INVITATION TO CYBERSECURITY 4 1.4 Conclusion These three Ds paint a dark picture because they demonstrate how in cyberspace temptation and opportunity walk hand-in-hand, and knowing the heart of man, that is a dangerous combination. They also turn cyber threat actors into a kind of supervillain: they can get anywhere at the speed of light (distanceless), they have superhuman strength and are invincible (digital), and they can make themselves invisible (dynamic). It is not a level playing field making us all vulnerable in cyberspace, from the computer illiterate to the tech-savvy, digital natives. In order to combat cyber adversaries and to protect the vulnerable, we need cyber superheroes. These forces for good need to understand cyberspace, what the attackers are capable of and how they think, how to manage cyber risks and tradeoffs, and the tools, principles, and best practices at our disposal. In Sun Tzu’s words, these are the “picked soldiers” (i.e., elite troops) we need on the front rank. But cyber defenders will face temptations of their own in this domain. Therefore, being a force for good involves more than just skilling up to level the playing field in the fight against the forces of evil. Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting and respecting the rights of every individual and organization in cyberspace. In order to not just protect but also respect the rights of the vulnerable, our cyber defenders need to embrace the nobility of the cause. Being part of a bigger story makes possible the self-sacrifice and self-denial needed to be a worthy protector. We love our superheroes because we know that no matter what, they will always choose right over wrong. It is their character that makes them the good guys—not just their opposition to evil forces. This is the reason why we cheer for them and know that they will triumph in the end. This book is an invitation to begin this journey and join the good guys in the fight. My hope is that you will take up this noble and worthy challenge. In our increasingly technical age, our way of life depends on it. We are counting on you!
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