in the making, according to the World Economic Forum.
The World Economic Forum defines cyber inequity as the widening rift between organizations that have the necessary tools to defend against cyber threats and those that lack basic cybersecurity measures. This discrepancy is particularly evident in smaller, under-resourced organizations, making them vulnerable targets for cyberattacks.
The impacts of cyber inequity can be far-reaching and affect the public in various ways. For example, ransomware attacks or IT outages can disrupt crucial services like healthcare and transportation. If a hospital system is targeted by a cyberattack, patients may need to be redirected to other medical facilities, potentially leaving rural areas without adequate medical care. Similarly, manufacturing plants that experience cyber incidents may face production halts, leading to supply chain shortages and financial losses. Organizations without sufficient cybersecurity resources not only put themselves at risk but also endanger the communities and businesses that rely on them.
Even organizations that are not directly targeted by cyberattacks can still suffer from the fallout. Supply chain attacks, for instance, exploit vulnerabilities in the supply chain network, targeting less secure elements like third-party vendors or software providers with access to sensitive information. This further highlights the disparity in cybersecurity preparedness between organizations with robust cybersecurity measures and those without, widening the cyber inequity gap.
Critical industries, such as healthcare and manufacturing, face significant cybersecurity challenges due to budget constraints. Attacks on notable entities like SolarWinds, Colonial Pipeline, and ChangeHealthcare underscore the reality that many organizations lack the resources to effectively invest in cybersecurity to prevent or recover from attacks. Limited budgets often force organizations to allocate funds to cyber insurance, leaving them with insufficient resources and IT talent to implement robust cybersecurity programs. The World Economic Forum reports that only 22% of global organizations have the resources to meet their cybersecurity objectives, creating what is termed the “cyber poverty line.”
The risk of cyber inequity is especially pronounced in rural or under-resourced areas, posing a collective threat to the public. Legislative bodies have a crucial role to play in addressing this challenge and ensuring that organizations have the necessary support to enhance their cybersecurity posture.
To close the cyber inequity gap, legislative bodies need to implement stringent standards, incentives, and legislation to compel critical industries to adopt comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. Mandates and incentive programs must be robust enough to address the root of the problem and incentivize organizations to prioritize cybersecurity investments.
For instance, the healthcare and manufacturing sectors heavily rely on technical partnerships and vendors who access their systems, making them vulnerable to third-party attacks. While organizations like CISA have urged vendors to meet specific standards by 2025, there is a need for penalties for non-compliance to drive compliance effectively. Addressing supply chain risk requires investment and resources, which under-resourced organizations often struggle to allocate.
Mitigating the risk of credential theft, caused primarily by human errors according to Google Cloud’s 2023 Threat Horizons report, is another critical aspect of cybersecurity. Implementing access management solutions can reduce the risk of credential theft, phishing attacks, and other security threats. However, many organizations facing cyber inequity may opt for inferior solutions or rely solely on passwords due to limited resources.
Collaboration among IT leaders, cybersecurity vendors, lawmakers, and regulatory bodies is essential to establish effective policies, guidelines, and incentives to bridge the cyber equity gap. Urgent action is required to make tangible progress in addressing this challenge; otherwise, critical industries and the public they serve will remain at risk of cyber threats.
In conclusion, cyber inequity poses a significant threat to organizations, communities, and critical industries. With concerted efforts and meaningful interventions, it is possible to mitigate the risks associated with cyber inequity and create a more secure digital landscape for all stakeholders involved.