Cybersecurity: To be a good "cyber citizen" in the digital world

Cyber security, which is becoming more and more socially controversial, has become a more important issue for boards of directors in all industries. It can be said that new opportunities to be explored are being opened from the relationship with "environment, society and governance (ESG)". It's easy to focus on your own cybersecurity, but in reality cyberspace is complex, interdependent and integrated, and it's very important to be a “good cybercitizen”. If the community to which you belong is vulnerable, you are also vulnerable.

There is an increasing demand for social responsibility in cyberspace, including measures such as protecting sensitive information, avoiding exploitation, reducing terrorism, and emphasizing the safety of others.

This is not just a technical issue. It not only protects the information assets of the organization, but also creates a broader community perspective. Protecting your workplace network while implementing good “cyber hygiene” is an important step that must be considered for the common good.

Social impact of cyber security

In the digital age, cybersecurity and consumer and organizational protection are essential to a healthy and secure society and require a broader view of corporate social responsibility.

Data breaches can have a significant impact, and organizations are increasingly responsible for protecting consumer privacy and sensitive data. Customers place top priority on information protection and personal privacy rights and want to be confident that their personal data will not be shared, compromised or exploited.

Organizations must prioritize the security and privacy of their customer databases if they want to attract and retain their customers. If you think of a cybersecurity incident as just a commercial risk to your organization (just a "business cost" to pay a potential ransom), ignore the greater impact on your customers, suppliers, and the entire community. Become.

The impact of cybercrime is increasing, and as we become more dependent on the digital world, we are becoming a "hyper-connected society." Cyber security plays an essential role in protecting infrastructure, operating smart cities, and continuing daily life. From a geopolitical point of view, the use of cyberattacks as a tactic during conflicts has made the social aspects of cybercrime more apparent.

There is also pressure for transparency in corporate commitments in cybersecurity and privacy. Privacy legislation is being rolled out around the world to complement the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) established in Europe. Cybersecurity is currently on the agenda of many regulators, with requests for timely and comprehensive incident notification and disclosure of cybersecurity control maturity, not only from regulators, but also to clients, shareholders and investors. It is also increasing from.

By emphasizing security as a social requirement, businesses can play an important role in making the digital ecosystem a safer place and build trust with stakeholders.

Call for action-community reaction

The power of community activities cannot be denied. The most powerful organizations are those who are willing to collaborate with their peers and share information and good practices. Organized crime groups target sectors, organizations, and their entire supply chain, rather than attacking just a single target. Organizations can work with suppliers, customers, and regulatory agencies to improve the level of cybersecurity across the ecosystem and even the industry. In cyberspace, not all organizations are isolated, they are all interconnected and interdependent.

Cyber security also has an aspect of corporate social responsibility, and it is necessary to consider "what role an organization can play to protect local communities and vulnerable citizens from cyber bullying, fraud, and exploitation." there is. KPMG hosts Global Cyber Day each year, and last year it sent a message to more than 100,000 students at 590 schools in 60 countries and territories with the participation of member firms around the world.

Here are some specific steps to promote community activities.

Share with your peers Share your

insights and information on cyber threats and superior security measures with your peers, and play a part in that. It's easy to find the obstacles to collaboration. Trust benefits everyone in dealing with cyber threats and attacks.

Working to support key suppliers and a broader ecosystem focused on ecosystem security is

not just about contracts and obligations, but also about what we can do to build our suppliers' cybersecurity capabilities. This includes education, providing advice and support, and supporting community initiatives to help defend the ecosystem.

Ask yourself what you can do to protect your customers from cyber fraud, identity theft, and other forms of exploitation that put your interests first . Also, consider working with law enforcement agencies and your peers to show your experience in dealing with cybercrime.

Companies investing in the next generation

need to be heavily involved in educating and equipping the next generation with the necessary cyber skills and helping them improve their cyber capabilities in order to be a responsible member of the digital world of the present and future. I have. This brings a lot of benefits and helps build future skills.

Participate in discussions about the future and ethics of the digital world as a good cyber citizen who plays your part in the digital world . Then ask yourself if your actions contribute to social interests.

We are in the early stages of recognizing the importance of community and multi-stakeholder approaches to tackling cybercrime. But in the long run, all organizations can become good cyber citizens and raise their bar by putting cybersecurity at the heart of their ESG strategies.

This article is a translation of "Being good cyber citizens in a digital world" published by KPMG International in May 2022. If there is a discrepancy between the translation and the original English text, the original English text shall prevail.

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Cybersecurity: To be a good "cyber citizen" in the digital world