Cybersecurity and Social Stability: Protecting Public Institutions in the Digital Age

Alfonso Javier

Co-Presenters: Obispo Lopez

College: Hennings College of Science Mathematics and Technology

Major: BS.COMPSCI/CYBERS

Faculty Research Mentor: Sarah Coykendall

Abstract:

Modern societies have come to be dependent upon a variety of digital systems which provide many important services, including health care, education, banking and government operations. As social institutions continue to transition into digital platforms there is increasing concern about the potential social implications such as disruption to public trust, access to services, etc, of cybersecurity threats to digital systems. This project will examine cybersecurity as a social problem with an emphasis on how digital vulnerability affects communities and public systems.
The research method used in this study was qualitative examining the impact of recent cyber attacks on public institutions (schools, hospitals, and local government). Also, the study analyzes the negative impacts on availability of services, public trust/confidence and social equality; particularly with regards to communities relying heavily on digital infrastructure. In addition to the above, the study analyzed the role that education, awareness, and policy can play in decreasing the risks associated with cyber attacks and enhancing the capacity of public entities to recover from cyber attacks.
As a result of this, the study's findings support the idea that a society with a solid base for stability in its social systems and the equitable availability of all essential services will be able to rely upon a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity to create a strong base for the fulfillment of these needs. These will be some of the key elements that need to be addressed in order to have successful initiatives, as well as to improve protection mechanisms through better security practices and to raise awareness about cyber security at all levels (the government, businesses, etc.), and to develop contingency plans to deal with potential cyber attacks from the public sector.