Vulnerability to Cyber Threats: A Qualitative Analysis From Societal and Institutional Perspectives

Abstract

With the rapid development of ICT and the shifting of much of social activity online, countering cyber threats has become a challenge both for individuals and governments. The research hypothesis is that the number and type of cyber attacks are directly related to an individual's vulnerability to cyber threats. In order to verify this hypothesis, quantitative and qualitative methods, literature survey and the desk research method were used.The analyses conducted by the Author explicitly indicated that what is the weakest element in a cyber security system is the human factor. At the same time, it is fatigue and routine that are the worst enemies, even for a cyber security professional. One way to increase the level of security is to assume that every time a network service is used, it may carry the risk of a cyber attack with consequences that are difficult to predict. This allows for vigilance even in everyday activities that require access to the network.