Open access
Date
2018Type
- Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
Advances in cyber capabilities continue to cause apprehension among the public. With states engaging in cyber operations
in pursuit of its perceived strategic utility, it is unsurprising that images of a “Cyber Pearl Harbor” remain appealing. It is
crucial to note, however, that the offensive action in cyberspace has only had limited success over the past decade. It is
estimated that less than 5% of these have achieved their stated political or strategic objectives. Moreover, only five states
are thought to have the capabilities to inflict or threaten substantial damage. Consequently, this raises the question of
what accounts for the continued sense of dread in cyberspace. The article posits that this dread results from the inappropriate
use of cognitive shortcuts or heuristics. The findings herein suggest that the lack of experience in dealing with
cyber operations encourages uncertainty, which motivates decision-makers to base their judgements on pre-existing, and
possibly incorrect, conceptions of cyberspace. In response, the article segues into potential solutions that can mitigate
unsubstantiated dread towards cyberspace by peering into the role that attributes at the organizational level can play in
tempering the position of individuals. The suggested considerations are rooted in the interactions between the micro and
macro level processes in forming judgments, sensemaking, and ultimately, mobilizing actions. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000264912Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Politics and GovernanceVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
Cogitatio PressSubject
Cybersecurity; Cyber threats; Dread; Experiment; HeuristicsOrganisational unit
03515 - Wenger, Andreas / Wenger, Andreas
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ETH Bibliography
yes
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