How should we approach the development of cyber-policy and -infrastructure given the “short arm” of predictive knowledge?

The introduction of the Internet and various uses of cyber technology have helped fuel the current technological boom that we find ourselves in today. Cyber technology is used in almost every aspect of our lives. In its infancy, when it was not as popular as today, the Internet was a new and interesting tool just waiting to be explored by anyone who had the means to do so. Many found haven, and fortune, in the haven of unregulated Internet access. This gave rise to a new type of criminal, cyber criminals, and their actions presented new challenges to lawmakers and law enforcement.

One major issue lawmakers face as they develop cyber-policy and -infrastructure is the ongoing sophistication of technology. As technology progresses, keeping up with cybercrime trends becomes even more difficult. Laws are typically enacted after an affected community puts forth a proposal. Before these proposals are signed into law, there has to be a study and understanding of the situations that caused the community to be affected. These proposals take time to consider and discuss. Technology is constantly advancing, and someone is always working on improving its currently accepted use. The challenge that results is that lawmakers have to study and consider proposed laws while technology does not wait for them to do so. Cyber technology moves forward in progress while non-technical lawmakers follow far behind in regulating it – something that cybercriminals will gladly take advantage of.

Despite the difficulties in developing proper cyber-policy, there are significant things that lawmakers, and others in the field of cyber-technology, can do in order to mitigate our gaps in understanding and law. Whether from phishing emails or DDOS attacks, one of the best things a business can do is educate its staff; our government is no exception. We should approach the development of cyber-policy and -infrastructure, given the “short arm” of predictive knowledge, by understanding that educating others is our greatest tool and defense against cybercriminals. Likewise, educating our elected officials on current cybersecurity and cybercrime trends is one of the best things those in the industry can do to encourage the development of current, evolving cyber policy.