Cybersecurity: Intersecting Technology and Policy

This chapter delves into the complex interplay between technological advancements and policymaking in the realm of cybersecurity, highlighting the evolution and challenges that have emerged in the digital era. The expansion of cyberspace has underscored the critical need for a policy-oriented approach toward cybersecurity. This need arises from the inherent vulnerabilities within information and communication technologies (ICT), which prioritize efficiency at the expense of security, leading to potential threats to national security and individual safety. This shift is driven by the awareness that cybersecurity is not merely a technical issue, but a complex sociopolitical challenge that requires comprehensive strategies, encompassing both technological solutions and policy frameworks. The chapter discusses the four converging factors in cyberspace that necessitate this integrated approach: (1) the growing dependency on ICT, (2) inherent technological vulnerabilities, (3) human factors on cyber threats, and (4) the political usage of cyberspace by state and non-state actors. Further, the chapter explores the dynamics in cyberspace, examining how digital environments serve as arenas for political action, conflict, and negotiation. It also presents the introduction of a case study on Italy’s cybersecurity strategy, illustrating the country’s progression from recognizing the importance of implementing national cybersecurity policies.