Securing Cyberspace: Towards an Agenda for Research and Practice

Abstract

In this article, we seek to identify the important challenges preventing security in cyberspace and to identify the key questions that nations should set out to answer to play a leading role in securing cyberspace. An important assertion is that the challenge of securing cyberspace transcends the abilities of any single entity and requires a radical shift in our approach in how: i) research is conducted, ii) cybersecurity researchers are educated, iii) new defendable systems are developed, and iv) effective defensive countermeasures are deployed. Our response draws upon extensive source material and our personal experiences as cybersecurity professionals contributing to the establishment of the VENUS Cybersecurity Corporation, a not-for-profit corporation that aims to make Canada a global leader in cybersecurity. We view the challenge to be global and transdisciplinary in nature and this article to be of relevance world-wide to senior decision makers, policy makers, managers, educators, strategists, futurists, scientists, technologists, and others interested in shaping the online world of the future.