scope:

Cybersecurity Problem

Dependence on technology is growing, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the safe use of technology depends on cybersecurity, which is failing to keep up. This failure can derail the global benefits that humanity should achieve from cyberspace and its technologies.

Why This Matters

Some four million professionals work in the cybersecurity field. IEEE could play a major role in this global community, and in addressing the growing cybersecurity threat, based on four strengths: IEEE's commitment to advancing technology for humanity; its global presence and independence; its engagement across the technology "stack"; and its experience in both cyber research and industry.

This report reviews the IEEE experience and its potential role in the global cybersecurity community. Feedback is welcome for future improvements and updates to this report.

Recommendations

Purpose

Attacks on cybersecurity are attacks on the safety of cyberspace itself and on the benefits that humanity can achieve from this enormous field of technology.

Recommendation 1: IEEE should link dependency on cybersecurity to the achievement of our goal of advancing technology for humanity.

Independence

IEEE has members in 160 countries. Most people in the world benefit from their standards every day. IEEE's goal is to promote the beneficial use of technology generally, not narrow national or commercial interests.

Recommendation 2: IEEE should apply its reputation for independence to establishing effective cybersecurity principles and standards.

Breadth

Advanced technologies are less predictable, isolated, and mechanical, and more intelligent, distributed, and social. IEEE members are found in all these fields, from power to quantum to societal.

Recommendation 3: IEEE should encourage a broad approach to cybersecurity, not just the obvious vulnerabilities, reflecting the breadth of its members' expertise.

Experience

IEEE publishes three of the top four cybersecurity journals, has many standards, conferences, and educational activities, and many thousands of members working in the industry.

Recommendation 4: IEEE should use its areas of deep experience to encourage cybersecurity specialists to make IEEE their professional home.