When ranking the biggest global threats climate change comes out on top. Not too far behind is cybercrime, which is rising on a daily basis and it might surprise you to learn that the two intersect.
As climate change threats grow, their impact on cybersecurity is likely to be far greater.
We have already seen a recent surge in Hacktivism attacks making our digital security unstable and as the climate crisis worsens, there are more concerns to discuss, so let’s just that.
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Climate Change and Cybersecurity Links
The threat of cybersecurity risks is currently affected by climate change both directly and indirectly.
Below are three examples of climate change repercussions that impact cyber security to think about.
Infrastructure
Climate change creates extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and will continue to do so.
These unpredictable events, such as flooding, tornadoes, and extreme storms, damage physical infrastructure such as communication towers and server locations.
Climate pressure reports indicate that climate change puts 84% of America’s infrastructure at risk.
When physical objects need repairing or require more challenging maintenance, disruption is an obvious outcome. When servers and networks are down or being rerouted users become more vulnerable to attacks.
Dwindling Resources
Resource shortages are another undeniable climate change effect, without the materials and supplies necessary to fabricate physical parts of cybersecurity hardware and infrastructure we face a similar situation.
There is also the opportunity for criminals to exploit the situation, such as by blackmailing and engaging in cyber espionage.
Migration
Instability within shifting demographics is also another likely outcome of climate change. We already see migration, but as things worsen, mass migration is a real possibility.
Criminals can again exploit this by using actors to manipulate and divide opinions, as we see with political hacktivism.
Mitigation Strategies
With the threats laid out above understood, we can move on to coping strategies.
The ways to tackle the increased cybersecurity threats that arise from climate change effects must be undertaken at a global community level and on an individual level.
Here are the global adaptations that we must consider to resolve the problems we have identified:
Strengthening Infrastructure
Disaster recovery plans need to be adapted to include climate change’s impact on cybersecurity.
Existing infrastructure needs to be evaluated and reinforced to make it more resilient in coping with the effects of extreme weather events.
If deemed redundant or non-upgradable, plans should be made to replace it safely with better materials in a strategic manner that doesn’t leave crucial elements unprotected.
This will require heavy investment but is an important global necessity.
Collaborating Internationally
A global response requires better global communication; international cooperation with joint response is really needed to combat cyberthreats on a large scale.
Adapting to Shifting Demographics
Cybercrime correlates with social and economic factors, which are often geographically impacted. This can make certain demographics easier to target politically and exploit for sensitive information or money gains.
Preparations for shifts in demographics, such as migration need to be put in place, with policies that are inclusive.
Individual Responsibilities
The direct and indirect effects of climate change on cyber security also require an approach at an individual level. Below are some measures and adaptations to consider.
Cybercrime Risk Elevation
Hacktivism has grown by 7.6% in the past year while mostly politically led, which could soon change as global climate change takes hold.
The downtime experienced by infrastructural damage, overhauls, and upgrades will also increase our vulnerability in the digital world.
The only solution at an individual level is education. You need to keep your wits about you, know how to recognize an online scam or phishing attempt and understand online safety.
Digital literacy is the best personal defense, so stay informed and remember the essentials, such as strong, complex passwords and not sharing personal details online.
You can also look at software security services such as Surfshark. VPNs and anti-virus software can provide firewalls, spam filters, site verification, and detect suspicious network activity.
Knowledge Sharing
Individuals can also build community resistance by sharing their experiences and knowledge and educating others.
Be proactive, support organizations, vote for initiatives that care about cyber security, and advocate change that will improve communal resilience.
Conclusion
Where climate change threats and cybersecurity risks meet presents us with a set of unique challenges.
To move forward in our tech-centric world with the necessary level of protection the effects need to be strategically prepared for on an individual and global level.
The impacts can’t be overlooked, investments must be made. With proactive measures and adaptations, cybersecurity threats can be dealt with in the years to come without climate change affecting them quite so heavily.