This article provides an overview of cyber security, a topic that has risen in
importance since the end of the Cold War due to a confluence of technological
advancements and shifts in geopolitical dynamics. The paper uses securitization theory
to conceptualize cybersecurity as a separate industry with its own unique set of risks
and reference points. It is believed that the collective referent objects of “the state”,
“society”, “the country”, and “the economy” provide “network security” and
“individual security” their political significance. Through hypersecuritization, daily
security procedures, and rectifications, these referent objects are formulated as threats.
Next, a case study of what has been called the “first cyber war” against Estonian
governmental and commercial organizations in 2007 is used to demonstrate the
theoretical framework's practicality. In the realm of IT, cyber security is a crucial
component. One of the greatest difficulties now is ensuring the safety of sensitive data.
Although the concept of cyber security is more important, it remains elusive. The
notions of privacy, information sharing, intelligence collection, and monitoring are
often muddled with it in improper ways. This study argues that proper risk
management of information systems is essential for adequate cyber security. Threats
(who is attacking), vulnerabilities (how the assault will be carried out), and effects
(what will be damaged) are the three determinants of the risks involved in any attack
(what the attack does). In terms of cyber security, the government's responsibility
extends beyond only safeguarding its own networks to also include helping to
safeguard private networks.
Keywords: Cybersecurity, Cyber risk, Hypersecuritization, Information security, Network security.
