2012: The Year that Cyber Security Entered the Mainstream

'Cyber-Security' as a term seemed to enter common currency in 2012, rather than just being something IT departments, geeks, and Hollywood talked about.  There are a number of reasons for this, but arguably ‘Hacktivism’ is chief among them.  In the same year that 10 Downing Street’s website came underattack from Anonymous, Julian Assange holed up in the Ecuadorian embassy in London in order to avoid what he claimed was a politically motivated extradition.  This arguably defines the information security landscape in the sense that people are divided on his culpability; some think he’s a criminal who is putting soldier’s lives at risk, while others think he’s an activist fighting for free speech. 

In the same year, there was recognition from NATO of the Cyber coalition 2012 War games and the fact that they mentioned they considered Russia “Potential Cyber Aggressors” as well as Iran undertaking their first cyber warfare defence exercise in their war games.

These issues were all discussed in the media, and were taken seriously.  For these reasons, among others, I would argue that 2012 was the year cyber security entered the mainstream.

For opinions from other industry professionals go to the HelpNet Security Website where Titania's opinion has been published along with other security experts.

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