Cybersecurity Dilemmas: Technology, Policy, and Incentives: Summary of Discussions at the 2014 Raymond and Beverly Sackler U.S.-U.K. Scientific Forum (2015)

Cybersecurity Dilemmas

TECHNOLOGY, POLICY, AND INCENTIVES

SUMMARY OF DISCUSSIONS AT THE

2014 Raymond and Beverly Sackler

U.S.-U.K. Scientific Forum

FOREWORD

The introduction of the Internet and the World Wide Web has revolutionized the ways we work, socialize, shop, and access information. More and more aspects of our lives are being transferred online to create a world that is steadily more reliant on digital technology. A single global digital infrastructure has been created as a platform that must meet the diverse demands of different countries and sectors. As a result, cybersecurity is a growing concern for individuals, public and private organizations, and nations alike. More and more data are being shared and stored online, creating massive pools of personal information that are vulnerable to attack and exploitation by criminal and state actors.

The truly international nature of digital infrastructure creates a medium in which criminals can act maliciously, crossing borders with ease. As a result there are important international dimensions of cybersecurity and an increased need for communication and coordination between governments and companies, not just at a national level but also on a global scale. Cybersecurity is no longer solely the interest of cryptographers and software developers; it affects all of our lives, personal and professional.

The U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society share a mission: to promote the use of science to benefit society and inform critical policy debates. This summary of the discussions that took place on the subject of cybersecurity on December 8 and 9, 2014, in Washington, D.C., will serve as a reference for decision makers, educators, and others seeking an overview of the cybersecurity dilemmas facing the world.

Since 2008, the Raymond and Beverly Sackler U.S.-U.K. scientific forums have sparked new excitement and enthusiasm for the exchange of ideas among thought leaders from the United States and United Kingdom on topics of worldwide scientific concern. This most recent forum, on cybersecurity, demonstrates how much remains to be achieved through collaboration and discussion between the two nations.

As presidents of the National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society, we are pleased to introduce the latest piece of work supported by the Sacklers’ inspired generosity.