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500+ Cyber Security Research Topics

Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important topic in recent years as more and more of our lives are spent online. With the rise of the digital age, there has been a corresponding increase in the number and severity of cyber attacks. As such, research into cybersecurity has become critical in order to protect individuals, businesses, and governments from these threats. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most pressing cybersecurity research topics, from the latest trends in cyber attacks to emerging technologies that can help prevent them. Whether you are a cybersecurity professional, a Master’s or Ph.D. student, or simply interested in the field, this post will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving area of study.

Cyber Security Research Topics

Cyber Security Research Topics are as follows:

• The role of machine learning in detecting cyber threats
• The impact of cloud computing on cyber security
• Cyber warfare and its effects on national security
• The rise of ransomware attacks and their prevention methods
• Evaluating the effectiveness of network intrusion detection systems
• The use of blockchain technology in enhancing cyber security
• Investigating the role of cyber security in protecting critical infrastructure
• The ethics of hacking and its implications for cyber security professionals
• Developing a secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC)
• The role of artificial intelligence in cyber security
• Evaluating the effectiveness of multi-factor authentication
• Investigating the impact of social engineering on cyber security
• The role of cyber insurance in mitigating cyber risks
• Developing secure IoT (Internet of Things) systems
• Investigating the challenges of cyber security in the healthcare industry
• Evaluating the effectiveness of penetration testing
• Investigating the impact of big data on cyber security
• The role of quantum computing in breaking current encryption methods
• Developing a secure BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy
• The impact of cyber security breaches on a company’s reputation
• The role of cyber security in protecting financial transactions
• Evaluating the effectiveness of anti-virus software
• The use of biometrics in enhancing cyber security
• Investigating the impact of cyber security on the supply chain
• The role of cyber security in protecting personal privacy
• Developing a secure cloud storage system
• Evaluating the effectiveness of firewall technologies
• Investigating the impact of cyber security on e-commerce
• The role of cyber security in protecting intellectual property
• Developing a secure remote access policy
• Investigating the challenges of securing mobile devices
• The role of cyber security in protecting government agencies
• Evaluating the effectiveness of cyber security training programs
• Investigating the impact of cyber security on the aviation industry
• The role of cyber security in protecting online gaming platforms
• Developing a secure password management system
• Investigating the challenges of securing smart homes
• The impact of cyber security on the automotive industry
• The role of cyber security in protecting social media platforms
• Developing a secure email system
• Evaluating the effectiveness of encryption methods
• Investigating the impact of cyber security on the hospitality industry
• The role of cyber security in protecting online education platforms
• Developing a secure backup and recovery strategy
• Investigating the challenges of securing virtual environments
• The impact of cyber security on the energy sector
• The role of cyber security in protecting online voting systems
• Developing a secure chat platform
• Investigating the impact of cyber security on the entertainment industry
• The role of cyber security in protecting online dating platforms
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity
• Quantum Cryptography and Post-Quantum Cryptography
• Internet of Things (IoT) Security
• Developing a framework for cyber resilience in critical infrastructure
• Understanding the fundamentals of encryption algorithms
• Cyber security challenges for small and medium-sized businesses
• Developing secure coding practices for web applications
• Investigating the role of cyber security in protecting online privacy
• Network security protocols and their importance
• Social engineering attacks and how to prevent them
• Investigating the challenges of securing personal devices and home networks
• Developing a basic incident response plan for cyber attacks
• The impact of cyber security on the financial sector
• Understanding the role of cyber security in protecting critical infrastructure
• Mobile device security and common vulnerabilities
• Investigating the challenges of securing cloud-based systems
• Cyber security and the Internet of Things (IoT)
• Biometric authentication and its role in cyber security
• Developing secure communication protocols for online messaging platforms
• The importance of cyber security in e-commerce
• Understanding the threats and vulnerabilities associated with social media platforms
• Investigating the role of cyber security in protecting intellectual property
• The basics of malware analysis and detection
• Developing a basic cyber security awareness training program
• Understanding the threats and vulnerabilities associated with public Wi-Fi networks
• Investigating the challenges of securing online banking systems
• The importance of password management and best practices
• Cyber security and cloud computing
• Understanding the role of cyber security in protecting national security
• Investigating the challenges of securing online gaming platforms
• The basics of cyber threat intelligence
• Developing secure authentication mechanisms for online services
• The impact of cyber security on the healthcare sector
• Understanding the basics of digital forensics
• Investigating the challenges of securing smart home devices
• The role of cyber security in protecting against cyberbullying
• Developing secure file transfer protocols for sensitive information
• Understanding the challenges of securing remote work environments
• Investigating the role of cyber security in protecting against identity theft
• The basics of network intrusion detection and prevention systems
• Developing secure payment processing systems
• Understanding the role of cyber security in protecting against ransomware attacks
• Investigating the challenges of securing public transportation systems
• The basics of network segmentation and its importance in cyber security
• Developing secure user access management systems
• Understanding the challenges of securing supply chain networks
• The role of cyber security in protecting against cyber espionage
• Investigating the challenges of securing online educational platforms
• The importance of data backup and disaster recovery planning
• Developing secure email communication protocols
• Understanding the basics of threat modeling and risk assessment
• Investigating the challenges of securing online voting systems
• The role of cyber security in protecting against cyber terrorism
• Developing secure remote access protocols for corporate networks.
• Investigating the challenges of securing artificial intelligence systems
• The role of machine learning in enhancing cyber threat intelligence
• Evaluating the effectiveness of deception technologies in cyber security
• Investigating the impact of cyber security on the adoption of emerging technologies
• The role of cyber security in protecting smart cities
• Developing a risk-based approach to cyber security governance
• Investigating the impact of cyber security on economic growth and innovation
• The role of cyber security in protecting human rights in the digital age
• Developing a secure digital identity system
• Investigating the impact of cyber security on global political stability
• The role of cyber security in protecting the Internet of Things (IoT)
• Developing a secure supply chain management system
• Investigating the challenges of securing cloud-native applications
• The role of cyber security in protecting against insider threats
• Developing a secure software-defined network (SDN)
• Investigating the impact of cyber security on the adoption of mobile payments
• The role of cyber security in protecting against cyber warfare
• Developing a secure distributed ledger technology (DLT) system
• Investigating the impact of cyber security on the digital divide
• The role of cyber security in protecting against state-sponsored attacks
• Developing a secure Internet infrastructure
• Investigating the challenges of securing industrial control systems (ICS)
• Developing a secure quantum communication system
• Investigating the impact of cyber security on global trade and commerce
• Developing a secure decentralized authentication system
• Investigating the challenges of securing edge computing systems
• Developing a secure hybrid cloud system
• Investigating the impact of cyber security on the adoption of smart cities
• The role of cyber security in protecting against cyber propaganda
• Developing a secure blockchain-based voting system
• Investigating the challenges of securing cyber-physical systems (CPS)
• The role of cyber security in protecting against cyber hate speech
• Developing a secure machine learning system
• Investigating the impact of cyber security on the adoption of autonomous vehicles
• The role of cyber security in protecting against cyber stalking
• Developing a secure data-driven decision-making system
• Investigating the challenges of securing social media platforms
• The role of cyber security in protecting against cyberbullying in schools
• Developing a secure open source software ecosystem
• Investigating the impact of cyber security on the adoption of smart homes
• The role of cyber security in protecting against cyber fraud
• Developing a secure software supply chain
• Investigating the challenges of securing cloud-based healthcare systems
• The role of cyber security in protecting against cyber harassment
• Developing a secure multi-party computation system
• Investigating the impact of cyber security on the adoption of virtual and augmented reality technologies.
• Cybersecurity in Cloud Computing Environments
• Cyber Threat Intelligence and Analysis
• Blockchain Security
• Data Privacy and Protection
• Cybersecurity in Industrial Control Systems
• Mobile Device Security
• The importance of cyber security in the digital age
• The ethics of cyber security and privacy
• The role of government in regulating cyber security
• Cyber security threats and vulnerabilities in the healthcare sector
• Understanding the risks associated with social media and cyber security
• The impact of cyber security on e-commerce
• The effectiveness of cyber security awareness training programs
• The role of biometric authentication in cyber security
• The importance of password management in cyber security
• The basics of network security protocols and their importance
• The challenges of securing online gaming platforms
• The role of cyber security in protecting national security
• The impact of cyber security on the legal sector
• The ethics of cyber warfare
• The challenges of securing the Internet of Things (IoT)
• Understanding the basics of malware analysis and detection
• The challenges of securing public transportation systems
• The impact of cyber security on the insurance industry
• The role of cyber security in protecting against ransomware attacks
• The challenges of securing remote work environments
• Understanding the threats and vulnerabilities associated with social engineering attacks
• The impact of cyber security on the education sector
• Investigating the challenges of securing supply chain networks
• The challenges of securing personal devices and home networks
• The importance of secure coding practices for web applications
• The impact of cyber security on the hospitality industry
• The role of cyber security in protecting against identity theft
• The challenges of securing public Wi-Fi networks
• The importance of cyber security in protecting critical infrastructure
• The challenges of securing cloud-based storage systems
• The effectiveness of antivirus software in cyber security
• Developing secure payment processing systems.
• Cybersecurity in Healthcare
• Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks
• Cybersecurity in Autonomous Vehicles
• Cybersecurity in Smart Cities
• Cybersecurity Risk Assessment and Management
• Malware Analysis and Detection Techniques
• Cybersecurity in the Financial Sector
• Cybersecurity in Government Agencies
• Cybersecurity and Artificial Life
• Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure Protection
• Cybersecurity in the Education Sector
• Cybersecurity in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
• Cybersecurity in the Retail Industry
• Cryptocurrency Security
• Cybersecurity in Supply Chain Management
• Cybersecurity and Human Factors
• Cybersecurity in the Transportation Industry
• Cybersecurity in Gaming Environments
• Cybersecurity in Social Media Platforms
• Cybersecurity and Biometrics
• Cybersecurity and Quantum Computing
• Cybersecurity in 5G Networks
• Cybersecurity in Aviation and Aerospace Industry
• Cybersecurity in Agriculture Industry
• Cybersecurity in Space Exploration
• Cybersecurity in Military Operations
• Cybersecurity and Cloud Storage
• Cybersecurity in Software-Defined Networks
• Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence Ethics
• Cybersecurity and Cyber Insurance
• Cybersecurity in the Legal Industry
• Cybersecurity and Data Science
• Cybersecurity in Energy Systems
• Cybersecurity in E-commerce
• Cybersecurity in Identity Management
• Cybersecurity in Small and Medium Enterprises
• Cybersecurity in the Entertainment Industry
• Cybersecurity and the Internet of Medical Things
• Cybersecurity and the Dark Web
• Cybersecurity and Wearable Technology
• Cybersecurity in Public Safety Systems.
• Threat Intelligence for Industrial Control Systems
• Privacy Preservation in Cloud Computing
• Network Security for Critical Infrastructure
• Cryptographic Techniques for Blockchain Security
• Malware Detection and Analysis
• Cyber Threat Hunting Techniques
• Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
• Machine Learning for Cybersecurity
• Cybersecurity in Financial Institutions
• Cybersecurity for Smart Cities
• Cybersecurity in Aviation
• Cybersecurity in the Automotive Industry
• Cybersecurity in the Energy Sector
• Cybersecurity in Telecommunications
• Cybersecurity for Mobile Devices
• Biometric Authentication for Cybersecurity
• Cybersecurity for Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity for Social Media Platforms
• Cybersecurity in the Gaming Industry
• Cybersecurity in the Defense Industry
• Cybersecurity for Autonomous Systems
• Cybersecurity for Quantum Computing
• Cybersecurity for Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
• Cybersecurity in Cloud-Native Applications
• Cybersecurity for Smart Grids
• Cybersecurity in Distributed Ledger Technology
• Cybersecurity for Next-Generation Wireless Networks
• Cybersecurity for Digital Identity Management
• Cybersecurity for Open Source Software
• Cybersecurity for Smart Homes
• Cybersecurity for Smart Transportation Systems
• Cybersecurity for Cyber Physical Systems
• Cybersecurity for Critical National Infrastructure
• Cybersecurity for Smart Agriculture
• Cybersecurity for Retail Industry
• Cybersecurity for Digital Twins
• Cybersecurity for Quantum Key Distribution
• Cybersecurity for Digital Healthcare
• Cybersecurity for Smart Logistics
• Cybersecurity for Wearable Devices
• Cybersecurity for Edge Computing
• Cybersecurity for Cognitive Computing
• Cybersecurity for Industrial IoT
• Cybersecurity for Intelligent Transportation Systems
• Cybersecurity for Smart Water Management Systems
• The rise of cyber terrorism and its impact on national security
• The impact of artificial intelligence on cyber security
• Analyzing the effectiveness of biometric authentication for securing data
• The impact of social media on cyber security and privacy
• The future of cyber security in the Internet of Things (IoT) era
• The role of machine learning in detecting and preventing cyber attacks
• The effectiveness of encryption in securing sensitive data
• The impact of quantum computing on cyber security
• The rise of cyber bullying and its effects on mental health
• Investigating cyber espionage and its impact on national security
• The effectiveness of cyber insurance in mitigating cyber risks
• The role of blockchain technology in cyber security
• Investigating the effectiveness of cyber security awareness training programs
• The impact of cyber attacks on critical infrastructure
• Analyzing the effectiveness of firewalls in protecting against cyber attacks
• The impact of cyber crime on the economy
• Investigating the effectiveness of multi-factor authentication in securing data
• The future of cyber security in the age of quantum internet
• The impact of big data on cyber security
• The role of cybersecurity in the education system
• Investigating the use of deception techniques in cyber security
• The impact of cyber attacks on the healthcare industry
• The effectiveness of cyber threat intelligence in mitigating cyber risks
• The role of cyber security in protecting financial institutions
• Investigating the use of machine learning in cyber security risk assessment
• The impact of cyber attacks on the transportation industry
• The effectiveness of network segmentation in protecting against cyber attacks
• Investigating the effectiveness of biometric identification in cyber security
• The impact of cyber attacks on the hospitality industry
• The future of cyber security in the era of autonomous vehicles
• The effectiveness of intrusion detection systems in protecting against cyber attacks
• The role of cyber security in protecting small businesses
• Investigating the effectiveness of virtual private networks (VPNs) in securing data
• The impact of cyber attacks on the energy sector
• The effectiveness of cyber security regulations in mitigating cyber risks
• Investigating the use of deception technology in cyber security
• The impact of cyber attacks on the retail industry
• The effectiveness of cyber security in protecting critical infrastructure
• The role of cyber security in protecting intellectual property in the entertainment industry
• Investigating the effectiveness of intrusion prevention systems in protecting against cyber attacks
• The impact of cyber attacks on the aerospace industry
• The future of cyber security in the era of quantum computing
• The effectiveness of cyber security in protecting against ransomware attacks
• The role of cyber security in protecting personal and sensitive data
• Investigating the effectiveness of cloud security solutions in protecting against cyber attacks
• The impact of cyber attacks on the manufacturing industry
• The effective cyber security and the future of e-votingness of cyber security in protecting against social engineering attacks
• Investigating the effectiveness of end-to-end encryption in securing data
• The impact of cyber attacks on the insurance industry
• The future of cyber security in the era of artificial intelligence
• The effectiveness of cyber security in protecting against distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks
• The role of cyber security in protecting against phishing attacks
• Investigating the effectiveness of user behavior analytics
• The impact of emerging technologies on cyber security
• Developing a framework for cyber threat intelligence
• The effectiveness of current cyber security measures
• Cyber security and data privacy in the age of big data
• Cloud security and virtualization technologies
• Cryptography and its role in cyber security
• Cyber security in critical infrastructure protection
• Cyber security in the Internet of Things (IoT)
• Cyber security in e-commerce and online payment systems
• Cyber security and the future of digital currencies
• The impact of social engineering on cyber security
• Cyber security and ethical hacking
• Cyber security challenges in the healthcare industry
• Cyber security and digital forensics
• Cyber security in the financial sector
• Cyber security in the transportation industry
• The impact of artificial intelligence on cyber security risks
• Cyber security and mobile devices
• Cyber security in the energy sector
• Cyber security and supply chain management
• The role of machine learning in cyber security
• Cyber security in the defense sector
• The impact of the Dark Web on cyber security
• Cyber security in social media and online communities
• Cyber security challenges in the gaming industry
• Cyber security and cloud-based applications
• The role of blockchain in cyber security
• Cyber security and the future of autonomous vehicles
• Cyber security in the education sector
• Cyber security in the aviation industry
• The impact of 5G on cyber security
• Cyber security and insider threats
• Cyber security and the legal system
• The impact of cyber security on business operations
• Cyber security and the role of human behavior
• Cyber security in the hospitality industry
• The impact of cyber security on national security
• Cyber security and the use of biometrics
• Cyber security and the role of social media influencers
• The impact of cyber security on small and medium-sized enterprises
• Cyber security and cyber insurance
• The impact of cyber security on the job market
• Cyber security and international relations
• Cyber security and the role of government policies
• The impact of cyber security on privacy laws
• Cyber security in the media and entertainment industry
• The role of cyber security in digital marketing
• Cyber security and the role of cybersecurity professionals
• Cyber security in the retail industry
• The impact of cyber security on the stock market
• Cyber security and intellectual property protection
• Cyber security and online dating
• The impact of cyber security on healthcare innovation
• Cyber security and the future of e-voting
• Cyber security and the role of open source software
• Cyber security and the use of social engineering in cyber attacks
• The impact of cyber security on the aviation industry
• Cyber security and the role of cyber security awareness training
• Cyber security and the role of cybersecurity standards and best practices
• Cyber security in the legal industry
• The impact of cyber security on human rights
• Cyber security and the role of public-private partnerships
• Cyber security and the future of e-learning
• Cyber security and the role of mobile applications
• The impact of cyber security on environmental sustainability
• Cyber security and the role of threat intelligence sharing
• Cyber security and the future of smart homes
• Cyber security and the role of cybersecurity certifications
• The impact of cyber security on international trade
• Cyber security and the role of cyber security auditing

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Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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60+ Latest Cyber Security Research Topics for 2024

Home Blog Security 60+ Latest Cyber Security Research Topics for 2024

The concept of cybersecurity refers to cracking the security mechanisms that break in dynamic environments. Implementing Cyber Security Project topics and cyber security thesis topics /ideas helps overcome attacks and take mitigation approaches to security risks and threats in real-time. Undoubtedly, it focuses on events injected into the system, data, and the whole network to attack/disturb it.

The network can be attacked in various ways, including Distributed DoS, Knowledge Disruptions, Computer Viruses / Worms, and many more. Cyber-attacks are still rising, and more are waiting to harm their targeted systems and networks. Detecting Intrusions in cybersecurity has become challenging due to their Intelligence Performance. Therefore, it may negatively affect data integrity, privacy, availability, and security. 

This article aims to demonstrate the most current Cyber Security Topics for Projects and areas of research currently lacking. We will talk about cyber security research questions, cyber security research questions, cyber security topics for the project, best cyber security research topics, research titles about cyber security and web security research topics.

List of Trending Cyber Security Research Topics for 2024

Digital technology has revolutionized how all businesses, large or small, work, and even governments manage their day-to-day activities, requiring organizations, corporations, and government agencies to utilize computerized systems. To protect data against online attacks or unauthorized access, cybersecurity is a priority. There are many Cyber Security Courses online where you can learn about these topics. With the rapid development of technology comes an equally rapid shift in Cyber Security Research Topics and cybersecurity trends, as data breaches, ransomware, and hacks become almost routine news items. In 2024, these will be the top cybersecurity trends.

A) Exciting Mobile Cyber Security Research Paper Topics

• The significance of continuous user authentication on mobile gadgets. 
• The efficacy of different mobile security approaches. 
• Detecting mobile phone hacking. 
• Assessing the threat of using portable devices to access banking services. 
• Cybersecurity and mobile applications. 
• The vulnerabilities in wireless mobile data exchange. 
• The rise of mobile malware. 
• The evolution of Android malware.
• How to know you’ve been hacked on mobile. 
• The impact of mobile gadgets on cybersecurity. 

B) Top Computer and Software Security Topics to Research

• Learn algorithms for data encryption 
• Concept of risk management security 
• How to develop the best Internet security software 
• What are Encrypting Viruses- How does it work? 
• How does a Ransomware attack work? 
• Scanning of malware on your PC 
• Infiltrating a Mac OS X operating system 
• What are the effects of RSA on network security ? 
• How do encrypting viruses work?
• DDoS attacks on IoT devices 

C) Trending Information Security Research Topics

• Why should people avoid sharing their details on Facebook? 
• What is the importance of unified user profiles? 
• Discuss Cookies and Privacy  
• White hat and black hat hackers 
• What are the most secure methods for ensuring data integrity? 
• Talk about the implications of Wi-Fi hacking apps on mobile phones 
• Analyze the data breaches in 2024
• Discuss digital piracy in 2024
• critical cyber-attack concepts 
• Social engineering and its importance 

D) Current Network Security Research Topics

• Data storage centralization
• Identify Malicious activity on a computer system. 
• Firewall 
• Importance of keeping updated Software  
• wireless sensor network 
• What are the effects of ad-hoc networks  
• How can a company network be safe? 
• What are Network segmentation and its applications? 
• Discuss Data Loss Prevention systems  
• Discuss various methods for establishing secure algorithms in a network. 
• Talk about two-factor authentication

E) Best Data Security Research Topics

• Importance of backup and recovery 
• Benefits of logging for applications 
• Understand physical data security 
• Importance of Cloud Security 
• In computing, the relationship between privacy and data security 
• Talk about data leaks in mobile apps 
• Discuss the effects of a black hole on a network system. 

F) Important Application Security Research Topics

• Detect Malicious Activity on Google Play Apps 
• Dangers of XSS attacks on apps 
• Discuss SQL injection attacks. 
• Insecure Deserialization Effect 
• Check Security protocols 

G) Cybersecurity Law & Ethics Research Topics

• Strict cybersecurity laws in China 
• Importance of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act. 
• USA, UK, and other countries' cybersecurity laws  
• Discuss The Pipeline Security Act in the United States 

H) Recent Cyberbullying Topics

• Protecting your Online Identity and Reputation 
• Online Safety 
• Sexual Harassment and Sexual Bullying 
• Dealing with Bullying 
• Stress Center for Teens 

I) Operational Security Topics

• Identify sensitive data 
• Identify possible threats 
• Analyze security threats and vulnerabilities 
• Appraise the threat level and vulnerability risk 
• Devise a plan to mitigate the threats 

J) Cybercrime Topics for a Research Paper

• Crime Prevention. 
• Criminal Specialization. 
• Drug Courts. 
• Criminal Courts. 
• Criminal Justice Ethics. 
• Capital Punishment.
• Community Corrections. 
• Criminal Law. 

Research Area in Cyber Security

The field of cyber security is extensive and constantly evolving. Its research covers a wide range of subjects, including: 

• Quantum & Space  
• Data Privacy  
• Criminology & Law 
• AI & IoT Security

How to Choose the Best Research Topics in Cyber Security

A good cybersecurity assignment heading is a skill that not everyone has, and unfortunately, not everyone has one. You might have your teacher provide you with the topics, or you might be asked to come up with your own. If you want more research topics, you can take references from Certified Ethical Hacker Certification, where you will get more hints on new topics. If you don't know where to start, here are some tips. Follow them to create compelling cybersecurity assignment topics. 

1. Brainstorm

In order to select the most appropriate heading for your cybersecurity assignment, you first need to brainstorm ideas. What specific matter do you wish to explore? In this case, come up with relevant topics about the subject and select those relevant to your issue when you use our list of topics. You can also go to cyber security-oriented websites to get some ideas. Using any blog post on the internet can prove helpful if you intend to write a research paper on security threats in 2024. Creating a brainstorming list with all the keywords and cybersecurity concepts you wish to discuss is another great way to start. Once that's done, pick the topics you feel most comfortable handling. Keep in mind to stay away from common topics as much as possible. 

2. Understanding the Background

In order to write a cybersecurity assignment, you need to identify two or three research paper topics. Obtain the necessary resources and review them to gain background information on your heading. This will also allow you to learn new terminologies that can be used in your title to enhance it. 

3. Write a Single Topic

Make sure the subject of your cybersecurity research paper doesn't fall into either extreme. Make sure the title is neither too narrow nor too broad. Topics on either extreme will be challenging to research and write about. 

4. Be Flexible

There is no rule to say that the title you choose is permanent. It is perfectly okay to change your research paper topic along the way. For example, if you find another topic on this list to better suit your research paper, consider swapping it out. 

The Layout of Cybersecurity Research Guidance

It is undeniable that usability is one of cybersecurity's most important social issues today. Increasingly, security features have become standard components of our digital environment, which pervade our lives and require both novices and experts to use them. Supported by confidentiality, integrity, and availability concerns, security features have become essential components of our digital environment.  

In order to make security features easily accessible to a wider population, these functions need to be highly usable. This is especially true in this context because poor usability typically translates into the inadequate application of cybersecurity tools and functionality, resulting in their limited effectiveness. 

Writing Tips from Expert

Additionally, a well-planned action plan and a set of useful tools are essential for delving into Cyber Security Research Topics. Not only do these topics present a vast realm of knowledge and potential innovation, but they also have paramount importance in today's digital age. Addressing the challenges and nuances of these research areas will contribute significantly to the global cybersecurity landscape, ensuring safer digital environments for all. It's crucial to approach these topics with diligence and an open mind to uncover groundbreaking insights.

• Before you begin writing your research paper, make sure you understand the assignment. 
• Your Research Paper Should Have an Engaging Topic 
• Find reputable sources by doing a little research 
• Precisely state your thesis on cybersecurity 
• A rough outline should be developed 
• Finish your paper by writing a draft 
• Make sure that your bibliography is formatted correctly and cites your sources. 

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Studies in the literature have identified and recommended guidelines and recommendations for addressing security usability problems to provide highly usable security. The purpose of such papers is to consolidate existing design guidelines and define an initial core list that can be used for future reference in the field of Cyber Security Research Topics.

The researcher takes advantage of the opportunity to provide an up-to-date analysis of cybersecurity usability issues and evaluation techniques applied so far. As a result of this research paper, researchers and practitioners interested in cybersecurity systems who value human and social design elements are likely to find it useful. You can find KnowledgeHut’s Cyber Security courses online and take maximum advantage of them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Businesses and individuals are changing how they handle cybersecurity as technology changes rapidly - from cloud-based services to new IoT devices. 

Ideally, you should have read many papers and know their structure, what information they contain, and so on if you want to write something of interest to others. 

The field of cyber security is extensive and constantly evolving. Its research covers various subjects, including Quantum & Space, Data Privacy, Criminology & Law, and AI & IoT Security. 

Inmates having the right to work, transportation of concealed weapons, rape and violence in prison, verdicts on plea agreements, rehab versus reform, and how reliable are eyewitnesses? 

Mrinal Prakash

I am a B.Tech Student who blogs about various topics on cyber security and is specialized in web application security

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Research Topics & Ideas: Cybersecurity

50 Topic Ideas To Kickstart Your Research

If you’re just starting out exploring cybersecurity-related topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research by providing a hearty list of cybersecurity-related research topics and ideas , including examples from recent studies.

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . These topic ideas provided here are intentionally broad and generic , so keep in mind that you will need to develop them further. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project.

To develop a suitable research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan to fill that gap. If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Cybersecurity-Related Research Topics

• Developing machine learning algorithms for early detection of cybersecurity threats.
• The use of artificial intelligence in optimizing network traffic for telecommunication companies.
• Investigating the impact of quantum computing on existing encryption methods.
• The application of blockchain technology in securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
• Developing efficient data mining techniques for large-scale social media analytics.
• The role of virtual reality in enhancing online education platforms.
• Investigating the effectiveness of various algorithms in reducing energy consumption in data centers.
• The impact of edge computing on the performance of mobile applications in remote areas.
• The application of computer vision techniques in automated medical diagnostics.
• Developing natural language processing tools for sentiment analysis in customer service.
• The use of augmented reality for training in high-risk industries like oil and gas.
• Investigating the challenges of integrating AI into legacy enterprise systems.
• The role of IT in managing supply chain disruptions during global crises.
• Developing adaptive cybersecurity strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises.
• The impact of 5G technology on the development of smart city solutions.
• The application of machine learning in personalized e-commerce recommendations.
• Investigating the use of cloud computing in improving government service delivery.
• The role of IT in enhancing sustainability in the manufacturing sector.
• Developing advanced algorithms for autonomous vehicle navigation.
• The application of biometrics in enhancing banking security systems.
• Investigating the ethical implications of facial recognition technology.
• The role of data analytics in optimizing healthcare delivery systems.
• Developing IoT solutions for efficient energy management in smart homes.
• The impact of mobile computing on the evolution of e-health services.
• The application of IT in disaster response and management.

Cybersecurity Research Ideas (Continued)

• Assessing the security implications of quantum computing on modern encryption methods.
• The role of artificial intelligence in detecting and preventing phishing attacks.
• Blockchain technology in secure voting systems: opportunities and challenges.
• Cybersecurity strategies for protecting smart grids from targeted attacks.
• Developing a cyber incident response framework for small to medium-sized enterprises.
• The effectiveness of behavioural biometrics in preventing identity theft.
• Securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices in healthcare: risks and solutions.
• Analysis of cyber warfare tactics and their implications on national security.
• Exploring the ethical boundaries of offensive cybersecurity measures.
• Machine learning algorithms for predicting and mitigating DDoS attacks.
• Study of cryptocurrency-related cybercrimes: patterns and prevention strategies.
• Evaluating the impact of GDPR on data breach response strategies in the EU.
• Developing enhanced security protocols for mobile banking applications.
• An examination of cyber espionage tactics and countermeasures.
• The role of human error in cybersecurity breaches: a behavioural analysis.
• Investigating the use of deep fakes in cyber fraud: detection and prevention.
• Cloud computing security: managing risks in multi-tenant environments.
• Next-generation firewalls: evaluating performance and security features.
• The impact of 5G technology on cybersecurity strategies and policies.
• Secure coding practices: reducing vulnerabilities in software development.
• Assessing the role of cyber insurance in mitigating financial losses from cyber attacks.
• Implementing zero trust architecture in corporate networks: challenges and benefits.
• Ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure: case studies and defence strategies.
• Using big data analytics for proactive cyber threat intelligence.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of cybersecurity awareness training in organisations.

Recent Cybersecurity-Related Studies

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual studies in the cybersecurity space to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of recent studies to help refine your thinking. These are actual studies,  so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Cyber Security Vulnerability Detection Using Natural Language Processing (Singh et al., 2022)
• Security for Cloud-Native Systems with an AI-Ops Engine (Ck et al., 2022)
• Overview of Cyber Security (Yadav, 2022)
• Exploring the Top Five Evolving Threats in Cybersecurity: An In-Depth Overview (Mijwil et al., 2023)
• Cyber Security: Strategy to Security Challenges A Review (Nistane & Sharma, 2022)
• A Review Paper on Cyber Security (K & Venkatesh, 2022)
• The Significance of Machine Learning and Deep Learning Techniques in Cybersecurity: A Comprehensive Review (Mijwil, 2023)
• Towards Artificial Intelligence-Based Cybersecurity: The Practices and ChatGPT Generated Ways to Combat Cybercrime (Mijwil et al., 2023)
• ESTABLISHING CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS OF TECHNICAL SECURITY MEASURES THROUGH A SERIOUS GAME (Harding et al., 2022)
• Efficiency Evaluation of Cyber Security Based on EBM-DEA Model (Nguyen et al., 2022)
• An Overview of the Present and Future of User Authentication (Al Kabir & Elmedany, 2022)
• Cybersecurity Enterprises Policies: A Comparative Study (Mishra et al., 2022)
• The Rise of Ransomware: A Review of Attacks, Detection Techniques, and Future Challenges (Kamil et al., 2022)
• On the scale of Cyberspace and Cybersecurity (Pathan, 2022)
• Analysis of techniques and attacking pattern in cyber security approach (Sharma et al., 2022)
• Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Information Security in Business (Alawadhi et al., 2022)
• Deployment of Artificial Intelligence with Bootstrapped Meta-Learning in Cyber Security (Sasikala & Sharma, 2022)
• Optimization of Secure Coding Practices in SDLC as Part of Cybersecurity Framework (Jakimoski et al., 2022)
• CySSS ’22: 1st International Workshop on Cybersecurity and Social Sciences (Chan-Tin & Kennison, 2022)

As you can see, these research topics are a lot more focused than the generic topic ideas we presented earlier. So, for you to develop a high-quality research topic, you’ll need to get specific and laser-focused on a specific context with specific variables of interest.  In the video below, we explore some other important things you’ll need to consider when crafting your research topic.

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If you’re still unsure about how to find a quality research topic, check out our Research Topic Kickstarter service, which is the perfect starting point for developing a unique, well-justified research topic.

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128 High Quality Cybersecurity Research Topics Ideas List

The internet is a global village full of different people. Some people have malicious motives. Once they stumble upon your sensitive data, they will use it to harass you. This also occurs in social media accounts. You may post something and then get some bad or hurtful comments.

That’s a form of cyberbullying that is not acceptable. Therefore, you need to be careful when dealing with people on the internet. Also, try to reduce the data that you expose on your different user profiles. A person may even steal your online identity in a blink of an eye.

Case Situations To Write Cybersecurity Research Paper

Thereby cybersecurity comes in with the motive of defending computers, servers, mobiles, electronic systems, networks, and much more from those malicious attacks. You may need to write a cybersecurity research paper for:

Your final paper, project, thesis, or dissertation. When you are proposing a new strategy to use in your company to prevent cyber-attacks. When you want to bring into light some vulnerabilities being ignored. When you want to do more research and get a better understanding of harassment on the internet.

How To Write Cybersecurity Research Paper

This is the procedure you can use when writing a research paper.

Consult your professor – You will first need to get insights from your professor or teacher on the best way to go about it. You can provide a list of topics you may want to write on for his approval. Brainstorm – Discuss with some like-minded people the best cybersecurity topics to try. You need to be careful to ensure that you choose a topic that you can easily do. Research – Once you settle on a good topic, you can start your research on books, scholarly articles, documentaries, and films to get legit information on your cybersecurity research topic. Jot them down as a draft. Start your paper – Once you are settled with the research, you can use your draft to write a viable research paper. Ensure you follow the right procedure. Proofread the work – Once you are satisfied with your work, consider proofreading it before submitting it.

If you don’t feel like writing research paper yourself, you can get cheap dissertation help from our experts.

Cybersecurity Research Topics

When in high school or college, you need to strive to get good grades. You can use any of these cybersecurity research topics for your paper. Just ensure to do enough research on the concepts.

• The significance of a firewall in the protection of the network.
• Discuss the process of authentication.
• The loss and restoration of data.
• The best data encryption algorithms.
• The best methods to protect your network.
• Evaluate digital piracy and security.
• The significance of social engineering.
• The significance of software updates in devices.
• The major causes of cybersecurity.
• The safety of biometrics.
• The worst cases of IoT hacking.

Cybersecurity Research Paper Topics

Cybersecurity is wide and inexhaustible. Each day, cybercrime are occurring, leading to research on better ways to protect ourselves online. You can use any of these topics for your research paper or project.

• The advantages and disadvantages of unified user profiles.
• The relation between bots and cybersecurity.
• The major cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
• Evaluate digital piracy and its effects on creativity.
• How has automotive hacking grown over the years?
• Evaluate ethical hacking.
• Evolution of phishing over time.
• The best antivirus software currently being used.
• The trends in cybersecurity technology.
• How biometrics is helping in cybersecurity?
• The occurrence of cybersecurity in spoofing.

Cybersecurity Research Topics For Research Papers

Are you in the IT profession? Have you done your project yet? Then you can consider using any of these cybersecurity research topics. They are all ideal and based on current matters.

• The rise of identity theft on the internet.
• Why are more people getting into computer forensics?
• The major threats found using digital forensic techniques.
• The best VPNs in the world that will hide your IP on the internet.
• The disadvantages of exposure of your IP address to the public.
• The major A.I. security systems.
• The centralization of data storage.
• How to identify malicious activity on your devices.
• The safety of a network.
• The applications of network segmentation.
• The major challenges in IT risk management.

PhD Research Topics In Cybersecurity

Are you currently doing your Ph.D.? You can use any of these cybersecurity topics for your paper. They are all based on current matters. There are available resources that you can use to get data.

• The best approach for connected autonomous vehicles.
• The best methods for cognitive cybersecurity.
• The most innovative methods being used to determine the viability of deep learning based on the cybersecurity log analytics system.
• The significance of not sharing sensitive data on social media networks.
• Evaluate cookies on privacy.
• The different types of hackers.
• The disadvantages of Wi-Fi hacking apps on mobile phones.
• The major cyber-attack concepts.
• The best way to develop credible internet security software.
• How to scan malware on your pc.
• Evaluate twitter’s access control policy.

Research Topics In Cybersecurity

You can use any of these research topics in cybersecurity for your papers. You can derive data from some other scholarly articles, documentaries, films, and books. Information about cybersecurity gets updated daily.

• The attack of ransomware.
• The effects of RSA on any network’s security.
• The significance of cloud security.
• How do data leaks occur on mobile apps?
• The effects of a black hole on a network system.
• The significance of applications logging.
• How to detect malicious activities on Google Play apps.
• The best way to check security protocols.
• How does network security deal with cybercrime?
• The network security monitoring process.
• The dangers and flaws of the internet.

Best Research Topics In Cybersecurity

How confident are you about your knowledge of cybersecurity? Then you can consider using any of these topics to test your knowledge capacity. Give it your best to get top grades.

• Initiatives that can be taken to check the growth of cyber hackers.
• The difference between white and black hat hackers.
• How does network intrusion occur and its prevention?
• The authentication processes.
• The most common vulnerabilities.
• The different types of cybercrime.
• The major pandemics caused by cyber viruses.
• The significance of software updates and patches.
• The common laws against cybercrime in the world.
• The best way to suppress the ransomware attack rate.
• The significance of a keylogger.

Hot Topics Cybersecurity Research

These are some of the hottest topics in cybersecurity. You just need to find an ideal topic, do research, jot down the points, and start your research paper.

• The best way to ensure you are safe when downloading files on the internet.
• The best device synchronization and protection methods.
• How can you detect bots on the internet?
• The relation between internet cookies with cybersecurity.
• How are IOS-based apps less prone to ransomware attacks?
• Is it possible for computer hardware to face a cyber-attack?
• The algorithms of data encryption.
• The significance of investing in a strong anti-malware.
• How do encrypting viruses work?
• How do the reverse engineering and vulnerabilities analysis work?

Great Topics For Cybersecurity Research Papers

There are a lot of vulnerabilities on the internet. These great topics for cybersecurity can make you more knowledgeable about the current trends.

• Risk management in computing.
• The most common causes of a data breach in the 21 st
• The best way to protect your device and synchronize the data.
• The significance of computer forensics in the current digital era.
• The major implications of ethical hacking.
• The motivations behind cybercrimes like identity theft.
• The major components of IT and data governance.
• The most secure user authentication methods.
• The threats of digital piracy.
• The significance of device synchronization.

Cybersecurity And Law Research Topics

Did you know that certain laws govern cybersecurity? Then you can use these cybersecurity and law research topics to get a deeper understanding.

• Data and cybersecurity in IoT.
• The correlation between big data analysis with IoT.
• Evaluate Software Defined Network.
• The best tools for excellent email security.
• How to prevent cybercrimes.
• How do phishing scams occur?
• The significance of using strong passwords.
• The worst data breaches of all time.
• How do malicious people use other people’s identities to their benefit?
• How to remove malware from a computer.

Research Topics On Cybersecurity

There are different internet vulnerabilities in the world. Thereby, you can use these research topics on cybersecurity to understand how your security can be compromised on the internet.

• Evaluate botnets in the current world.
• Evaluate a brute force attack.
• The risks of connecting your device to a public wireless network.
• How to secure removable media.
• The occurrence of credit card fraud.
• The most recent cloud security threats.
• The significance of implementing multifactor authentication.
• How is online slandering a cybercrime?
• Email sender spoofing process.
• Stress is caused by periodic cyberbullying.

Cybersecurity Research Topic

Have you ever faced any cyber-attack? How was the experience? These are great topics that can help you become more knowledgeable.

• How to protect yourself from cyberbullying.
• The best security measures to input on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• How dangerous is cyberstalking?
• Can cyber harassment be termed a crime?
• The major dangers of public Wi-Fi networks.
• Is it possible to identify a phishing attack?
• The best mobile protection methods on your smartphone.
• Malware and how it occurs.
• The best practices to secure your Home Wi-Fi.
• The advantages and disadvantages of antivirus software.

Topic On Cybersecurity

As a student, you need to up your game, to ensure you provide custom work that your teacher or professor will be happy about. Just try any of these topics on cybersecurity.

• The endpoint attacks on devices.
• The dangers posed by tracking cookies.
• The role of backups on your device’s data.
• Evaluate security patches.
• Is it important to read the software terms and conditions?
• Are there any malicious apps on the Google Play Store and Apple Store?
• Evaluate SQL injection attacks.
• The best way to keep your personal information safe.
• The vulnerabilities found in multifactor authentication.
• How to protect your computer.
• How to authenticate on your devices.

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75 Cyber Security Research Topics in 2024

Introduction to Cybersecurity Research

Cybersecurity research aims to protect computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorised access, theft, or damage. It involves studying and developing methods and techniques to identify, understand, and mitigate cyber threats and vulnerabilities. 

The field can be divided into theoretical and applied research and faces challenges such as

• Increasing complexity 
• New forms of malware 
• The growing sophistication of cyber attacks

On a daily basis, approximately 2,200 cyber attacks occur, with an average of one cyber attack happening every 39 seconds. This is the reason why researchers must stay up-to-date and collaborate with others in the field. 

In this article, let’s discuss the different cybersecurity research topics and how they will help you become an expert in the field.

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Here are some of the latest research topics in cyber security – 

Emerging Cyber Threats and Vulnerabilities in 2024

Continual technological advancements lead to changes in cybersecurity trends, with data breaches, ransomware, and hacks becoming more prevalent. 

• Cyber Attacks and Their Countermeasures – Discuss – This research paper will discuss various cyber attacks and their corresponding countermeasures. It aims to provide insights on how organisations can better protect themselves from cyber threats.
• Is Cryptography Necessary for Cybersecurity Applications? – Explore the role of cryptography in ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and information in cybersecurity. It would examine the various cryptographic techniques used in cybersecurity and their effectiveness in protecting against cyber threats.

Here are some other cyber security topics that you may consider – 

• Discuss the Application of Cyber Security for Cloud-based Applications 
• Data Analytics Tools in Cybersecurity
• Malware Analysis
• What Are the Behavioural Aspects of Cyber Security? 
• Role of Cyber Security on Intelligent Transporation Systems
• How to Stop and Spot Different Types of Malware?

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Machine Learning and AI in Cybersecurity Research

Machine learning and AI are research topics in cybersecurity, aiming to develop algorithms for threat detection, enhance intelligence and automate risk mitigation. However, security risks like adversarial attacks require attention.

• Using AI/ML to Analyse Cyber Threats – This cyber security research paper analyses cyber threats and could include an overview of the current state of cyber threats and how AI/ML can help with threat detection and response. The paper could also discuss the challenges and limitations of using AI/ML in cybersecurity and potential areas for further research.

Here are some other topics to consider – 

• Developing Cognitive Systems for Cyber Threat Detection and Response
• Developing Distributed Ai Systems to Enhance Cybersecurity
• Developing Deep Learning Architectures for Cyber Defence
• Exploring the Use of Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience in Enhancing Security and Privacy
• How is Cyber Security Relevant for Everyone? Discuss
• Discuss the Importance of Network Traffic Analysis
• How to Build an App to Break Ceasar Cipher

You can check out the Advanced Certificate Programme in Cyber Security course by upGrad, which will help students become experts in cyber security. 

IoT Security and Privacy

IoT security and privacy research aim to develop secure and privacy-preserving architectures, protocols, and algorithms for IoT devices, including encryption, access control, and secure communication. The challenge is to balance security with usability while addressing the risk of cyber-attacks and compromised privacy.

• Service Orchestration and Routing for IoT – It may focus on developing efficient and secure methods for managing and routing traffic between IoT devices and services. The paper may explore different approaches for optimising service orchestration. 
• Efficient Resource Management, Energy Harvesting, and Power Consumption in IoT – This paper may focus on developing strategies to improve energy use efficiency in IoT devices. This may involve investigating the use of energy harvesting technologies, optimising resource allocation and management, and exploring methods to reduce power consumption.

Here are some other cyber security project topics to consider – 

• Computation and Communication Gateways for IoT
• The Miniaturisation of Sensors, Cpus, and Networks in IoT
• Big Data Analytics in IoT
• Semantic Technologies in IoT
• Virtualisation in IoT
• Privacy, Security, Trust, Identity, and Anonymity in IoT
• Heterogeneity, Dynamics, and Scale in IoT
• Consequences of Leaving Unlocked Devices Unattended

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Blockchain security: research challenges and opportunities.

Blockchain security research aims to develop secure and decentralised architectures, consensus algorithms, and privacy-preserving techniques while addressing challenges such as smart contract security and consensus manipulation. Opportunities include transparent supply chain management and decentralised identity management.

• Advanced Cryptographic Technologies in the Blockchain – Explore the latest advancements and emerging trends in cryptographic techniques used in blockchain-based systems. It could also analyse the security and privacy implications of these technologies and discuss their potential impact. 
• Applications of Smart Contracts in Blockchain – Explore the various use cases and potential benefits of using smart contracts to automate and secure business processes. It could also examine the challenges and limitations of smart contracts and propose potential solutions for these issues.

Here are some other topics – 

• Ensuring Data Consistency, Transparency, and Privacy in the Blockchain
• Emerging Blockchain Models for Digital Currencies
• Blockchain for Advanced Information Governance Models
• The Role of Blockchain in Future Wireless Mobile Networks
• Law and Regulation Issues in the Blockchain
• Transaction Processing and Modification in the Blockchain
• Collaboration of Big Data With Blockchain Networks

Cloud Security: Trends and Innovations in Research

Cloud security research aims to develop innovative techniques and technologies for securing cloud computing environments, including threat detection with AI, SECaaS, encryption and access control, secure backup and disaster recovery, container security, and blockchain-based solutions. The goal is to ensure the security, privacy, and integrity of cloud-based data and applications for organisations.

• Posture Management in Cloud Security – Discuss the importance of identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in cloud-based systems and strategies for maintaining a secure posture over time. This could include topics such as threat modelling, risk assessment, access control, and continuous monitoring.
• Are Cloud Services 100% Secure?
• What is the Importance of Cloud Security?
• Cloud Security Service to Identify Unauthorised User Behaviour
• Preventing Theft-of-service Attacks and Ensuring Cloud Security on Virtual Machines
• Security Requirements for Cloud Computing
• Privacy and Security of Cloud Computing

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Cybercrime investigations and forensics.

Cybercrime investigations and forensics involve analysing digital evidence to identify and prosecute cybercriminals, including developing new data recovery, analysis, and preservation techniques. Research also focuses on identifying cybercriminals and improving legal and regulatory frameworks for prosecuting cybercrime.

• Black Hat and White Hat Hacking: Comparison and Contrast – Explore the similarities and differences between these two approaches to hacking. It would examine the motivations and methods of both types of hackers and their impact on cybersecurity.
• Legal Requirements for Computer Forensics Laboratories
• Wireless Hacking Techniques: Emerging Technologies and Mitigation Strategies
• Cyber Crime: Current Issues and Threats
• Computer Forensics in Law Enforcement: Importance and Challenges
• Basic Procedures for Computer Forensics and Investigations
• Digital Forensic Examination of Counterfeit Documents: Techniques and Tools
• Cybersecurity and Cybercrime: Understanding the Nature and Scope

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Cybersecurity Policy and Regulations

Cybersecurity policy and regulations research aims to develop laws, regulations, and guidelines to ensure the security and privacy of digital systems and data, including addressing gaps in existing policies, promoting international cooperation, and developing standards and best practices for cybersecurity. The goal is to protect digital systems and data while promoting innovation and growth in the digital economy.

• The Ethicality of Government Access to Citizens’ Data – Explore the ethical considerations surrounding government access to citizens’ data for surveillance and security purposes, analysing the potential risks and benefits and the legal and social implications of such access. 
• The Moral Permissibility of Using Music Streaming Services – Explore the ethical implications of using music streaming services, examining issues such as intellectual property rights, artist compensation, and the environmental impact of streaming. 
• Real Name Requirements on Internet Forums
• Restrictions to Prevent Domain Speculation
• Regulating Adult Content Visibility on the Internet
• Justification for Illegal Downloading
• Adapting Law Enforcement to Online Technologies
• Balancing Data Privacy With Convenience and Centralisation
• Understanding the Nature and Dangers of Cyber Terrorism

Human Factors in Cybersecurity

Human factors in cybersecurity research study how human behaviour impacts cybersecurity, including designing interfaces, developing security training, addressing user error and negligence, and examining cybersecurity’s social and cultural aspects. The goal is to improve security by mitigating human-related security risks.

• Review the Human Factors in Cybersecurity –  It explores various human factors such as awareness, behaviour, training, and culture and their influence on cybersecurity, offering insights and recommendations for improving cybersecurity outcomes.
• Integrating Human Factors in Cybersecurity for Better Risk Management
• Address the Human Factors in Cybersecurity Leadership
• Human Factors in IoT Security
• Internal Vulnerabilities: the Human Factor in It Security
• Cyber Security Human Factors – the Ultimate List of Statistics and Data

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Cybersecurity education and awareness.

Cybersecurity education and awareness aims to educate individuals and organisations about potential cybersecurity threats and best practices to prevent cyber attacks. It involves promoting safe online behaviour, training on cybersecurity protocols, and raising awareness about emerging cyber threats.

• Identifying Phishing Attacks – This research paper explores various techniques and tools to identify and prevent phishing attacks, which are common types of cyber attacks that rely on social engineering tactics to trick victims into divulging sensitive information or installing malware on their devices.
• Risks of Password Reuse for Personal and Professional Accounts – Investigate the risks associated with reusing the same password across different personal and professional accounts, such as the possibility of credential stuffing attacks and the impact of compromised accounts on organisational security. 
• Effective Defence Against Ransomware
• Information Access Management: Privilege and Need-to-know Access
• Protecting Sensitive Data on Removable Media
• Recognising Social Engineering Attacks
• Preventing Unauthorised Access to Secure Areas: Detecting Piggybacking and Tailgating
• E-mail Attack and Its Characteristics
• Safe Wifi Practice: Understanding VPN

With the increasing use of digital systems and networks, avoiding potential cyber-attacks is more important than ever. The 75 research topics outlined in this list offer a glimpse into the different dimensions of this important field. By focusing on these areas, researchers can make significant contributions to enhancing the security and safety of individuals, organisations, and society as a whole.

upGrad’s Master of Science in Computer Science program is one of the top courses students can complete to become experts in the field of tech and cyber security. The program covers topics such as Java Programming and other forms of software engineering which will help students understand the latest technologies and techniques used in cyber security. 

The program also includes hands-on projects and case studies to ensure students have practical experience in applying these concepts. Graduates will be well-equipped to take on challenging roles in the rapidly growing field of cyber security.

Pavan Vadapalli

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Artificial intelligence (AI) has proved to be an effective tool in cyber defence. AI is anticipated to gain even more prominence in 2024, mainly in monitoring, resource and threat analysis, and quick response capabilities.

One area of focus is the development of secure quantum and space communications to address the increasing use of quantum technologies and space travel. Another area of research is improving data privacy.

The approach to cybersecurity is expected to change from defending against attacks to acknowledging and managing ongoing cyber risks. The focus will be on improving resilience and recovering from potential cyber incidents.

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Eroding Trust in Government: What Games, Surveys, and Scenarios Reveal about Alternative Cyber Futures

In the future, malign actors will seek to undermine trust in government through disrupting basic needs and services such as food aid and medical assistance, in place of costly offensive cyber campaigns.

Report by Yasir Atalan, Benjamin Jensen, and Jose M. Macias III — April 8, 2024

TikTok and National Security

Commentary by James Andrew Lewis — March 13, 2024

Government Use of Deepfakes

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The New Executive Order on Personal Data

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Counterspace Trends: An Evolving Global Landscape

Please join scholars from CSIS’s Aerospace Security Project and the Secure World Foundation as they discuss the latest counterspace weapons trends.

Event — April 17, 2024

A short, spoken-word summary from CSIS’s Yasir Atalan on his report with Benjamin Jensen and Jose M. Macias III, Eroding Trust in Government: What Games, Surveys, and Scenarios Reveal about Alternative Cyber Futures. 

In the last episode of the podcast, host Jim Lewis talks to Arun Gupta, a venture capitalist, lecturer, entrepreneur and author of ‘ Venture Meets Mission’ . They discuss the landscape of venture capital and government collaboration, tech innovation and overcoming a risk-averse culture.

The House of Representatives' recent decision on TikTok highlights concerns about its potential national security risks. This commentary highlights why the United States needs to reassess its technological connection to its largest competitor, China.

Will the lure of deepfakes prove irresistible to democratic governments? What questions should governments ask—and who in government should be asking them—when a deepfake is being considered?

A short, spoken-word summary from CSIS’s Daniel Byman on his report with Daniel W. Linna Jr. and V.S. Subrahmanian,  Government Use of Deepfakes: The Questions to Ask.

This commentary analyzes Biden's executive order on safeguarding sensitive personal data, potentially compensating for Congress's lapse in privacy legislation, though practical challenges may arise given the era of increased espionage risks from Russia and China.

Byron Tau joins the podcast to discuss his new book “ Means of Control: How the Hidden Alliance of Tech and Government is Creating a New Surveillance State ."

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This commentary discusses navigating the sea of risks in defending against the malicious use of quantum technologies .

Commentary by Zhanna L. Malekos Smith — February 20, 2024

Cyber risk and cybersecurity: a systematic review of data availability

• Open access
• Published: 17 February 2022
• Volume 47 , pages 698–736, ( 2022 )

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• Frank Cremer 1 ,
• Barry Sheehan   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-4592-7558 1 ,
• Michael Fortmann 2 ,
• Arash N. Kia 1 ,
• Martin Mullins 1 ,
• Finbarr Murphy 1 &
• Stefan Materne 2  

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Cybercrime is estimated to have cost the global economy just under USD 1 trillion in 2020, indicating an increase of more than 50% since 2018. With the average cyber insurance claim rising from USD 145,000 in 2019 to USD 359,000 in 2020, there is a growing necessity for better cyber information sources, standardised databases, mandatory reporting and public awareness. This research analyses the extant academic and industry literature on cybersecurity and cyber risk management with a particular focus on data availability. From a preliminary search resulting in 5219 cyber peer-reviewed studies, the application of the systematic methodology resulted in 79 unique datasets. We posit that the lack of available data on cyber risk poses a serious problem for stakeholders seeking to tackle this issue. In particular, we identify a lacuna in open databases that undermine collective endeavours to better manage this set of risks. The resulting data evaluation and categorisation will support cybersecurity researchers and the insurance industry in their efforts to comprehend, metricise and manage cyber risks.

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Introduction

Globalisation, digitalisation and smart technologies have escalated the propensity and severity of cybercrime. Whilst it is an emerging field of research and industry, the importance of robust cybersecurity defence systems has been highlighted at the corporate, national and supranational levels. The impacts of inadequate cybersecurity are estimated to have cost the global economy USD 945 billion in 2020 (Maleks Smith et al. 2020 ). Cyber vulnerabilities pose significant corporate risks, including business interruption, breach of privacy and financial losses (Sheehan et al. 2019 ). Despite the increasing relevance for the international economy, the availability of data on cyber risks remains limited. The reasons for this are many. Firstly, it is an emerging and evolving risk; therefore, historical data sources are limited (Biener et al. 2015 ). It could also be due to the fact that, in general, institutions that have been hacked do not publish the incidents (Eling and Schnell 2016 ). The lack of data poses challenges for many areas, such as research, risk management and cybersecurity (Falco et al. 2019 ). The importance of this topic is demonstrated by the announcement of the European Council in April 2021 that a centre of excellence for cybersecurity will be established to pool investments in research, technology and industrial development. The goal of this centre is to increase the security of the internet and other critical network and information systems (European Council 2021 ).

This research takes a risk management perspective, focusing on cyber risk and considering the role of cybersecurity and cyber insurance in risk mitigation and risk transfer. The study reviews the existing literature and open data sources related to cybersecurity and cyber risk. This is the first systematic review of data availability in the general context of cyber risk and cybersecurity. By identifying and critically analysing the available datasets, this paper supports the research community by aggregating, summarising and categorising all available open datasets. In addition, further information on datasets is attached to provide deeper insights and support stakeholders engaged in cyber risk control and cybersecurity. Finally, this research paper highlights the need for open access to cyber-specific data, without price or permission barriers.

The identified open data can support cyber insurers in their efforts on sustainable product development. To date, traditional risk assessment methods have been untenable for insurance companies due to the absence of historical claims data (Sheehan et al. 2021 ). These high levels of uncertainty mean that cyber insurers are more inclined to overprice cyber risk cover (Kshetri 2018 ). Combining external data with insurance portfolio data therefore seems to be essential to improve the evaluation of the risk and thus lead to risk-adjusted pricing (Bessy-Roland et al. 2021 ). This argument is also supported by the fact that some re/insurers reported that they are working to improve their cyber pricing models (e.g. by creating or purchasing databases from external providers) (EIOPA 2018 ). Figure  1 provides an overview of pricing tools and factors considered in the estimation of cyber insurance based on the findings of EIOPA ( 2018 ) and the research of Romanosky et al. ( 2019 ). The term cyber risk refers to all cyber risks and their potential impact.

An overview of the current cyber insurance informational and methodological landscape, adapted from EIOPA ( 2018 ) and Romanosky et al. ( 2019 )

Besides the advantage of risk-adjusted pricing, the availability of open datasets helps companies benchmark their internal cyber posture and cybersecurity measures. The research can also help to improve risk awareness and corporate behaviour. Many companies still underestimate their cyber risk (Leong and Chen 2020 ). For policymakers, this research offers starting points for a comprehensive recording of cyber risks. Although in many countries, companies are obliged to report data breaches to the respective supervisory authority, this information is usually not accessible to the research community. Furthermore, the economic impact of these breaches is usually unclear.

As well as the cyber risk management community, this research also supports cybersecurity stakeholders. Researchers are provided with an up-to-date, peer-reviewed literature of available datasets showing where these datasets have been used. For example, this includes datasets that have been used to evaluate the effectiveness of countermeasures in simulated cyberattacks or to test intrusion detection systems. This reduces a time-consuming search for suitable datasets and ensures a comprehensive review of those available. Through the dataset descriptions, researchers and industry stakeholders can compare and select the most suitable datasets for their purposes. In addition, it is possible to combine the datasets from one source in the context of cybersecurity or cyber risk. This supports efficient and timely progress in cyber risk research and is beneficial given the dynamic nature of cyber risks.

Cyber risks are defined as “operational risks to information and technology assets that have consequences affecting the confidentiality, availability, and/or integrity of information or information systems” (Cebula et al. 2014 ). Prominent cyber risk events include data breaches and cyberattacks (Agrafiotis et al. 2018 ). The increasing exposure and potential impact of cyber risk have been highlighted in recent industry reports (e.g. Allianz 2021 ; World Economic Forum 2020 ). Cyberattacks on critical infrastructures are ranked 5th in the World Economic Forum's Global Risk Report. Ransomware, malware and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) are examples of the evolving modes of a cyberattack. One example is the ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline, which shut down the 5500 mile pipeline system that delivers 2.5 million barrels of fuel per day and critical liquid fuel infrastructure from oil refineries to states along the U.S. East Coast (Brower and McCormick 2021 ). These and other cyber incidents have led the U.S. to strengthen its cybersecurity and introduce, among other things, a public body to analyse major cyber incidents and make recommendations to prevent a recurrence (Murphey 2021a ). Another example of the scope of cyberattacks is the ransomware NotPetya in 2017. The damage amounted to USD 10 billion, as the ransomware exploited a vulnerability in the windows system, allowing it to spread independently worldwide in the network (GAO 2021 ). In the same year, the ransomware WannaCry was launched by cybercriminals. The cyberattack on Windows software took user data hostage in exchange for Bitcoin cryptocurrency (Smart 2018 ). The victims included the National Health Service in Great Britain. As a result, ambulances were redirected to other hospitals because of information technology (IT) systems failing, leaving people in need of urgent assistance waiting. It has been estimated that 19,000 cancelled treatment appointments resulted from losses of GBP 92 million (Field 2018 ). Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ransomware attacks increased significantly, as working from home arrangements increased vulnerability (Murphey 2021b ).

Besides cyberattacks, data breaches can also cause high costs. Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), companies are obliged to protect personal data and safeguard the data protection rights of all individuals in the EU area. The GDPR allows data protection authorities in each country to impose sanctions and fines on organisations they find in breach. “For data breaches, the maximum fine can be €20 million or 4% of global turnover, whichever is higher” (GDPR.EU 2021 ). Data breaches often involve a large amount of sensitive data that has been accessed, unauthorised, by external parties, and are therefore considered important for information security due to their far-reaching impact (Goode et al. 2017 ). A data breach is defined as a “security incident in which sensitive, protected, or confidential data are copied, transmitted, viewed, stolen, or used by an unauthorized individual” (Freeha et al. 2021 ). Depending on the amount of data, the extent of the damage caused by a data breach can be significant, with the average cost being USD 392 million Footnote 1 (IBM Security 2020 ).

This research paper reviews the existing literature and open data sources related to cybersecurity and cyber risk, focusing on the datasets used to improve academic understanding and advance the current state-of-the-art in cybersecurity. Furthermore, important information about the available datasets is presented (e.g. use cases), and a plea is made for open data and the standardisation of cyber risk data for academic comparability and replication. The remainder of the paper is structured as follows. The next section describes the related work regarding cybersecurity and cyber risks. The third section outlines the review method used in this work and the process. The fourth section details the results of the identified literature. Further discussion is presented in the penultimate section and the final section concludes.

Related work

Due to the significance of cyber risks, several literature reviews have been conducted in this field. Eling ( 2020 ) reviewed the existing academic literature on the topic of cyber risk and cyber insurance from an economic perspective. A total of 217 papers with the term ‘cyber risk’ were identified and classified in different categories. As a result, open research questions are identified, showing that research on cyber risks is still in its infancy because of their dynamic and emerging nature. Furthermore, the author highlights that particular focus should be placed on the exchange of information between public and private actors. An improved information flow could help to measure the risk more accurately and thus make cyber risks more insurable and help risk managers to determine the right level of cyber risk for their company. In the context of cyber insurance data, Romanosky et al. ( 2019 ) analysed the underwriting process for cyber insurance and revealed how cyber insurers understand and assess cyber risks. For this research, they examined 235 American cyber insurance policies that were publicly available and looked at three components (coverage, application questionnaires and pricing). The authors state in their findings that many of the insurers used very simple, flat-rate pricing (based on a single calculation of expected loss), while others used more parameters such as the asset value of the company (or company revenue) or standard insurance metrics (e.g. deductible, limits), and the industry in the calculation. This is in keeping with Eling ( 2020 ), who states that an increased amount of data could help to make cyber risk more accurately measured and thus more insurable. Similar research on cyber insurance and data was conducted by Nurse et al. ( 2020 ). The authors examined cyber insurance practitioners' perceptions and the challenges they face in collecting and using data. In addition, gaps were identified during the research where further data is needed. The authors concluded that cyber insurance is still in its infancy, and there are still several unanswered questions (for example, cyber valuation, risk calculation and recovery). They also pointed out that a better understanding of data collection and use in cyber insurance would be invaluable for future research and practice. Bessy-Roland et al. ( 2021 ) come to a similar conclusion. They proposed a multivariate Hawkes framework to model and predict the frequency of cyberattacks. They used a public dataset with characteristics of data breaches affecting the U.S. industry. In the conclusion, the authors make the argument that an insurer has a better knowledge of cyber losses, but that it is based on a small dataset and therefore combination with external data sources seems essential to improve the assessment of cyber risks.

Several systematic reviews have been published in the area of cybersecurity (Kruse et al. 2017 ; Lee et al. 2020 ; Loukas et al. 2013 ; Ulven and Wangen 2021 ). In these papers, the authors concentrated on a specific area or sector in the context of cybersecurity. This paper adds to this extant literature by focusing on data availability and its importance to risk management and insurance stakeholders. With a priority on healthcare and cybersecurity, Kruse et al. ( 2017 ) conducted a systematic literature review. The authors identified 472 articles with the keywords ‘cybersecurity and healthcare’ or ‘ransomware’ in the databases Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed and Proquest. Articles were eligible for this review if they satisfied three criteria: (1) they were published between 2006 and 2016, (2) the full-text version of the article was available, and (3) the publication is a peer-reviewed or scholarly journal. The authors found that technological development and federal policies (in the U.S.) are the main factors exposing the health sector to cyber risks. Loukas et al. ( 2013 ) conducted a review with a focus on cyber risks and cybersecurity in emergency management. The authors provided an overview of cyber risks in communication, sensor, information management and vehicle technologies used in emergency management and showed areas for which there is still no solution in the literature. Similarly, Ulven and Wangen ( 2021 ) reviewed the literature on cybersecurity risks in higher education institutions. For the literature review, the authors used the keywords ‘cyber’, ‘information threats’ or ‘vulnerability’ in connection with the terms ‘higher education, ‘university’ or ‘academia’. A similar literature review with a focus on Internet of Things (IoT) cybersecurity was conducted by Lee et al. ( 2020 ). The review revealed that qualitative approaches focus on high-level frameworks, and quantitative approaches to cybersecurity risk management focus on risk assessment and quantification of cyberattacks and impacts. In addition, the findings presented a four-step IoT cyber risk management framework that identifies, quantifies and prioritises cyber risks.

Datasets are an essential part of cybersecurity research, underlined by the following works. Ilhan Firat et al. ( 2021 ) examined various cybersecurity datasets in detail. The study was motivated by the fact that with the proliferation of the internet and smart technologies, the mode of cyberattacks is also evolving. However, in order to prevent such attacks, they must first be detected; the dissemination and further development of cybersecurity datasets is therefore critical. In their work, the authors observed studies of datasets used in intrusion detection systems. Khraisat et al. ( 2019 ) also identified a need for new datasets in the context of cybersecurity. The researchers presented a taxonomy of current intrusion detection systems, a comprehensive review of notable recent work, and an overview of the datasets commonly used for assessment purposes. In their conclusion, the authors noted that new datasets are needed because most machine-learning techniques are trained and evaluated on the knowledge of old datasets. These datasets do not contain new and comprehensive information and are partly derived from datasets from 1999. The authors noted that the core of this issue is the availability of new public datasets as well as their quality. The availability of data, how it is used, created and shared was also investigated by Zheng et al. ( 2018 ). The researchers analysed 965 cybersecurity research papers published between 2012 and 2016. They created a taxonomy of the types of data that are created and shared and then analysed the data collected via datasets. The researchers concluded that while datasets are recognised as valuable for cybersecurity research, the proportion of publicly available datasets is limited.

The main contributions of this review and what differentiates it from previous studies can be summarised as follows. First, as far as we can tell, it is the first work to summarise all available datasets on cyber risk and cybersecurity in the context of a systematic review and present them to the scientific community and cyber insurance and cybersecurity stakeholders. Second, we investigated, analysed, and made available the datasets to support efficient and timely progress in cyber risk research. And third, we enable comparability of datasets so that the appropriate dataset can be selected depending on the research area.

Methodology

Process and eligibility criteria.

The structure of this systematic review is inspired by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework (Page et al. 2021 ), and the search was conducted from 3 to 10 May 2021. Due to the continuous development of cyber risks and their countermeasures, only articles published in the last 10 years were considered. In addition, only articles published in peer-reviewed journals written in English were included. As a final criterion, only articles that make use of one or more cybersecurity or cyber risk datasets met the inclusion criteria. Specifically, these studies presented new or existing datasets, used them for methods, or used them to verify new results, as well as analysed them in an economic context and pointed out their effects. The criterion was fulfilled if it was clearly stated in the abstract that one or more datasets were used. A detailed explanation of this selection criterion can be found in the ‘Study selection’ section.

Information sources

In order to cover a complete spectrum of literature, various databases were queried to collect relevant literature on the topic of cybersecurity and cyber risks. Due to the spread of related articles across multiple databases, the literature search was limited to the following four databases for simplicity: IEEE Xplore, Scopus, SpringerLink and Web of Science. This is similar to other literature reviews addressing cyber risks or cybersecurity, including Sardi et al. ( 2021 ), Franke and Brynielsson ( 2014 ), Lagerström (2019), Eling and Schnell ( 2016 ) and Eling ( 2020 ). In this paper, all databases used in the aforementioned works were considered. However, only two studies also used all the databases listed. The IEEE Xplore database contains electrical engineering, computer science, and electronics work from over 200 journals and three million conference papers (IEEE 2021 ). Scopus includes 23,400 peer-reviewed journals from more than 5000 international publishers in the areas of science, engineering, medicine, social sciences and humanities (Scopus 2021 ). SpringerLink contains 3742 journals and indexes over 10 million scientific documents (SpringerLink 2021 ). Finally, Web of Science indexes over 9200 journals in different scientific disciplines (Science 2021 ).

A search string was created and applied to all databases. To make the search efficient and reproducible, the following search string with Boolean operator was used in all databases: cybersecurity OR cyber risk AND dataset OR database. To ensure uniformity of the search across all databases, some adjustments had to be made for the respective search engines. In Scopus, for example, the Advanced Search was used, and the field code ‘Title-ABS-KEY’ was integrated into the search string. For IEEE Xplore, the search was carried out with the Search String in the Command Search and ‘All Metadata’. In the Web of Science database, the Advanced Search was used. The special feature of this search was that it had to be carried out in individual steps. The first search was carried out with the terms cybersecurity OR cyber risk with the field tag Topic (T.S. =) and the second search with dataset OR database. Subsequently, these searches were combined, which then delivered the searched articles for review. For SpringerLink, the search string was used in the Advanced Search under the category ‘Find the resources with all of the words’. After conducting this search string, 5219 studies could be found. According to the eligibility criteria (period, language and only scientific journals), 1581 studies were identified in the databases:

Scopus: 135

Springer Link: 548

Web of Science: 534

An overview of the process is given in Fig.  2 . Combined with the results from the four databases, 854 articles without duplicates were identified.

Literature search process and categorisation of the studies

Study selection

In the final step of the selection process, the articles were screened for relevance. Due to a large number of results, the abstracts were analysed in the first step of the process. The aim was to determine whether the article was relevant for the systematic review. An article fulfilled the criterion if it was recognisable in the abstract that it had made a contribution to datasets or databases with regard to cyber risks or cybersecurity. Specifically, the criterion was considered to be met if the abstract used datasets that address the causes or impacts of cyber risks, and measures in the area of cybersecurity. In this process, the number of articles was reduced to 288. The articles were then read in their entirety, and an expert panel of six people decided whether they should be used. This led to a final number of 255 articles. The years in which the articles were published and the exact number can be seen in Fig.  3 .

Distribution of studies

Data collection process and synthesis of the results

For the data collection process, various data were extracted from the studies, including the names of the respective creators, the name of the dataset or database and the corresponding reference. It was also determined where the data came from. In the context of accessibility, it was determined whether access is free, controlled, available for purchase or not available. It was also determined when the datasets were created and the time period referenced. The application type and domain characteristics of the datasets were identified.

This section analyses the results of the systematic literature review. The previously identified studies are divided into three categories: datasets on the causes of cyber risks, datasets on the effects of cyber risks and datasets on cybersecurity. The classification is based on the intended use of the studies. This system of classification makes it easier for stakeholders to find the appropriate datasets. The categories are evaluated individually. Although complete information is available for a large proportion of datasets, this is not true for all of them. Accordingly, the abbreviation N/A has been inserted in the respective characters to indicate that this information could not be determined by the time of submission. The term ‘use cases in the literature’ in the following and supplementary tables refers to the application areas in which the corresponding datasets were used in the literature. The areas listed there refer to the topic area on which the researchers conducted their research. Since some datasets were used interdisciplinarily, the listed use cases in the literature are correspondingly longer. Before discussing each category in the next sections, Fig.  4 provides an overview of the number of datasets found and their year of creation. Figure  5 then shows the relationship between studies and datasets in the period under consideration. Figure  6 shows the distribution of studies, their use of datasets and their creation date. The number of datasets used is higher than the number of studies because the studies often used several datasets (Table 1 ).

Distribution of dataset results

Correlation between the studies and the datasets

Distribution of studies and their use of datasets

Most of the datasets are generated in the U.S. (up to 58.2%). Canada and Australia rank next, with 11.3% and 5% of all the reviewed datasets, respectively.

Additionally, to create value for the datasets for the cyber insurance industry, an assessment of the applicability of each dataset has been provided for cyber insurers. This ‘Use Case Assessment’ includes the use of the data in the context of different analyses, calculation of cyber insurance premiums, and use of the information for the design of cyber insurance contracts or for additional customer services. To reasonably account for the transition of direct hyperlinks in the future, references were directed to the main websites for longevity (nearest resource point). In addition, the links to the main pages contain further information on the datasets and different versions related to the operating systems. The references were chosen in such a way that practitioners get the best overview of the respective datasets.

Case datasets

This section presents selected articles that use the datasets to analyse the causes of cyber risks. The datasets help identify emerging trends and allow pattern discovery in cyber risks. This information gives cybersecurity experts and cyber insurers the data to make better predictions and take appropriate action. For example, if certain vulnerabilities are not adequately protected, cyber insurers will demand a risk surcharge leading to an improvement in the risk-adjusted premium. Due to the capricious nature of cyber risks, existing data must be supplemented with new data sources (for example, new events, new methods or security vulnerabilities) to determine prevailing cyber exposure. The datasets of cyber risk causes could be combined with existing portfolio data from cyber insurers and integrated into existing pricing tools and factors to improve the valuation of cyber risks.

A portion of these datasets consists of several taxonomies and classifications of cyber risks. Aassal et al. ( 2020 ) propose a new taxonomy of phishing characteristics based on the interpretation and purpose of each characteristic. In comparison, Hindy et al. ( 2020 ) presented a taxonomy of network threats and the impact of current datasets on intrusion detection systems. A similar taxonomy was suggested by Kiwia et al. ( 2018 ). The authors presented a cyber kill chain-based taxonomy of banking Trojans features. The taxonomy built on a real-world dataset of 127 banking Trojans collected from December 2014 to January 2016 by a major U.K.-based financial organisation.

In the context of classification, Aamir et al. ( 2021 ) showed the benefits of machine learning for classifying port scans and DDoS attacks in a mixture of normal and attack traffic. Guo et al. ( 2020 ) presented a new method to improve malware classification based on entropy sequence features. The evaluation of this new method was conducted on different malware datasets.

To reconstruct attack scenarios and draw conclusions based on the evidence in the alert stream, Barzegar and Shajari ( 2018 ) use the DARPA2000 and MACCDC 2012 dataset for their research. Giudici and Raffinetti ( 2020 ) proposed a rank-based statistical model aimed at predicting the severity levels of cyber risk. The model used cyber risk data from the University of Milan. In contrast to the previous datasets, Skrjanc et al. ( 2018 ) used the older dataset KDD99 to monitor large-scale cyberattacks using a cauchy clustering method.

Amin et al. ( 2021 ) used a cyberattack dataset from the Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity to identify spatial clusters of countries with high rates of cyberattacks. In the context of cybercrime, Junger et al. ( 2020 ) examined crime scripts, key characteristics of the target company and the relationship between criminal effort and financial benefit. For their study, the authors analysed 300 cases of fraudulent activities against Dutch companies. With a similar focus on cybercrime, Mireles et al. ( 2019 ) proposed a metric framework to measure the effectiveness of the dynamic evolution of cyberattacks and defensive measures. To validate its usefulness, they used the DEFCON dataset.

Due to the rapidly changing nature of cyber risks, it is often impossible to obtain all information on them. Kim and Kim ( 2019 ) proposed an automated dataset generation system called CTIMiner that collects threat data from publicly available security reports and malware repositories. They released a dataset to the public containing about 640,000 records from 612 security reports published between January 2008 and 2019. A similar approach is proposed by Kim et al. ( 2020 ), using a named entity recognition system to extract core information from cyber threat reports automatically. They created a 498,000-tag dataset during their research (Ulven and Wangen 2021 ).

Within the framework of vulnerabilities and cybersecurity issues, Ulven and Wangen ( 2021 ) proposed an overview of mission-critical assets and everyday threat events, suggested a generic threat model, and summarised common cybersecurity vulnerabilities. With a focus on hospitality, Chen and Fiscus ( 2018 ) proposed several issues related to cybersecurity in this sector. They analysed 76 security incidents from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse database. Supplementary Table 1 lists all findings that belong to the cyber causes dataset.

Impact datasets

This section outlines selected findings of the cyber impact dataset. For cyber insurers, these datasets can form an important basis for information, as they can be used to calculate cyber insurance premiums, evaluate specific cyber risks, formulate inclusions and exclusions in cyber wordings, and re-evaluate as well as supplement the data collected so far on cyber risks. For example, information on financial losses can help to better assess the loss potential of cyber risks. Furthermore, the datasets can provide insight into the frequency of occurrence of these cyber risks. The new datasets can be used to close any data gaps that were previously based on very approximate estimates or to find new results.

Eight studies addressed the costs of data breaches. For instance, Eling and Jung ( 2018 ) reviewed 3327 data breach events from 2005 to 2016 and identified an asymmetric dependence of monthly losses by breach type and industry. The authors used datasets from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse for analysis. The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse datasets and the Breach level index database were also used by De Giovanni et al. ( 2020 ) to describe relationships between data breaches and bitcoin-related variables using the cointegration methodology. The data were obtained from the Department of Health and Human Services of healthcare facilities reporting data breaches and a national database of technical and organisational infrastructure information. Also in the context of data breaches, Algarni et al. ( 2021 ) developed a comprehensive, formal model that estimates the two components of security risks: breach cost and the likelihood of a data breach within 12 months. For their survey, the authors used two industrial reports from the Ponemon institute and VERIZON. To illustrate the scope of data breaches, Neto et al. ( 2021 ) identified 430 major data breach incidents among more than 10,000 incidents. The database created is available and covers the period 2018 to 2019.

With a direct focus on insurance, Biener et al. ( 2015 ) analysed 994 cyber loss cases from an operational risk database and investigated the insurability of cyber risks based on predefined criteria. For their study, they used data from the company SAS OpRisk Global Data. Similarly, Eling and Wirfs ( 2019 ) looked at a wide range of cyber risk events and actual cost data using the same database. They identified cyber losses and analysed them using methods from statistics and actuarial science. Using a similar reference, Farkas et al. ( 2021 ) proposed a method for analysing cyber claims based on regression trees to identify criteria for classifying and evaluating claims. Similar to Chen and Fiscus ( 2018 ), the dataset used was the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse database. Within the framework of reinsurance, Moro ( 2020 ) analysed cyber index-based information technology activity to see if index-parametric reinsurance coverage could suggest its cedant using data from a Symantec dataset.

Paté-Cornell et al. ( 2018 ) presented a general probabilistic risk analysis framework for cybersecurity in an organisation to be specified. The results are distributions of losses to cyberattacks, with and without considered countermeasures in support of risk management decisions based both on past data and anticipated incidents. The data used were from The Common Vulnerability and Exposures database and via confidential access to a database of cyberattacks on a large, U.S.-based organisation. A different conceptual framework for cyber risk classification and assessment was proposed by Sheehan et al. ( 2021 ). This framework showed the importance of proactive and reactive barriers in reducing companies’ exposure to cyber risk and quantifying the risk. Another approach to cyber risk assessment and mitigation was proposed by Mukhopadhyay et al. ( 2019 ). They estimated the probability of an attack using generalised linear models, predicted the security technology required to reduce the probability of cyberattacks, and used gamma and exponential distributions to best approximate the average loss data for each malicious attack. They also calculated the expected loss due to cyberattacks, calculated the net premium that would need to be charged by a cyber insurer, and suggested cyber insurance as a strategy to minimise losses. They used the CSI-FBI survey (1997–2010) to conduct their research.

In order to highlight the lack of data on cyber risks, Eling ( 2020 ) conducted a literature review in the areas of cyber risk and cyber insurance. Available information on the frequency, severity, and dependency structure of cyber risks was filtered out. In addition, open questions for future cyber risk research were set up. Another example of data collection on the impact of cyberattacks is provided by Sornette et al. ( 2013 ), who use a database of newspaper articles, press reports and other media to provide a predictive method to identify triggering events and potential accident scenarios and estimate their severity and frequency. A similar approach to data collection was used by Arcuri et al. ( 2020 ) to gather an original sample of global cyberattacks from newspaper reports sourced from the LexisNexis database. This collection is also used and applied to the fields of dynamic communication and cyber risk perception by Fang et al. ( 2021 ). To create a dataset of cyber incidents and disputes, Valeriano and Maness ( 2014 ) collected information on cyber interactions between rival states.

To assess trends and the scale of economic cybercrime, Levi ( 2017 ) examined datasets from different countries and their impact on crime policy. Pooser et al. ( 2018 ) investigated the trend in cyber risk identification from 2006 to 2015 and company characteristics related to cyber risk perception. The authors used a dataset of various reports from cyber insurers for their study. Walker-Roberts et al. ( 2020 ) investigated the spectrum of risk of a cybersecurity incident taking place in the cyber-physical-enabled world using the VERIS Community Database. The datasets of impacts identified are presented below. Due to overlap, some may also appear in the causes dataset (Supplementary Table 2).

Cybersecurity datasets

General intrusion detection.

General intrusion detection systems account for the largest share of countermeasure datasets. For companies or researchers focused on cybersecurity, the datasets can be used to test their own countermeasures or obtain information about potential vulnerabilities. For example, Al-Omari et al. ( 2021 ) proposed an intelligent intrusion detection model for predicting and detecting attacks in cyberspace, which was applied to dataset UNSW-NB 15. A similar approach was taken by Choras and Kozik ( 2015 ), who used machine learning to detect cyberattacks on web applications. To evaluate their method, they used the HTTP dataset CSIC 2010. For the identification of unknown attacks on web servers, Kamarudin et al. ( 2017 ) proposed an anomaly-based intrusion detection system using an ensemble classification approach. Ganeshan and Rodrigues ( 2020 ) showed an intrusion detection system approach, which clusters the database into several groups and detects the presence of intrusion in the clusters. In comparison, AlKadi et al. ( 2019 ) used a localisation-based model to discover abnormal patterns in network traffic. Hybrid models have been recommended by Bhattacharya et al. ( 2020 ) and Agrawal et al. ( 2019 ); the former is a machine-learning model based on principal component analysis for the classification of intrusion detection system datasets, while the latter is a hybrid ensemble intrusion detection system for anomaly detection using different datasets to detect patterns in network traffic that deviate from normal behaviour.

Agarwal et al. ( 2021 ) used three different machine learning algorithms in their research to find the most suitable for efficiently identifying patterns of suspicious network activity. The UNSW-NB15 dataset was used for this purpose. Kasongo and Sun ( 2020 ), Feed-Forward Deep Neural Network (FFDNN), Keshk et al. ( 2021 ), the privacy-preserving anomaly detection framework, and others also use the UNSW-NB 15 dataset as part of intrusion detection systems. The same dataset and others were used by Binbusayyis and Vaiyapuri ( 2019 ) to identify and compare key features for cyber intrusion detection. Atefinia and Ahmadi ( 2021 ) proposed a deep neural network model to reduce the false positive rate of an anomaly-based intrusion detection system. Fossaceca et al. ( 2015 ) focused in their research on the development of a framework that combined the outputs of multiple learners in order to improve the efficacy of network intrusion, and Gauthama Raman et al. ( 2020 ) presented a search algorithm based on Support Vector machine to improve the performance of the detection and false alarm rate to improve intrusion detection techniques. Ahmad and Alsemmeari ( 2020 ) targeted extreme learning machine techniques due to their good capabilities in classification problems and handling huge data. They used the NSL-KDD dataset as a benchmark.

With reference to prediction, Bakdash et al. ( 2018 ) used datasets from the U.S. Department of Defence to predict cyberattacks by malware. This dataset consists of weekly counts of cyber events over approximately seven years. Another prediction method was presented by Fan et al. ( 2018 ), which showed an improved integrated cybersecurity prediction method based on spatial-time analysis. Also, with reference to prediction, Ashtiani and Azgomi ( 2014 ) proposed a framework for the distributed simulation of cyberattacks based on high-level architecture. Kirubavathi and Anitha ( 2016 ) recommended an approach to detect botnets, irrespective of their structures, based on network traffic flow behaviour analysis and machine-learning techniques. Dwivedi et al. ( 2021 ) introduced a multi-parallel adaptive technique to utilise an adaption mechanism in the group of swarms for network intrusion detection. AlEroud and Karabatis ( 2018 ) presented an approach that used contextual information to automatically identify and query possible semantic links between different types of suspicious activities extracted from network flows.

Intrusion detection systems with a focus on IoT

In addition to general intrusion detection systems, a proportion of studies focused on IoT. Habib et al. ( 2020 ) presented an approach for converting traditional intrusion detection systems into smart intrusion detection systems for IoT networks. To enhance the process of diagnostic detection of possible vulnerabilities with an IoT system, Georgescu et al. ( 2019 ) introduced a method that uses a named entity recognition-based solution. With regard to IoT in the smart home sector, Heartfield et al. ( 2021 ) presented a detection system that is able to autonomously adjust the decision function of its underlying anomaly classification models to a smart home’s changing condition. Another intrusion detection system was suggested by Keserwani et al. ( 2021 ), which combined Grey Wolf Optimization and Particle Swam Optimization to identify various attacks for IoT networks. They used the KDD Cup 99, NSL-KDD and CICIDS-2017 to evaluate their model. Abu Al-Haija and Zein-Sabatto ( 2020 ) provide a comprehensive development of a new intelligent and autonomous deep-learning-based detection and classification system for cyberattacks in IoT communication networks that leverage the power of convolutional neural networks, abbreviated as IoT-IDCS-CNN (IoT-based Intrusion Detection and Classification System using Convolutional Neural Network). To evaluate the development, the authors used the NSL-KDD dataset. Biswas and Roy ( 2021 ) recommended a model that identifies malicious botnet traffic using novel deep-learning approaches like artificial neural networks gutted recurrent units and long- or short-term memory models. They tested their model with the Bot-IoT dataset.

With a more forensic background, Koroniotis et al. ( 2020 ) submitted a network forensic framework, which described the digital investigation phases for identifying and tracing attack behaviours in IoT networks. The suggested work was evaluated with the Bot-IoT and UINSW-NB15 datasets. With a focus on big data and IoT, Chhabra et al. ( 2020 ) presented a cyber forensic framework for big data analytics in an IoT environment using machine learning. Furthermore, the authors mentioned different publicly available datasets for machine-learning models.

A stronger focus on a mobile phones was exhibited by Alazab et al. ( 2020 ), which presented a classification model that combined permission requests and application programme interface calls. The model was tested with a malware dataset containing 27,891 Android apps. A similar approach was taken by Li et al. ( 2019a , b ), who proposed a reliable classifier for Android malware detection based on factorisation machine architecture and extraction of Android app features from manifest files and source code.

Literature reviews

In addition to the different methods and models for intrusion detection systems, various literature reviews on the methods and datasets were also found. Liu and Lang ( 2019 ) proposed a taxonomy of intrusion detection systems that uses data objects as the main dimension to classify and summarise machine learning and deep learning-based intrusion detection literature. They also presented four different benchmark datasets for machine-learning detection systems. Ahmed et al. ( 2016 ) presented an in-depth analysis of four major categories of anomaly detection techniques, which include classification, statistical, information theory and clustering. Hajj et al. ( 2021 ) gave a comprehensive overview of anomaly-based intrusion detection systems. Their article gives an overview of the requirements, methods, measurements and datasets that are used in an intrusion detection system.

Within the framework of machine learning, Chattopadhyay et al. ( 2018 ) conducted a comprehensive review and meta-analysis on the application of machine-learning techniques in intrusion detection systems. They also compared different machine learning techniques in different datasets and summarised the performance. Vidros et al. ( 2017 ) presented an overview of characteristics and methods in automatic detection of online recruitment fraud. They also published an available dataset of 17,880 annotated job ads, retrieved from the use of a real-life system. An empirical study of different unsupervised learning algorithms used in the detection of unknown attacks was presented by Meira et al. ( 2020 ).

New datasets

Kilincer et al. ( 2021 ) reviewed different intrusion detection system datasets in detail. They had a closer look at the UNS-NB15, ISCX-2012, NSL-KDD and CIDDS-001 datasets. Stojanovic et al. ( 2020 ) also provided a review on datasets and their creation for use in advanced persistent threat detection in the literature. Another review of datasets was provided by Sarker et al. ( 2020 ), who focused on cybersecurity data science as part of their research and provided an overview from a machine-learning perspective. Avila et al. ( 2021 ) conducted a systematic literature review on the use of security logs for data leak detection. They recommended a new classification of information leak, which uses the GDPR principles, identified the most widely publicly available dataset for threat detection, described the attack types in the datasets and the algorithms used for data leak detection. Tuncer et al. ( 2020 ) presented a bytecode-based detection method consisting of feature extraction using local neighbourhood binary patterns. They chose a byte-based malware dataset to investigate the performance of the proposed local neighbourhood binary pattern-based detection method. With a different focus, Mauro et al. ( 2020 ) gave an experimental overview of neural-based techniques relevant to intrusion detection. They assessed the value of neural networks using the Bot-IoT and UNSW-DB15 datasets.

Another category of results in the context of countermeasure datasets is those that were presented as new. Moreno et al. ( 2018 ) developed a database of 300 security-related accidents from European and American sources. The database contained cybersecurity-related events in the chemical and process industry. Damasevicius et al. ( 2020 ) proposed a new dataset (LITNET-2020) for network intrusion detection. The dataset is a new annotated network benchmark dataset obtained from the real-world academic network. It presents real-world examples of normal and under-attack network traffic. With a focus on IoT intrusion detection systems, Alsaedi et al. ( 2020 ) proposed a new benchmark IoT/IIot datasets for assessing intrusion detection system-enabled IoT systems. Also in the context of IoT, Vaccari et al. ( 2020 ) proposed a dataset focusing on message queue telemetry transport protocols, which can be used to train machine-learning models. To evaluate the performance of machine-learning classifiers, Mahfouz et al. ( 2020 ) created a dataset called Game Theory and Cybersecurity (GTCS). A dataset containing 22,000 malware and benign samples was constructed by Martin et al. ( 2019 ). The dataset can be used as a benchmark to test the algorithm for Android malware classification and clustering techniques. In addition, Laso et al. ( 2017 ) presented a dataset created to investigate how data and information quality estimates enable the detection of anomalies and malicious acts in cyber-physical systems. The dataset contained various cyberattacks and is publicly available.

In addition to the results described above, several other studies were found that fit into the category of countermeasures. Johnson et al. ( 2016 ) examined the time between vulnerability disclosures. Using another vulnerabilities database, Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE), Subroto and Apriyana ( 2019 ) presented an algorithm model that uses big data analysis of social media and statistical machine learning to predict cyber risks. A similar databank but with a different focus, Common Vulnerability Scoring System, was used by Chatterjee and Thekdi ( 2020 ) to present an iterative data-driven learning approach to vulnerability assessment and management for complex systems. Using the CICIDS2017 dataset to evaluate the performance, Malik et al. ( 2020 ) proposed a control plane-based orchestration for varied, sophisticated threats and attacks. The same dataset was used in another study by Lee et al. ( 2019 ), who developed an artificial security information event management system based on a combination of event profiling for data processing and different artificial network methods. To exploit the interdependence between multiple series, Fang et al. ( 2021 ) proposed a statistical framework. In order to validate the framework, the authors applied it to a dataset of enterprise-level security breaches from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse and Identity Theft Center database. Another framework with a defensive aspect was recommended by Li et al. ( 2021 ) to increase the robustness of deep neural networks against adversarial malware evasion attacks. Sarabi et al. ( 2016 ) investigated whether and to what extent business details can help assess an organisation's risk of data breaches and the distribution of risk across different types of incidents to create policies for protection, detection and recovery from different forms of security incidents. They used data from the VERIS Community Database.

Datasets that have been classified into the cybersecurity category are detailed in Supplementary Table 3. Due to overlap, records from the previous tables may also be included.

This paper presented a systematic literature review of studies on cyber risk and cybersecurity that used datasets. Within this framework, 255 studies were fully reviewed and then classified into three different categories. Then, 79 datasets were consolidated from these studies. These datasets were subsequently analysed, and important information was selected through a process of filtering out. This information was recorded in a table and enhanced with further information as part of the literature analysis. This made it possible to create a comprehensive overview of the datasets. For example, each dataset contains a description of where the data came from and how the data has been used to date. This allows different datasets to be compared and the appropriate dataset for the use case to be selected. This research certainly has limitations, so our selection of datasets cannot necessarily be taken as a representation of all available datasets related to cyber risks and cybersecurity. For example, literature searches were conducted in four academic databases and only found datasets that were used in the literature. Many research projects also used old datasets that may no longer consider current developments. In addition, the data are often focused on only one observation and are limited in scope. For example, the datasets can only be applied to specific contexts and are also subject to further limitations (e.g. region, industry, operating system). In the context of the applicability of the datasets, it is unfortunately not possible to make a clear statement on the extent to which they can be integrated into academic or practical areas of application or how great this effort is. Finally, it remains to be pointed out that this is an overview of currently available datasets, which are subject to constant change.

Due to the lack of datasets on cyber risks in the academic literature, additional datasets on cyber risks were integrated as part of a further search. The search was conducted on the Google Dataset search portal. The search term used was ‘cyber risk datasets’. Over 100 results were found. However, due to the low significance and verifiability, only 20 selected datasets were included. These can be found in Table 2  in the “ Appendix ”.

The results of the literature review and datasets also showed that there continues to be a lack of available, open cyber datasets. This lack of data is reflected in cyber insurance, for example, as it is difficult to find a risk-based premium without a sufficient database (Nurse et al. 2020 ). The global cyber insurance market was estimated at USD 5.5 billion in 2020 (Dyson 2020 ). When compared to the USD 1 trillion global losses from cybercrime (Maleks Smith et al. 2020 ), it is clear that there exists a significant cyber risk awareness challenge for both the insurance industry and international commerce. Without comprehensive and qualitative data on cyber losses, it can be difficult to estimate potential losses from cyberattacks and price cyber insurance accordingly (GAO 2021 ). For instance, the average cyber insurance loss increased from USD 145,000 in 2019 to USD 359,000 in 2020 (FitchRatings 2021 ). Cyber insurance is an important risk management tool to mitigate the financial impact of cybercrime. This is particularly evident in the impact of different industries. In the Energy & Commodities financial markets, a ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline led to a substantial impact on the U.S. economy. As a result of the attack, about 45% of the U.S. East Coast was temporarily unable to obtain supplies of diesel, petrol and jet fuel. This caused the average price in the U.S. to rise 7 cents to USD 3.04 per gallon, the highest in seven years (Garber 2021 ). In addition, Colonial Pipeline confirmed that it paid a USD 4.4 million ransom to a hacker gang after the attack. Another ransomware attack occurred in the healthcare and government sector. The victim of this attack was the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE). A ransom payment of USD 20 million was demanded from the Irish government to restore services after the hack (Tidy 2021 ). In the car manufacturing sector, Miller and Valasek ( 2015 ) initiated a cyberattack that resulted in the recall of 1.4 million vehicles and cost manufacturers EUR 761 million. The risk that arises in the context of these events is the potential for the accumulation of cyber losses, which is why cyber insurers are not expanding their capacity. An example of this accumulation of cyber risks is the NotPetya malware attack, which originated in Russia, struck in Ukraine, and rapidly spread around the world, causing at least USD 10 billion in damage (GAO 2021 ). These events highlight the importance of proper cyber risk management.

This research provides cyber insurance stakeholders with an overview of cyber datasets. Cyber insurers can use the open datasets to improve their understanding and assessment of cyber risks. For example, the impact datasets can be used to better measure financial impacts and their frequencies. These data could be combined with existing portfolio data from cyber insurers and integrated with existing pricing tools and factors to better assess cyber risk valuation. Although most cyber insurers have sparse historical cyber policy and claims data, they remain too small at present for accurate prediction (Bessy-Roland et al. 2021 ). A combination of portfolio data and external datasets would support risk-adjusted pricing for cyber insurance, which would also benefit policyholders. In addition, cyber insurance stakeholders can use the datasets to identify patterns and make better predictions, which would benefit sustainable cyber insurance coverage. In terms of cyber risk cause datasets, cyber insurers can use the data to review their insurance products. For example, the data could provide information on which cyber risks have not been sufficiently considered in product design or where improvements are needed. A combination of cyber cause and cybersecurity datasets can help establish uniform definitions to provide greater transparency and clarity. Consistent terminology could lead to a more sustainable cyber market, where cyber insurers make informed decisions about the level of coverage and policyholders understand their coverage (The Geneva Association 2020).

In addition to the cyber insurance community, this research also supports cybersecurity stakeholders. The reviewed literature can be used to provide a contemporary, contextual and categorised summary of available datasets. This supports efficient and timely progress in cyber risk research and is beneficial given the dynamic nature of cyber risks. With the help of the described cybersecurity datasets and the identified information, a comparison of different datasets is possible. The datasets can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of countermeasures in simulated cyberattacks or to test intrusion detection systems.

In this paper, we conducted a systematic review of studies on cyber risk and cybersecurity databases. We found that most of the datasets are in the field of intrusion detection and machine learning and are used for technical cybersecurity aspects. The available datasets on cyber risks were relatively less represented. Due to the dynamic nature and lack of historical data, assessing and understanding cyber risk is a major challenge for cyber insurance stakeholders. To address this challenge, a greater density of cyber data is needed to support cyber insurers in risk management and researchers with cyber risk-related topics. With reference to ‘Open Science’ FAIR data (Jacobsen et al. 2020 ), mandatory reporting of cyber incidents could help improve cyber understanding, awareness and loss prevention among companies and insurers. Through greater availability of data, cyber risks can be better understood, enabling researchers to conduct more in-depth research into these risks. Companies could incorporate this new knowledge into their corporate culture to reduce cyber risks. For insurance companies, this would have the advantage that all insurers would have the same understanding of cyber risks, which would support sustainable risk-based pricing. In addition, common definitions of cyber risks could be derived from new data.

The cybersecurity databases summarised and categorised in this research could provide a different perspective on cyber risks that would enable the formulation of common definitions in cyber policies. The datasets can help companies addressing cybersecurity and cyber risk as part of risk management assess their internal cyber posture and cybersecurity measures. The paper can also help improve risk awareness and corporate behaviour, and provides the research community with a comprehensive overview of peer-reviewed datasets and other available datasets in the area of cyber risk and cybersecurity. This approach is intended to support the free availability of data for research. The complete tabulated review of the literature is included in the Supplementary Material.

This work provides directions for several paths of future work. First, there are currently few publicly available datasets for cyber risk and cybersecurity. The older datasets that are still widely used no longer reflect today's technical environment. Moreover, they can often only be used in one context, and the scope of the samples is very limited. It would be of great value if more datasets were publicly available that reflect current environmental conditions. This could help intrusion detection systems to consider current events and thus lead to a higher success rate. It could also compensate for the disadvantages of older datasets by collecting larger quantities of samples and making this contextualisation more widespread. Another area of research may be the integratability and adaptability of cybersecurity and cyber risk datasets. For example, it is often unclear to what extent datasets can be integrated or adapted to existing data. For cyber risks and cybersecurity, it would be helpful to know what requirements need to be met or what is needed to use the datasets appropriately. In addition, it would certainly be helpful to know whether datasets can be modified to be used for cyber risks or cybersecurity. Finally, the ability for stakeholders to identify machine-readable cybersecurity datasets would be useful because it would allow for even clearer delineations or comparisons between datasets. Due to the lack of publicly available datasets, concrete benchmarks often cannot be applied.

Average cost of a breach of more than 50 million records.

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A List of 181 Hot Cyber Security Topics for Research [2024]

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Safe computer and network usage is crucial. It concerns not only business but also individuals. Security programs and systems ensure this protection. Explore them with one of our topics:

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• How do companies avoid sending out confidential information ? Sending an email to the wrong person has happened to the best of us. But what happens if the message’s contents were classified? For your paper, you can find out what technologies can prevent such slip-ups.
• What are the best ways to detect malicious activity ? Any organization’s website gets plenty of daily traffic. People log in, browse, and interact with each other. Among all of them, it might be easy for an intruder to slip in.
• Internet censorship: classified information leaks . China takes internet censorship to the next level. Its comprehensive protection policies gave the system the nickname Great Firewall of China . Discuss this technology in your essay.
• Encrypted viruses as the plague of the century . Antivirus programs are installed on almost every computer. They prevent malicious code from tampering with your data. In your paper, you can conduct a comparison of several such programs.
• What are the pros and cons of various cryptographic methods? Data privacy is becoming more and more critical. That’s why leading messaging services frequently advertise with their encryption technologies .
• What makes blockchain secure ? This technique allows anonymity and decentralization when working with cryptocurrencies . How does it work? What risks are associated with it?
• What are the advantages of SIEM ? Security Incident and Event Management helps organizations detect and handle security threats. Your essay can focus on its relevance for businesses.
• What are the signs of phishing attempts?
• Discuss unified cyber security standards in healthcare .
• Compare and contrast various forms of data extraction techniques.
• What do computers need protocols for?
• Debate the significance of frequent system updates for data security .
• What methods does HTTPS use that make it more secure than HTTP?
• The role of prime numbers in cryptography .
• What are public key certificates , and why are they useful?
• What does a VPN do?
• Are wireless internet connections less secure than LAN ones? If so, why?
• How do authentication processes work?
• What can you do with IP addresses?
• Explain the technology of unlocking your phone via facial recognition vs. your fingerprint.
• How do you prevent intrusion attempts in networks ?
• What makes Telnet vulnerable?
• What are the phases of a Trojan horse attack?
• Compare the encryption technologies of various social networks.
• Asymmetric vs. symmetric algorithms.
• How can a person reach maximum security in the computer networking world ?
• Discuss autoencoders and reveal how they work.

💾 Information Security Topics to Research

Information security’s goal is to protect the transmission and storage of data. On top of that, network security topics are at the forefront of infosec research. If you’re looking for inspiration on the subject, check out these ideas.

• What are the mechanics of password protection ? Passwords are a simple tool to ensure confidentiality. What do users and developers need to keep in mind when handling passwords?
• What are the safest ways to ensure data integrity ? Everybody wants their data to be intact. Accidental or malicious modifications of data can have dire consequences for organizations and individuals. Explore ways to avoid it.
• How can one establish non-repudiation? Non-repudiation proves the validity of your data. It’s essential in legal cases and cyber security .
• How did the advent of these new technologies impact information security ? Mobile networks have changed the way we access information. On a smartphone , everything is permanently available at your fingertips. What adverse consequences did these technologies bring?
• How do big corporations ensure that their database environment stays conflict-free? We expect our computers to always run fast and without errors. For institutions such as hospitals, a smooth workflow is vital. Discuss how it can be achieved.
• Describe solid access control methods for organizations. In a company, employees need access to different things. This means that not everyone should have an admin account. How should we control access to information ?
• Medical device cyber security. For maximum safety, it’s best to employ several measures. Protection on the hard- and software side is just a part of it. What are some other means of security?
• Write an argumentative essay on why a career in information security doesn’t require a degree.
• Pros and cons of various infosec certificates.
• Cybersecurity in cruise ship industry
• The influence of remote work on a businesses’ infosec network .
• What should everyone be aware of when it comes to safeguarding private information?
• Select a company and calculate how much budget they should allocate on cyber security.
• What are the dangers of public Wi-Fi networks ?
• How secure are cloud services ?
• Apple vs. Microsoft : whose systems offer better security?
• Why is it important to remove a USB flash drive safely?
• Is it possible to create an unguessable password?
• Intranet security : best practices.
• Does the use of biometrics increase security?
• Face recognition vs. a simple code: what are the safest locking options for smartphones ?
• How do you recover data from a broken hard drive?
• Discuss the functions and risks of cookies and cache files.
• Online privacy regulations in the US and China.
• Physical components of infosec .
• Debate security concerns regarding electronic health records .
• What are unified user profiles, and what makes them potentially risky?

🖥️ Cybercrime Topics for a Research Paper

Knowledge is one of today’s most valuable assets. Because of this, cybercrimes usually target the extraction of information. This practice can have devastating effects. Do you want to learn more about the virtual world’s dark side? This section is for you.

• Give an overview of the various types of cybercrimes today . Cybercriminals are becoming more and more inventive. It’s not easy to keep up with the new threats appearing every day. What threats are currently the most prominent?
• How does cryptojacking work, and why is it problematic? Cryptocurrency’s value explosion has made people greedy. Countries such as Iceland have become a haven for datamining. Explore these issues in your essay.
• Analyze the success rate of email frauds . You’ve probably seen irrelevant ads in your spam folder before. They often sound so silly it’s hard to believe they work. Yet, unfortunately, many people become victims of such scams.
• How did the WannaCry malware work? WannaCry was ransomware that caused global trouble in 2017. It led to financial losses in the billions. What made it so dangerous and hard to stop?
• Give famous examples of cybercrimes that targeted people instead of money . Not all cybercrimes want to generate profit. Sometimes, the reasons are political or personal. Explore several instances of such crimes in your essay. How did they pan out?

• Analyze the implications of the Cyberpunk 2077 leak. The game’s bugs and issues made many people angry. Shortly after its flop, hackers released developer CD Projekt Red’s source codes. What far-reaching consequences could this have?
• Why do hackers commit identity theft? Social media has made it easy to steal identities . Many like to display their lives online. In your paper, research what happens to the victims of identity thefts.
• Should governments punish cybercrimes like real-life crimes?
• How does ransomware work?
• Describe the phases of a DDoS attack.
• What cybercrime cases led to changes in the legislature ?
• Track the evolution of online scams.
• Online grooming: how to protect children from predators.
• Are cybercrimes “gateway crimes” that lead to real-life misbehavior?
• What are man-in-the-middle attacks?
• Big data and the rise of internet crimes.
• Are cybercrimes more dangerous to society than they are to corporations?
• Is the internet increasing the likelihood of adolescents engaging in illegal activities?
• Do the downsides of cyberlife outweigh its positives?
• Is constantly checking your crush’s Facebook page cyberstalking?
• How do you recognize your online date is a scam?
• Describe what happens during a Brute Force attack.
• What’s the difference between pharming and phishing?
• The Lehman Bank cybercrimes
• Should the punishments for cybercriminals be harsher than they are now?
• Compare various types of fraud methods .
• How do you mitigate a denial-of-service attack?

🕵️ Topics for a Research Paper on Hacking

Blinking screens and flashing lines of code: the movie industry makes hacking look fascinating. But what actually happens when someone breaks into another person’s computer’s system? Write a paper about it and find out! The following prompts allow you to dive deeper into the subject.

• Is it vital to keep shutting down online movie streaming sites? Many websites offer free movie streaming. If one of their domains gets closed down, they just open another one. Are they a threat to the industry that must be stopped? Or should cyber law enforcement rather focus on more serious crimes?
• Explore the ethical side of whistleblowing. WikiLeaks is a platform for whistleblowers. Its founder, Julian Assange, has been under arrest for a long time. Should whistleblowing be a crime? Why or why not?
• How did Kevin Mitnick’s actions contribute to the American cyber legislature? Mitnick was one of the US’s first most notorious hackers. He claimed to have broken into NORAD’s system. What were the consequences?
• Examine how GhostNet operates. GhostNet is a large organization attacking governments. Its discovery in 2009 led to a major scandal.
• Describe how an SQL injection attack unfolds. Injection attacks target SQL databases and libraries. This way, hackers gain unauthorized access to data.
• What political consequences did the attack on The Interview imply? In 2014, hackers threatened to attack theaters that showed The Interview . As a result, Sony only showed the movie online and in limited releases.
• Write about cross-site request forgery attacks. Every website tells you that logging out is a crucial step. But what can happen if you don’t do it?
• What is “Anonymous,” and what do they do?
• Is it permissible to hack a system to raise awareness of its vulnerabilities?
• Investigate the origins of the hacking culture .
• How did industrial espionage evolve into hacking?
• Is piracy destroying the music and movie industries ?
• Explain the term “cyberwarfare.”
• Contrast different types of hacking .
• Connections between political protests and hacking.
• Is it possible to create an encryption that can’t be hacked?
• The role of hackers in modern warfare .
• Can hacking be ethical?
• Who or what are white hat hackers ?
• Discuss what various types of hackers do.
• Is jailbreaking a crime?
• How does hacking a phone differ from hacking a computer?
• Is hacking your personal home devices problematic?
• What is clickjacking?
• Why would hackers target newspapers ?
• Examine the consequences society would have to bear if a hacker targeted the state.
• Compare and analyze different hacking collectives.

⚖️ Topics on Cyber Law & Ethics to Look Into

Virtual life needs rules just like the real one does. The online world brings a different set of values and issues to the table. And, naturally, cyberlife has a legal framework. That’s where researching cyber law and ethics comes into play.

• Is it ethical that governments can always access their citizens’ data? In some countries, online platforms for personal information are standard. From medical exams to debts , everything is available with a click. The system is inarguably convenient. But what about its downsides?
• Is it still morally permissible to use Spotify ? Spotify has made listening to music more accessible than ever. However, artists only receive a tiny fraction of the company’s profits. Discuss the implications of this fact.
• Should internet forums require users to display their real names? Online harassment is a widespread problem. Nicknames hide the identities of ordinary users as well as perpetrators. Can the mandatory use of real names change the situation?
• Analyze online gaming behavior from a psychological standpoint. If one wants to play online games, one needs to have a thick skin. The community can be harsh. You can dedicate your paper to exploring these behaviors. Or you might want to ponder what game publishers can do to reduce hate speech.
• What type of restrictions should sellers implement to prevent domain speculation? Some people buy domains hoping that they will sell them later for more money. This practice makes registering a new website trickier.
• Does the internet need regulations to make adult content less visible? Every computer without parental control can access pornographic websites. Most of them don’t require registration . Their contents can be disturbing, and their ads can appear anywhere. What can be done about it?
• What are cyber laws still missing in America? The US has established many laws to regulate internet usage. Select the most significant ones and explain their relevance.
• Why should cyber ethics be different from real-world norms?
• Are there instances in which illegal downloading is justified?
• The rule of law in real life vs. in cyberspace.
• Does the internet need a government?
• What is cyber terrorism, and what makes it dangerous?
• Who is responsible for online misbehavior?
• How binding are netiquettes?
• What did the implementation of the GDPR change?
• Compare and contrast Indian vs. Venezuelan internet regulations.
• What does the CLOUD entail?
• How should law enforcement adapt to online technologies?
• AI applications : ethical limits and possibilities.
• Discuss trending topics in cyber law of the past ten years.
• Should schools teach online etiquette?
• Does internet anonymity bring out the worst in people?
• Is data privacy more important than convenience and centralization?
• Debate whether bitcoins could become the currency of the future.
• How can online consumers protect themselves from fraud ?
• Is buying from websites like eBay and Craigslist more ethical than buying from other online marketplaces?
• Present RSF’s Minecraft library and discuss its moral implications.

🖱️ Cyberbullying Topics for Essays and Papers

On the web, everyone can remain anonymous. With this added comfort, bullying rises to another level. It’s a serious issue that’s getting more and more problematic. Cyber security measures can alleviate the burden. Do you want to address the problem? Have a look at our cyberbullying topics below.

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• Cyberbullying prevention in online learning environments . Online classes increase the possibility of cyberbullying. What can teachers do to watch out for their students?
• What makes online emotional abuse particularly difficult to bear? Bullying doesn’t necessarily have to be physical to hurt. Statistics show increased suicide rates among students who were harassed online. Explore the reasons behind this phenomenon.
• How can victims of identity theft reclaim their lives? Identity theft leads not only to mental distress. Thieves also have access to credit card information and other essential assets.
• What are the best methods to stay safe online? When surfing the internet, one always has to be on one’s toes. Avoiding harassment and bullying is a particularly challenging task.
• How can parents monitor their children’s behavior on the web? Children are particularly vulnerable online. They might enter dangerous online relationships with strangers if they feel lonely. They are also more susceptible to scams. What can parents do to protect them?
• Cyberbullying among university students. Online abuse in such websites is very common. Everyone can be a potential target, regardless of age or gender. Discuss whether the structure of social networks helps to spread cyberbullying.
• What societal factors contribute to online bullying? Not everyone who uses the internet becomes an abuser. It’s possible to establish several psychological characteristics of cyberbullies. Explore them in your paper.
• Define how cyberbullying differs from in-person harassment .
• Establish a link between feminism and the fight against cyberstalking .
• The emotional consequences of physical vs. verbal abuse.
• The effects of cyberbullying and academics.
• Short vs. long-term mental health effects of internet bullying .
• What are the most widespread means of cyberbullying ?
• Should people who want to play video games online get over the fact that the community is toxic?
• Is defending the freedom of speech more important than preventing the spread of hate speech?
• Reasons and consequences of Amanda Todd’s suicide.
• The dangers of pro-ana/-mia communities for adolescents.
• What are effective strategies to cope with online harassment ?
• Would cyber communism decrease bullying?
• How enhanced cyber security measures can help reduce abuse.
• The importance of parental control mechanisms on children’s computers.
• Traditional vs. cyberbullying in children.
• Do image-heavy websites such as Tumblr and Instagram affect one’s mental state similarly to active abuse?
• What kind of people does cyber abuse affect the most, and why?
• Analyze how the stalker uses the internet in Netflix’s series You .
• Catfishing: effects and solutions.

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Further reading:

• 220 Best Science and Technology Essay Topics to Write About
• 204 Research Topics on Technology & Computer Science
• A List of 580 Interesting Research Topics [2024 Edition]
• A List of 179 Problem Solution Essay Topics & Questions
• 193 Interesting Proposal Essay Topics and Ideas
• 226 Research Topics on Criminal Justice & Criminology
• What Is Cybersecurity?: Cisco
• Cyber Security: Research Areas: The University of Queensland, Australia
• Cybersecurity: National Institute of Standards and Technology
• What Is Information Security?: CSO Online
• Articles on Cyber Ethics: The Conversation
• What Is Cybercrime?: Kaspersky
• Types of Cybercrime and How to Protect Yourself Against Them: Security Traits
• Hacking: Computing: Encyclopedia Britannica
• Hacking News: Science Daily
• Cyberbullying and Cybersecurity: How Are They Connected?: AT&T
• Cyberbullying: What Is It and How to Stop It: UNICEF
• Current Awareness: Cyberlaw Decoded: Florida State University
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5 Research Topics in Cybersecurity

In 2022, market and consumer data firm Statista reported that cyberattacks would cost individuals and companies $8.4 trillion globally that year. By 2027, it projected, the cost would rise to $23.8 trillion. Cyberattacks occur when individuals gain unauthorized access to digital systems and information for malicious purposes. Their enormous cost to people and organizations makes it critical to protect systems, software and data against those attacks.

The term “cybersecurity” refers to efforts to protect corporate or personal electronic equipment against these costly attacks. Understanding the vulnerabilities that can allow unauthorized and damaging access to digital systems is a key component in cybersecurity research. An advanced degree in information security management can help professionals learn how cybersecurity risks are evolving, what cybersecurity risks to look for in their own organizations and how to address them.

What Is Cybersecurity Research?

Cybersecurity research focuses on reviewing digital tools and processes to reveal potential vulnerabilities. Research on cybersecurity topics ranging from the Internet of Things (IoT) to work-from-home (WFH) information security can help people and companies stave off data breaches in those key areas.

Cybersecurity professionals can rely on computer science research tactics such as testing web browsers and online applications to uncover areas that a hacker could exploit to gain unauthorized data access. They can also turn to empirical research that examines issues related to cybersecurity from various angles, from criminal science to international relations, and that offers approaches to address those concerns.

In fact, conducting research about potential security threats and information technology (IT) trends is a key responsibility of cybersecurity professionals, such as information security analysts.

Why Is Cybersecurity Research Important?

The value of cybersecurity research is growing due to the proliferation of connected devices that allow cybercriminals to access digital information — and as the costs associated with successful cyberattacks increase.

The origin of cyberattacks can be computers and the systems that run them, but it can also be any of hundreds of everyday devices that use technology to collect and share data. From smartphones to medical equipment, the tools that cyberattackers can compromise generate or store a staggering amount of data.

Statista reports that the amount of data created, copied, downloaded and read globally in 2010 was 2 zettabytes. By 2025, Statista predicts, the capacity of the data in use around the world will reach 181 zettabytes.

The growth in the use of data is occurring alongside a host of issues, from COVID-19-related disruptions to geopolitical events, that can make the technology that shares and stores it more vulnerable to attack. Conducting research on cybersecurity topics can assist IT professionals in protecting these large amounts of data during challenging times by helping them:

• Understand the vulnerabilities of digital tools and processes
• Determine the significance of data breach impacts
• Prioritize their efforts to ensure protection of critical information

5 Current Research Topics in Cybersecurity?

Today’s most pressing research topics in cybersecurity go beyond password protection and firewalls. A global pandemic, geopolitical events and technological advances are also behind some key topics that are now driving cybersecurity research. Below are five of those top cybersecurity research topics.

1. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI), in which machines complete tasks that traditionally had required humans to perform, today is helping computing professionals observe and analyze activity related to large amounts of digital data. The efficiency of using AI for cybersecurity can lead to significant savings as organizations respond to data compromises. The shortened response time led companies to an average of $3 million in savings in those situations, according to a 2022 report from IBM.

One key research topic for cybersecurity professionals is how best to use AI to find potential vulnerabilities and remove them — before cyberattackers use that same technology to find those security risks and exploit them.

However, AI in the wrong hands can also present a cybersecurity risk. AI can also be a tool for misusing data, with cybercriminals relying on this technology to create inauthentic emails and phone messages to trick users into providing personal data. The increasing reliance on AI makes this issue even more important for cybersecurity researchers, with Statista projecting in 2022 that the AI software market would reach $126 billion around the world by 2025.

2. Digital Supply Chains

Digital supply chain systems monitor and evaluate the functions of each party in the chain, to help them produce and distribute products more efficiently. Hackers can exploit the technology used in this process, making cyberattacks an additional threat to supply chains already experiencing disruptions related to the pandemic.

For example, technology research firm Gartner, predicted in 2022 that by 2025, a total of 45 percent of companies would suffer digital attacks on their supply chains. This percentage is three times higher than the percentage from 2021. A 2022 report from cybersecurity company Venafi found that 82 percent of chief information officers feared that their organizations’ supply chains were vulnerable to this type of attack.

Cybersecurity professionals today are investigating potential digital security risks in supply chains, while corporate leaders are seeking out suppliers that focus on researching — and correcting — these vulnerabilities.

3. Internet of Things

The IoT refers to the ability to connect almost any device with the internet and with other connected tools. From kitchen appliances to wearable fitness gadgets, numerous products and tools are part of the IoT. Statista reported in 2022 that more than 11 million devices were digitally connected in 2021. The firm also projected that more than 29 billion devices would be IoT connected by 2030.

The many devices that rely on the IoT measure and process vast amounts of data, and the networks and cloud systems that hold and share that data present a host of security risks. A key area of cybersecurity research has been tracking these vulnerabilities. Manufacturers, consumers and governments have begun using the knowledge gathered by cybersecurity researchers to establish practices and policies that safeguard against the risks these researchers are finding.

4. State-Sponsored Attacks

Cyberattacks from government actors seeking state secrets are nothing new, but a growing trend is for hackers seeking this unauthorized access to target organizations and individuals with no government affiliation. The ultimate goal can be intelligence, technology theft, supply chain disruption or even influencing internal politics through disinformation.

A 2022 Forbes article noted that in 2023, more than 70 nations were set to conduct elections, and the digital activities related to these events, including reports about them, are a frequent target of hostile government actors. Additionally, countries involved in armed conflicts increasingly rely on cyberattacks to gain advantage over enemy governments, even when it involves interfering with the work of private companies and citizens.

These trends have made it critical for cybersecurity researchers to learn more about potential vulnerabilities in government networks, attacks on private companies that can impact critical infrastructure, and the security of elections.

5. Working From Home

Fueled by pandemic restrictions, the number of WFH employees exploded in recent years. The number of remote workers will reach more than 36 million in the U.S. by 2025, according to 2020 projections from freelancing platform Upwork.

The many employees based at off-site locations have made managing data security difficult for companies, whose workers may use unprotected devices to access and transmit business information. That leaves the employees vulnerable to attacks that target sensitive data or threaten malicious activity unless the company meets the hackers’ demands.

Adding to the security risk is the proliferation of work and other activity that requires the use of the internet and internet-based tools like videoconferencing. A 2021 Pew Research Center survey showed that 40 percent of Americans had relied on these types of tools and processes in new ways since the pandemic began in early 2020. Cybersecurity professionals are studying how best to protect employees — and the corporate data they use in their work — from cyberattackers.

Take a Leadership Role in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity research can shed light on issues with data protection — and the tools and processes that provide it. If you’re ready to help guide your organization’s response to cybersecurity issues, explore Augusta University Online’s Master of Science (MS) in Information Security Management program.

Through online courses focused on Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification elements, students can gain the knowledge to help their employers navigate today’s cybersecurity challenges. Explore how AU Online’s MS in Information Security Management can help you reach your career goals.

Built In, “What Is Artificial Intelligence?” Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Cyber Threats and Advisories Forbes, “The Top Five Cybersecurity Trends in 2023” Gartner, “7 Top Trends in Cybersecurity for 2022” IBM, “Cost of Data Breach 2022: A Million Dollar Race to Detect and Respond” IBM, What Is Cybersecurity? Journal of Cybersecurity, About the Journal Microsoft, What Is a Cyberattack? Network World, “What Is IoT? The Internet of Things Explained” Oracle, “Digital Supply Chain Explained” Pew Research Center, “The Internet and the Pandemic” Statista, Estimated Cost of Cybercrime Worldwide From 2016 to 2027 Statista, Number of Internet of Things (IoT)-Connected Devices Worldwide From 2019 to 2021, With Forecasts From 2022 to 2030 Statista, Revenues From the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Software Market Worldwide From 2018 to 2025 Statista, Volume of Data/Information Created, Captured, Copied, and Consumed Worldwide From 2010 to 2020, With Forecasts From 2021 to 2025 TechRadar Pro, “Why Cybersecurity Research Is Now More Important Than Ever” The Conversation, “5 Ways the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Forever Changed Cybersecurity” Upwork, Upwork Study Finds 22% of American Workforce Will Be Remote by 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts Venafi, “Study: 82% of CIOs Say Their Software Supply Chains Are Vulnerable” Vivaldi, “An Insight Into Security Research and Ethical Hacking”

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Home / Blog

Three Breakthrough Cybersecurity Research Topics

July 27, 2016 

As individuals, corporations, and government agencies increasingly store and transmit digital information, the ability to protect valuable data becomes more crucial. Unfortunately, cyber theft and cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated and prolific each year — meaning cybersecurity is more important than ever. Luckily, breakthroughs in cybersecurity are also increasing, which allows organizations to stay one step ahead of those who attempt to commit cyber crimes.

Individuals who wish to become part of the workforce addressing digital and internet threats by earning a  bachelor’s in cybersecurity online  should be aware of prominent cybersecurity research topics. Here are two recent breakthroughs in cybersecurity, as well as a detailed infographic that delves into the complexity of this field.

Trend #1: Single Photon Generation

A cybersecurity research team at the University of Sydney has solved an issue that could lead to a major breakthrough in the way information is transmitted, allowing for more secure computer systems worldwide. The issue is the ability to generate single photons — tiny particles of light — that carry quantum information in security systems.

“Implementing optical quantum technologies has now come down to one fundamental challenge: having indistinguishable single photons on demand,” says Dr. Chunle Xiong, from the School of Physics.

The Sydney team has developed a way to generate single photons more reliably. By advancing quantum computing technology, the ability to more securely exchange data and more quickly search databases is becoming a reality. This makes photons one of the key cybersecurity research topics.

“The ability to generate single photons, which form the backbone of technology used in laptops and the internet, will drive the development of local secure communications systems — for safeguarding defense and intelligence networks, the financial security of corporations and governments and bolstering personal electronic privacy, like shopping online,” says Professor Ben Eggleton, co-author of the paper published in Nature Communications.

Trend #2: Privacy Homomorphism

A research student recently solved a cryptography problem that has been stumping experts for decades. Craig Gentry, a Stanford PhD student at the time of the breakthrough, found a way to analyze encrypted information without sacrificing confidentiality. It is called privacy homomorphism, or fully homomorphic encryption.

This new technology will allow cloud computing providers to manipulate certain data without exposing the original data. Charles Lickel, vice president of software research at IBM, says, “Fully homomorphic encryption will enable businesses to make more informed decisions, based on more studied analysis, without compromising privacy.”

There are still challenges in making this technology viable for large-scale businesses, but the possibilities are wide-ranging. In the future, it should allow cloud providers to host confidential data from businesses as well as governments. It holds for now as one of the key research topics in cybersecurity.

Trend #3: Normalizing Working-from-Home: Security for Remote Teams

The COVID-19 global pandemic dramatically impacted traditional workplace standards through 2020. To avoid the potential for employees spreading the highly contagious virus, businesses worldwide moved to remote working standards for the foreseeable future.

As a result, cybersecurity needs have adjusted to risk management as employees access data and other sensitive materials from home — as well as how not to impede their work in the process.

Bart Willemsen, VP analyst with Gartner, says that companies should focus on three primary goals: safety, productivity, and user and organizational privacy. The challenge for cybersecurity leaders is to find a healthy balance between all three goals.

“Take privacy versus safety for example,” Willemsen says. “The trade-off would be, how much do we invade privacy to offer a certain level of safety? It’s making a concession between both values. It would actually be better to try and fulfill both values.”

Prepare for Cybersecurity Careers and Beyond

Cybersecurity managers are valuable assets to their organizations, and employer demand is likely to remain high in the years ahead. Companies will need these professionals to safeguard their IT systems as the evolution of technology gives rise to new types of cyber threats. Maryville University offers both an online bachelor’s and an online master’s in cybersecurity , providing degree opportunities for aspiring security professionals at any stage of their career.

In the meantime, see the infographic below for facts about the current state of the ever-changing cybersecurity sector:

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Ars Technica, “Worried About Cybersecurity and the Connected Car? There’s a Bill for That”

CNET, “Two-Factor Authentication: What You Need to Know (FAQ)”

ComputerWeekly.com, “Cryptography Breakthrough Paves Way to Secure Cloud Services”  

ComputerWeekly.com, “The Internet of Things: A Second Digital Revolution Worth Millions”

FedTech, “How Federal Agencies Can Improve Cybersecurity With Better Data Encryption”

Heimdal Security, “10 Alarming Cybersecurity Facts That Threaten Your Data”

MIT Technology Review, “Cybersecurity in the Age of Digital Transformation”

Nature Communications, “Cell Shape-Independent FtsZ Dynamics in Bacteria”

Phys.org, “Breakthrough Technology to Improve Cybersecurity”

Quatr.us, “What Is a Photon? Physics of Light”

Gartner, “6 Principles for Employee Privacy”

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Top 111+ Stunning Cybersecurity Research Topics For 2023

Are you confused about cybersecurity and its research topics? So here, in this blog, we will discuss cybersecurity research topics. This article is important If you are studying computer science or a cybersecurity course.

If you want good grades in cybersecurity research topics, you should pick the latest cybersecurity research topics for your academic exam or test. Here, you can choose the good and latest cybersecurity research topics.

You know that cybercrime is increasing day by day because millions of people use the internet. Several applications deal with the internet, and people normally use the internet for bank transactions, food delivery, online shopping, social media, gaming, etc. Attackers can steal your information, data, and money with the help of malicious software, So we need cybersecurity services.

What is Cybersecurity?

Table of Contents

Cybersecurity is a process of preventing unauthorized access or protecting networks, devices, and data from digital attacks. Cybersecurity is also known as IT(Information Technology)Security which is designed to prevent threats against network systems, applications, and other platforms. In simple words, It prevents or protects any information, data, and others.

Here Are Some of the Best Writing Tips From Statanalytica’s Expert

As you might already know that a well-planned action and a set of useful tools will also help you write a high-quality research paper. On the other hand, remaining motivated throughout the process.

• By choosing an interesting topic for your research paper.
• Conduct some research to find reputable sources.
• Clearly state your cybersecurity thesis.
• A rough plan should be created.
• Finish your paper by drafting it.
• Make sure your content is properly formatted.
• Make sure you understand the assignment before you begin writing your research paper.

Let’s Discuss the 111+ Stunning Cybersecurity Research Topics

Below we listed 111+ cybersecurity research topics that can be used in 2023:

Top 10 Cyber Security Topics of 2023

Here are the top 10 cyber security topics of 2023:

• Can strong passwords protect information?
• Is security in critical infrastructure important?
• The importance of end-user education
• Cloud security posture management
• How does malware work?
• The principle of zero trust access
• 3 phases of application security
• Should removable media be encrypted?
• The importance of network security
• Do biometrics ensure the security of iPhones?

Latest Cybersecurity Research Topics of 2023

• Is removable media a threat?
• Cybersecurity standards for automotive
• How to prevent social engineering attacks
• Security breaches of remote working
• How to prevent phishing attacks
• Physical security measures in banks
• Privacy settings of social media accounts
• Blockchain security vulnerabilities
• Why should you avoid public Wi-Fi?
• How does two-factor authentication work?
• Cryptography
• Discuss the importance of intranet security
• Rise of Automotive Hacking
• What is ethical hacking? 
• The evolution of phishing and how it is becoming more sophisticated
• Which antivirus software is the best in the world?
• The most up-to-date and trending cybersecurity technology
• How can organizations prevent network attacks?
• What is Digital Piracy?
•  Application of biometrics in cyber security?
• Identity theft on the Internet
• Risk management in computing
•  Rise of computer forensics
• Threats are analyzed using digital forensic techniques
• What is a Remote Access VPN?
•  Digital security and Social Networks
• The risks of using public Wi-Fi networks
• Popular online scams in 2022
• Artificial intelligence security systems

Network Security Research Topics 

• Data storage centralization
• Identify Malicious activity on a computer system.
• Importance of keeping updated Software 
• wireless sensor network
• What are the effects of ad-hoc networks 
• How can a company network be safe?
• What are Network segmentation and its applications?
• Discuss Data Loss Prevention systems 
• Discuss various methods for establishing secure algorithms in a network.
• Talk about two-factor authentication

Topics for Application Security Research

• Discuss SQL injection attacks.
• Inadequately configured security protocols.
• Talk about data leaks in mobile apps.
• Backend access control is critical.
• Logging has many advantages for applications.
• Malicious apps are available on Google Play.
• AI applications: ethical constraints and opportunities.
• What is the effect of insecure deserialization?
• The most effective application security testing practices.
• Apps are vulnerable to XSS attacks.

 Information Technology Security Research Topics

• Why should people avoid sharing their details on Facebook?
• What is the importance of unified user profiles?
•  Discuss Cookies and Privacy 
• White hat and black hat hackers
• What are the most secure methods for ensuring data integrity?
• Talk about the implications of Wi-Fi hacking apps on mobile phones
• Analyze the data breaches in 2022
• Discuss digital piracy in 2022
• critical cyber-attack concepts
• Social engineering and its importance

Operational Security Research Topics In 2023

• Securing containerized applications in cloud environments.
• Implementing secure remote access policies for remote workers.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of endpoint protection solutions.
• Protecting against DNS tunneling attacks.
• Securing cloud-based storage solutions.
• Developing secure mobile device management policies.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of honeypots in detecting attacks.
• Securing software supply chains against attacks.
• Investigating the effectiveness of deception technologies in cybersecurity.
• Developing secure network segmentation strategies.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of network traffic analysis solutions.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of two-factor authentication in securing systems.
• Securing critical infrastructure against cyber threats.
• Developing secure email policies to prevent phishing attacks.
• Investigating the use of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity.
• Developing secure DevOps practices.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of security information and event management (SIEM) solutions.
• Securing the Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of password management solutions.
• Developing secure incident response strategies.

Topics for a Research Paper on CyberCrime Prevention

• Criminal Specialization. 
• Drug Courts. 
• Capital Punishment. 
• Criminal Courts. 
• Crime Prevention. 
• Community Corrections. 
• Criminal Law. 
• Criminal Justice Ethics. 

Computer and Software Security Research Topics

• Learn algorithms for data encryption.
• Concept of risk management security.
• How to develop the best internet security software.
•  What are Encrypting viruses- How does it work?
• How does a Ransomware attack work?
• Scanning of malware on your PC.
• Infiltrating a Mac OS X operating system.
• What are the effects of RSA on network security?
• How do encrypting viruses work?
• DDoS attacks on IoT devices.

Computer and Software Cyber Security Topics

• The importance of updating computer software.
• How to safeguard your computer against malware and other threats.
• The best security practices for your computer and software.
• The various types of cyber security threats and how to avoid them.
• The significance of cyber security education and awareness.
• The importance of cyber security in protecting critical infrastructure.

Data Security Research Topics

• Importance of backup and recovery.
• Benefits of logging for applications.
• Understand physical data security.
• Importance of Cloud Security.
• In computing, the relationship between privacy and data security.
• Discuss the effects of a black hole on a network system.

Application Security Topics

• Detect Malicious Activity on Google Play Apps.
• Dangers of XSS attacks on apps.
• Insecure Deserialization Effect.
• Check Security protocols.

CyberSecurity Law Research Paper Topics

• Strict cybersecurity laws in China.
• Importance of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act.
• USA, UK, and other countries cybersecurity laws.
• Discuss The Pipeline Security Act in the United States.

If you are interested in criminal research topics, then here are the best criminal justice research topics for you.

How to Choose The Best Cybersecurity Research Topics in 2023

There are a few factors to consider when selecting cybersecurity research topics. The first and main thing to consider is to ensure that the topic is current and relevant. Because cyber security is a changing field. As a result, it is very crucial to select a topic that will be relevant for a few months.

On the other hand, the second thing to consider is to select an interesting and engaging topic. Because cyber security can be a dry subject, it is critical to select a topic that will keep readers interested.

Finally, it is very important to select a researchable topic. There are several cybersecurity topics available, but not all of them are simple to research. Choose a topic about which there is a lot of information.

• Determine your target audience
• Define your research objectives
• Choose a topic that your audience will find both interesting and relevant
• Conduct preliminary research to ensure that there is sufficient information available on your chosen topic
• Make sure your topic is focused enough to fit into a single research paper

Research Area in Cyber Security

Cybersecurity is extensive, and constantly evolving field. On the other hand, its research takes place in many areas:

• Quantum & Space 
• Data Privacy 
• Criminology & Law
• AI & IoT Security

Get More Cybersecurity Research Topics

In this blog, we have covered the 111+ best cybersecurity research topics. These cybersecurity topics help in your exam or test. If you have any difficulty with cybersecurity research topics, you can take cybersecurity research paper help or research paper assignment help at a very affordable price.

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This is the end of the post, which is about cybersecurity research topics. On the other hand, we mentioned 111+ stunning cybersecurity research topics for 2023 offer an excellent opportunity for researchers to explore and address critical cybersecurity challenges. However, the ever-evolving technological landscape presents new security challenges every day, and it is essential to keep up with the latest trends to stay ahead of cyber threats. 

On the other hand, these research topics provide many areas to explore, from network security, the internet of things, and software security to network security, cryptography, and data security. I hope you like this post.

Q1. What are the types of cyber security threats?

There are several different types of cyber security threats. More popular are Trojan horses, worms, ransomware, and phishing scams. These types of threats can be very dangerous for the cyber system.

Q2. What are the most controversial topics in criminal justice?

1. Prisoners being granted the right to work 2. Carrying a concealed weapon 3. Prison rape and violence 4. Plea agreement/bargain 5. Rehab vs. reform. 6. Is an eyewitness testimony effective? 7. Enforcement and effectiveness of stalking laws. 8. Rape culture and the victim’s rights

Q3. What are the main cyber threats of 2023?

There are multiple cyber security threats, but the main social threats of 2023 are email impersonation and phishing.  On the other hand, email impersonation is a phishing technique in which a fake email address that appears to be legitimate is used. 

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159+ Best Cyber Security Research Topics [2024 Updated]

Cyber security research topics for students are like exploring ways to keep our online world safe from different problems. In today’s high-tech world, people looking into these topics help protect important things like computer systems and information. This list covers many areas, starting with easier ideas for high school students, such as being safe on social media and making strong passwords. It also includes more challenging things for college and Ph.D. students to think about. 

These topics touch on many different jobs and new technologies, offering everyone a chance to learn more about how to keep our digital world safe. As technology keeps changing, new problems come up. This list gives students and researchers many different good Cyber Security Topics for Research papers to explore in the always-changing field of cybersecurity. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting to learn or already really good at it; there’s something here for everyone to discover.

Table of Contents

What Are Cyber Security Research Topics?

Cyber Security Research Topics are about looking into ways to keep our online world safe from problems. Researchers, students, and professionals work on these topics to understand and tackle challenges related to digital security.

For students, these topics offer chances to learn and explore various aspects of cybersecurity. They can include basic ideas suitable for high school students, like staying safe on social media and creating strong passwords. As students go through college and beyond, the topics become more advanced, covering areas such as using smart computers to find problems, keeping important systems safe, and understanding the right and wrong ways to use technology safely.

In simple terms, these research topics help us learn more about cybersecurity, offering insights into new problems, creative solutions, and the best ways to stay safe online. Whether protecting personal information, making online transactions secure, or dealing with challenges in new technologies, cybersecurity research topics play a crucial role in making our digital world safer.

How Can I Find The Right Cyber Security Research Topics For Students?

Finding the right Cyber Security Research Topics for students involves considering their knowledge level, interests, and the specific focus you want to explore. Here are some steps to help you identify suitable topics:

1. Assess Knowledge Level

• For instance, for high school students, it is always good to begin with the basics of online safety, social media security, and introduction to encryption.
• On the other hand, college students may keenly be interested in other aspects such as network security or cryptography and cyber security for healthcare or finance.
• Furthermore, PhD students will find some breakthrough research areas – artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, quantum-safe cryptography, and cybersecurity of physical systems.

2. Consider Interests

• Thus, identifying their interests can keep them involved in such research. If a student shows interest in technology, they might focus on IoT security or blockchain topics.
• Similarly, consider interdisciplinary perspectives on cybersecurity in health care, finances, or digital media.

3. Review Current Trends

• Stay updated on current trends and emerging issues in cybersecurity. Look for topics that address the latest threats, technologies, or regulatory changes.
• Consider the relevance of the research to real-world challenges and the potential for making a positive impact.

4. Consult Educational Guidelines

• Keep updated about what happens within cybersecurity. In these cases, look at new threats that have emerged recently, new technologies available on the market, or changes in regulations.
• The importance of this research lies in its actuality for real-world issues and its potential positive effect.

5. Seek Guidance from Instructors

• Consult with teachers, professors, or mentors for guidance. They can provide insights into suitable topics based on the student’s academic background and the scope of the research.

6. Explore Research Journals and Conferences

• Browse reputable cybersecurity journals and conference proceedings to discover recent research topics and methodologies. This can inspire ideas and provide a benchmark for quality research.

7. Encourage Creativity

• Encourage students to think creatively and propose innovative research questions. This can lead to unique and impactful contributions to the field.

8. Consider Ethical and Legal Implications

• Ensure that selected topics adhere to ethical standards and legal considerations. Cybersecurity research should prioritize privacy, security, and responsible use of technology.

List of Best Cyber Security Research Topics

Here are the most interesting Cyber security research topics for students:

Best Cyber Security Research Topics For High School Students

Most interesting cyber security research topics for college students, unique cyber security research topics for phd students, most interesting cyber security research paper topics, research topics examples about cybersecurity in emerging technologies, cybersecurity and governance research topics, human aspects of cybersecurity research topics, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence research topics, cybersecurity and privacy related research topics, cybersecurity and threat intelligence:, cryptography and secure communication:, cybersecurity in healthcare research topics, cybersecurity and education related research topics, cybersecurity in smart environments research topics, good cybersecurity and finance related research topics & titles, cybersecurity and social issues related research topics, exciting cybersecurity in legal and regulatory context research topics, cool cybersecurity and energy research topics, latest cybersecurity and entertainment project ideas, what are the current research topics on data protection and cyber security in cloud computing for ms research paper.

Here are the research topics on data protection and cybersecurity in cloud computing for an MS research paper:

Great Cyber Security Research Topics PDF

Here are the cyber security research paper topics pdf:

What Are Some Exciting Or Challenging Research Topics For A Ph.D. In The Areas Of Cyber Security Or Internet Privacy?

Here are some exciting and challenging research topics for a PhD in the areas of Cyber Security or Internet Privacy:

In closing, keeping our digital stuff safe is really important in today’s connected world. The cyber security research topics and project ideas we talked about show different ways to do that. Whether it’s making sure blockchain is safe or using smart computers to stop online problems, there are lots of ways to keep our digital things secure.

The topics we covered help guide people who work on making the online world safer. They help us figure out new and better ways to protect our digital stuff. By being creative, making sure everyone knows how to stay safe, and thinking about what’s fair, we can make the online world a safer and better place for everyone. So, let’s keep learning and working together to make our digital world as safe as possible!

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Unlock Your Insights and Excellence in Cyber Security Research Topics

Welcome to your gateway to unparalleled academic success in Cyber Security research topics. Are you ready to delve into the dynamic world of digital defence and safeguarding sensitive information? Look no further! Our research department is designed to empower you on your journey toward mastering cyber security research topics.

Is Research A Prompt Effort for Every Student?

Researching dissertation topics for cyber security can be challenging due to the constantly evolving nature of technology and the complex landscape of cybersecurity threats. Here are some challenges that students might face during their research on Cyber Security topics:

1. Rapid Technological Advancements:

The field of Cyber Security is fast-paced, with new technologies and vulnerabilities emerging frequently. Staying updated with the latest trends and developments can be a challenge, as what is relevant today might be outdated in a short span of time.

2. Diverse Range of Topics:

Cyber Security is a broad field encompassing various sub-disciplines such as network security, cryptography, malware analysis, digital forensics, and more. Students might struggle to choose a specific focus area for their research topics for cyber security due to the overwhelming range of topics.

3. Complexity of Technical Concepts:

Cyber Security research often involves complex technical concepts related to encryption, protocols, network architectures, and programming. Students without a strong technical background might find it challenging to grasp and communicate these concepts effectively.

4. Lack of Standardization:

The field lacks standardized methodologies for certain aspects of research, such as evaluating the effectiveness of security measures or assessing the impact of new attack vectors. This can lead to varied approaches in research for cyber security thesis topics which makes it challenging to compare and replicate results.

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Students resort to our services for dealing with their Cybersecurity dissertation topics due to the following reasons.

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Free List of Cyber Security Research Topics 2023

Our professionals have created a well-researched and interesting list of cyber security research paper topics with aims and objectives. Please check the list and pick the most suitable topic for you. Moreover, you can also contact us to order customized topics free of cost.

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Cyber Threat Intelligence for the Enhancement of Early Warning and Response

To design the techniques to analyse and share threat intelligence for the improvement in early warning and responding abilities.

Objectives:

• To examine the methodologies for the collection and aggregation of data from different sources.
• To develop algorithms to analyse and prioritise threat intelligence for identifying new threats.
• To assess the effectiveness of cyber threat intelligence on different platforms along with their impact on the responding times and strategies.

Security of Software Development

To study the techniques necessary for the integration of security in the software development for the production of secure software applications.

• To investigate the coding techniques that are secure and best for the identification of common software problems.
• To design plans to incorporate security requirements, review codes and test application security during the development of software.
• To examine the importance of software development with security for preventing risks of data leaks and breaching of security.

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Security of Internet of Things (IoT)

To investigate the challenges related to security for developing solutions for the protection of devices data from cyber threats.

• To identify the exposure and attack routes to IoT networks and devices.
• To design protected protocols for the communication and authentication of the devices of IoT.
• To examine the importance of security solution of IoT for the prevention of unauthorized access and violations of privacy.

Machine learning for the Detection of advanced Persistent Threats

To investigate the importance of techniques of machine learning in the detection of persistent threats and cyber-attacks.

• To design the algorithms that can detect any kind of interruption or threat to protect the system.
• To assess the techniques for adversarial machine learning for the detection and prevention of threats.
• To examine the performance of the APT detection and mitigation systems based on machine learning.

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Cloud Security for Privacy and Security of Data

To study the risks related to security for the protection of data and privacy in cloud computing environment.

• To identify the threats and vulnerabilities specifically for cloud services.
• To develop protection by enabling encryption and access control for the security of cloud storage systems.
• To examine the effectiveness of solutions related to cloud security in protecting data and privacy.

Protection of critical Infrastructure systems from Cyber threats

To study the challenges in cybersecurity and design approaches for the protection of critical infrastructure systems from cyber threats.

• To examine the risks linked with critical infrastructure systems and their dependence on each other.
• To design the system for the detection of threat or cyber-attack to prevent it from entering in critical infrastructure databases.
• To examine the resistance of critical infrastructure systems to cyber-attacks.

Healthcare Cybersecurity

To study the problems related to cybersecurity in healthcare systems to protect privacy and integrity of patients in medical devices and systems.

• To identify the risks in the IT systems of healthcare sector, the electronic health records and the devices used.
• To develop security protocols for communication and mechanisms for encryption for the safety of patient data.
• To assess the effectiveness of practices of cybersecurity in healthcare sector and its impact on the privacy and security of patients.

Security of Mobile Devices for the Protection of Data and Privacy of User

To study the development of strategies for the security of user data and privacy in mobile devices.

• To investigate the risks and vulnerabilities linked with mobile devices, applications and networks
• To design the mechanisms for the authentication, data encryption and security of practices for mobile applications development.
• To examine the efficiency of the solutions for the mobile security in the prevention of unauthorized data access and violations of privacy.

Cybersecurity for Social Engineering and Human Factors

To study the techniques of social engineering and human factors in cyber-attacks.

• To study the aspects of psychology of human behaviour that can encourage the acts of social engineering attacks.
• To develop programs for awareness training and interventions of security education for educating the users against social engineering.
• To assess the efficiency of the practices of security of users to minimize the social engineering attack incidents.

Governance and Policy of Cybersecurity

To investigate the governance and policy outcomes of cybersecurity.

• To assess the laws, standards and regulations of cybersecurity at national and international level.
• To examine the considerations related to ethics and implications of privacy of practices and policies of cybersecurity
• To analyse the efficiency of cybersecurity governance in the promotion of compliance, responsibility and risk management.

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Securing software, hardware, systems, and the safety and privacy of those who access them, relies on an integrated network of technological, legal, and social approaches. Research initiatives at the Center for Cybersecurity reflect this diversity of topics and approaches, as well as the application of the interdisciplinary expertise required to implement effective security solutions.

Below are very broad descriptions of the primary research categories in which CCS faculty and students are proving to be defensive game-changers.

You can stay abreast of all the CCS research initiatives making headlines by checking the postings under Press Highlights and CCS News .

SPECIALIZATIONS

Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly critical role in the field of cybersecurity, both as a tool that can be leveraged as a threat, or as a solution to that threat. At the Center for Cybersecurity, researchers are working to better understand the former, through initiatives like a recent study showing the potential vulnerabilities in AI generated code, while expanding its use for the latter through projects that include producing simulated bugs to improve detection and testing methods. (See related research projects under Disinformation and Deepfakes, Privacy and Data Protection, Supply Chain Security)

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According to the FBI’s 2021 Internet crime report , more than $6.9 billion was lost in the United States to cybercrime activities in 2021. These attacks can range from the use of cyber technology for illegal surveillance and online harassment, to the manipulation of access to in-demand items through dark web marketplaces. Research initiatives from the Center for Cybersecurity have addressed strategies for mapping and disrupting cybercrime networks, and designed legal and policy interventions that can deter criminal networks from raising, storing, moving, and using funds.

When it comes to cybersecurity, who is responsible for developing and enforcing policies to adequately address current and future risk? Our work on cyber governance aims to identify the appropriate roles and obligations of various stakeholders—including private companies and government agencies. This includes issues of technical capacity, the regulatory environment, and commercial incentives. CCS research in Cyber Strategy works to sharpen the boundaries between cybersecurity and intelligence authorities, the ways in which cyber capabilities are integrated into larger strategic structures, and the development of international laws and norms.

Disinformation can take several forms, be it a digitally manipulated photograph or an anonymous ad campaign spreading false information. Faculty and students of the Center for Cybersecurity are working on several fronts to maintain image integrity, and to craft legal and regulatory responses to disinformation. Through its affiliated project, Cybersecurity for Democracy, CCS is also conducting research and disseminating information about “the online threats to our social fabric,” as well as developing strategies to counter them.

The Internet-of-Things (IoT) is primarily associated with “smart home” devices like Alexa. But, IoT technologies are also integral parts of industrial systems, and even provide software updates to the electronic control units on automobiles. Despite the growing number of IoT applications, these devices often run insecure software and engage in obscure privacy practices, such as sending data to unknown third parties. The Center for Cybersecurity is currently analyzing the security and privacy threats from real-world IoT devices from all over the world through the IoT Inspector project. Data gathered using this tool is shared with consumers to educate them about the risks, and with other researchers who can use the information to mitigate these threats. Other CCS research teams have introduced practical strategies to protect software updates for automotive electronic control units and other systems that rely on software over the air update strategies. This research goes hand in hand with other areas of CCS, including Privacy and Data Protection, Securing Cyberphysical Systems, and Supply Chain Security.

Computing technology has become an intrinsic part of manufacturing operations across all industrial sectors. And, as promising new technologies, such as digital manufacturing, have emerged, threats to their security have not been far behind. At the Center for Cybersecurity, an interdisciplinary team of researchers is tackling these threats on several fronts. In addition to conducting research in this expanding arena, CCS has sponsored or co-sponsored a series of panel discussions and workshops, Researchers at CCS also investigate solutions for other hardware security issues, such as improving the secure properties of encrypted microchips, and the detection of hardware Trojans.

Data and privacy security tools and strategies have become critical to businesses and government agencies as well as to individuals. CCS is expanding these technologies on a number of fronts, including harnessing emerging technologies like homomorphic encryption. The Center has also identified emerging targets, such as current and future IT/communication systems, IoT devices, and social media. Lastly, CCS researchers are also investigating how data mining can be used to infringe on our privacy, and how systems and laws can be redesigned to limit these intrusions.

Cyberphysical systems are mechanical systems monitored and controlled by computers. Attacks aimed at cyberphysical systems can have catastrophic effects on electric power generation and delivery, traffic flow management, public health, national economic security, and more. Our work focuses on enhancing the security of these systems, including emerging technologies like 5G.

Securing systems and the software that powers them requires a multitude of approaches. Current research initiatives at CCS address compromise resilience, virtualization security, design and implementation of distributed content networks, memory forensics, embedded systems, security and human behavior, and the delivery of secure updates to repositories, automobiles, and smart devices. A common thread among all these initiatives is that they are based on deployments in real world systems.

In the computer science field, security has generally been piecemeal in nature, rather than a holistic operation that can guarantee the security of a project from end to end. Faculty and students at the Center for Cybersecurity have been actively engaged in changing this perspective by developing and implementing both software and hardware supply chain defenses. These strategies include identifying flaws in microchips, ensuring consistency and quality control in digitally-manufactured products, adding transparency and accountability to each step in the software supply chain, and utilizing financial incentives as a defensive strategy.

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Cybersecurity Insights Blog: Year-In-Review 2020

We can all agree that 2020 has been a year we won’t forget anytime soon. Faced with unanticipated challenges, new concerns, and constant adjustments forced by the global pandemic, we were compelled to rethink the ways in which we work, study, and socialize. In many cases, this meant transferring day-to-day activities to an online environment, which pushed organizations of every kind to re-examine their approaches to cybersecurity. A positive note is that these changes presented a prime opportunity to highlight the criticality of cybersecurity and promote increased awareness and best practices. NIST’s cybersecurity experts redoubled their efforts in this area, and our Cybersecurity Insights Blog chronicled many of the highlights along the way. Before closing the door on 2020, we wanted to take a look back at the Top Five posts of the year.

5. Differential Privacy for Privacy-Preserving Data Analysis: An Introduction to our Blog Series

We introduced a new series on the blog in July to begin shedding light on the subject of Differential Privacy. In this series, NIST’s Katie Boeckl and co-authors Joseph Near and David Darais from the University of Vermont examine one of the big challenges in data analysis today: How do we use data to learn about a population without infringing on the privacy of specific individuals? Differential privacy presents several advantages, but it isn’t always easy to access the necessary tools, standards, or best practices to implement it. This series provides basic concepts, use cases, available tools, and technical approaches for IT and privacy professionals.

4. Threat Models for Differential Privacy

The Differential Privacy series earned two spots on the blog’s Top Five list this year. In Threat Models for Differential Privacy posted in September, authors Near and Darais explained that the type of adversaries a system is designed to thwart must be considered when developing the system. Both privacy, which comes down to controlling what someone can infer from data, and security, which means controlling who can access the data, must be factored in. The authors described different models of differential privacy – central, local, and hybrid – and outlined their respective advantages and downsides.

3. The Next Generation Security and Privacy Controls— Protecting the Nation’s Critical Assets

September was a very busy month for the Cybersecurity Insights Blog, producing both our fourth and third most read posts of the year. In The Next Generation Security and Privacy Controls—Protecting the Nation’s Critical Assets , NIST’s Ron Ross, Victoria Yan Pillitteri, and Naomi Lefkovitz reviewed the newly unveiled NIST SP 800-53, Revision 5 . As they explained, the revision is really a renovation, presenting both structural and technical updates for systematically ensuring the trustworthiness and resilience of critical systems. The authors shared the most significant changes in the revised controls catalog and previewed supplemental materials.

2. Telework Security Basics

Not surprisingly, our two most read posts this year addressed challenges brought about by the sudden pivot in the spring to working from home. In Telework Security Basics , NIST’s Jeff Greene outlined several simple things we can all do to improve the security of our home working environments. From making sure the Wi-Fi is protected to keeping devices patched and updated, these measures can help prevent increased risk to our organizations and our home networks. The popular post included a short video on telework security basics and links to additional resources.

1.  Preventing Eavesdropping and Protecting Privacy on Virtual Meetings

The top Cybersecurity Insights Blog post of 2020 dealt with a topic many of us became all-too-familiar with over the course of the year: virtual meetings. In Preventing Eavesdropping and Protecting Privacy on Virtual Meetings posted in March, Greene walked us through some basic precautions to help make sure virtual meetings do not create opportunities for data breaches or security incidents. Garnering more than 20 percent of the blog’s “clicks” this year, it clearly answered a demand for information on a timely subject.  

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Key strategies for building cyber resilience in 2024

Cyber resilience is an essential approach for safeguarding digital assets. Image:  Getty Images/iStockphoto

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Stay up to date:, cybersecurity.

• Cyber threats are a not a matter of 'if' but 'when', making cyber resilience an essential approach for organizations to safeguard digital assets.
• Resilience is about being prepared for an inevitable cybersecurity breach and recognizing that every system has potential potential vulnerabilities.
• Here's why taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity can build resilience that addresses both today's threats and the challenges of tomorrow.

Cyber resilience is more than just a buzzword in the security industry; it is an essential approach to safeguarding digital assets in an era where cyber threats are not a matter of “if” but “when”.

According to Check Point’s 2024 Cyber Security Report , 2023 experienced a 90% increase in publicly extorted victims of ransomware attacks. Security is one thing, but resilience extends beyond the traditional defensive perimeter.

It encompasses the ability of an organization to maintain its core functions ­– not just in the face of attacks but also during recovery from them. It is about being prepared for the inevitable breach, and recognizing that every system, no matter how robust, has potential vulnerabilities.

About 4 in 10 (39%) of global businesses say they aren’t resilient enough to handle a sophisticated cyberattack, and as attack methods evolve and increasingly utilize artificial intelligence, the actual figure is likely to be much higher.

Some businesses may think they are well prepared if they have a secure perimeter, but resilience is less about the first line of defence, and more about how well businesses can absorb risk and cope with mounting threats. Fending off one attack does not equal resilience.

The essence of cyber resilience lies in its dual focus. On one hand, it involves fortifying operations against constant attacks, ensuring business continuity under what can be considered “normal” cyber warfare conditions.

Have you read?

Iot security: we are keeping consumers safe from cyber threats, how to rebuild trust after a cybersecurity breach.

On the other, it demands a robust strategy for post-breach scenarios. This means having a plan that goes beyond mere recovery, one that adapts and evolves in response to the incident. Such a strategy acknowledges that the digital landscape is a dynamic battlefield, where threats evolve and so must defences.

The role of leadership in cyber resilience

Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping an organization's approach to cyber resilience. It's not just about having a technically sound cybersecurity team; it's about fostering a culture where cyber resilience is ingrained in every decision and action. This starts at the top, with board members and executives who don't just passively endorse cybersecurity strategies but actively engage with them.

Effective leaders understand that cybersecurity is not a siloed IT issue but a critical business function that impacts every aspect of the organization. They ensure that cybersecurity discussions are not relegated to the IT department alone but are a regular feature of boardroom conversations.

Moreover, leaders in this field recognize the importance of being proactive rather than reactive. They don't wait for an incident to occur to appreciate the value of a resilient cybersecurity posture. Instead, they invest in continuous education, staying abreast of emerging threats and adapting their strategies accordingly.

This proactive stance involves not only understanding the technicalities of cyber threats but also appreciating their potential business impact. By doing so, they can make informed decisions about where to allocate resources, how to develop their teams and when to implement new technologies or strategies, ensuring that the organization's cyber resilience is always a step ahead of potential threats.

Technological and human elements of cyber resilience

When it comes to resilience, technology and human expertise must work in tandem. While advanced technological solutions like AI and machine learning are indispensable in identifying and responding to threats swiftly, the human element remains irreplaceable.

This synergy is crucial; technology can provide the tools and automation necessary for efficient threat detection and response, but it is the human insight that contextualizes and interprets these threats within the unique framework of each organization. Staff training, capacity management and a keen understanding of the organization's specific risk landscape are as vital as the technology deployed to protect it.

AI and cybersecurity: How to navigate the risks and opportunities

What does 2024 have in store for the world of cybersecurity.

The human aspect also extends to fostering a security-aware culture within the organization. This involves regular training and awareness programmes to ensure that all employees, not just the IT staff, understand the role they play in maintaining cybersecurity.

Overall, it's about creating an environment where cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility, and where employees are equipped to recognize and report potential threats. Such an approach not only strengthens the organization's defence against external threats but also helps in mitigating risks posed by insider threats, whether intentional or accidental.

Frameworks and strategies for enhanced resilience

Adopting comprehensive frameworks and strategies is also essential for building a robust cyber resilience infrastructure. Frameworks like NIST2 and MITRE offer structured approaches, guiding organizations through the complexities of cybersecurity and resilience.

In the US, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides comprehensive guidelines and frameworks for cybersecurity, including the widely recognized NIST Cybersecurity Framework . This framework offers a flexible approach to managing cybersecurity risks, emphasizing the importance of identifying, protecting, detecting, responding, and recovering from cyber incidents.

MITRE, on the other hand, is known for its MITRE ATT&CK framework , a globally accessible knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques based on real-world observations. This framework is used as a foundation for the development of specific threat models and methodologies in the cybersecurity community, helping organizations to understand and prepare for potential attack scenarios.

Both frameworks help in identifying vulnerabilities, setting priorities and implementing measures that go beyond conventional defence mechanisms. They encourage a holistic view of cybersecurity, encompassing not just technical defences but also aspects like risk management, incident response and recovery strategies.

By aligning with such frameworks, organizations can develop a more nuanced understanding of their cybersecurity position, enabling them to anticipate, withstand, and recover from adverse cyber events more effectively. This strategic alignment ensures that cybersecurity efforts are not just about meeting compliance standards but are tailored to the specific needs and challenges of the organization, thereby enhancing overall resilience.

Futureproofing against emerging cyber threats

Safeguarding against emerging threats is a critical component of cyber resilience. This requires organizations to stay vigilant and adaptive, anticipating not just current threats but also preparing for future challenges.

The rise of sophisticated AI-driven attacks, for instance, necessitates a forward-thinking approach where defence mechanisms are continuously updated and refined. Organizations must also consider the broader geopolitical landscape, which can influence the nature and frequency of cyber threats.

The World Economic Forum's Centre for Cybersecurity at the forefront of addressing global cybersecurity challenges and making the digital world safer for everyone.

Our goal is to enable secure and resilient digital and technological advancements for both individuals and organizations. As an independent and impartial platform, the Centre brings together a diverse range of experts from public and private sectors. We focus on elevating cybersecurity as a key strategic priority and drive collaborative initiatives worldwide to respond effectively to the most pressing security threats in the digital realm.

Learn more about our impact:

• Cybersecurity training: In collaboration with Salesforce, Fortinet and the Global Cyber Alliance, we are providing free training to the next generation of cybersecurity experts . To date, we have trained more than 122,000 people worldwide.
• Cyber resilience: Working with more than 170 partners, our centre is playing a pivotal role in enhancing cyber resilience across multiple industries: oil and gas , electricity , manufacturing and aviation .

Want to know more about our centre’s impact or get involved? Contact us .

By integrating advanced technologies, continuous learning and strategic planning, organizations can develop a resilience posture that not only addresses today's threats but is also agile enough to adapt to the unknown challenges of tomorrow.

This proactive approach to cybersecurity ensures that organizations are not just responding to threats, but are always a step ahead, ready to counteract and mitigate the risks in this dynamic digital era.

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License and Republishing

World Economic Forum articles may be republished in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License, and in accordance with our Terms of Use.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

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Research reveals language barriers limit effectiveness of cybersecurity resources

Online guidance that provides the most effective educational tools and reporting forms is only available in english.

The idea for Fawn Ngo's latest research came from a television interview.

Ngo, a University of South Florida criminologist, had spoken with a Vietnamese language network in California about her interest in better understanding how people become victims of cybercrime.

Afterward, she began receiving phone calls from viewers recounting their own experiences of victimization.

"Some of the stories were unfortunate and heartbreaking," said Ngo, an associate professor in the USF College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. "They made me wonder about the availability and accessibility of cybersecurity information and resources for non-English speakers. Upon investigating further, I discovered that such information and resources were either limited or nonexistent."

The result is what's believed to be the first study to explore the links among demographic characteristics, cyber hygiene practices and cyber victimization using a sample of limited English proficiency internet users.

Ngo is the lead author of an article, "Cyber Hygiene and Cyber Victimization Among Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Internet Users: A Mixed-Method Study," which just published in the journal Victims & Offenders . The article's co-authors are Katherine Holman, a USF graduate student and former Georgia state prosecutor, and Anurag Agarwal, professor of information systems, analytics and supply chain at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Their research, which focused on Spanish and Vietnamese speakers, led to two closely connected main takeaways:

• LEP Internet users share the same concern about cyber threats and the same desire for online safety as any other individual. However, they are constrained by a lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate resources, which also hampers accurate collection of cyber victimization data among vulnerable populations.
• Online guidance that provides the most effective educational tools and reporting forms is only available in English. The most notable example is the website for the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which serves as the FBI's primary apparatus for combatting cybercrime.

As a result, the study showed that many well-intentioned LEP users still engage in risky online behaviors like using unsecured networks and sharing passwords. For example, only 29 percent of the study's focus group participants avoided using public Wi-Fi over the previous 12 months, and only 17 percent said they had antivirus software installed on their digital devices.

Previous research cited in Ngo's paper has shown that underserved populations exhibit poorer cybersecurity knowledge and outcomes, most commonly in the form of computer viruses and hacked accounts, including social media accounts. Often, it's because they lack awareness and understanding and isn't a result of disinterest, Ngo said.

"According to cybersecurity experts, humans are the weakest link in the chain of cybersecurity," Ngo said. "If we want to secure our digital borders, we must ensure that every member in society, regardless of their language skills, is well-informed about the risks inherent in the cyber world."

The study's findings point to a need for providing cyber hygiene information and resources in multiple formats, including visual aids and audio guides, to accommodate diverse literacy levels within LEP communities, Ngo said. She added that further research is needed to address the current security gap and ensure equitable access to cybersecurity resources for all Internet users.

In the meantime, Ngo is preparing to launch a website with cybersecurity information and resources in different languages and a link to report victimization.

"It's my hope that cybersecurity information and resources will become as readily accessible in other languages as other vital information, such as information related to health and safety," Ngo said. "I also want LEP victims to be included in national data and statistics on cybercrime and their experiences accurately represented and addressed in cybersecurity initiatives."

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Story Source:

Materials provided by University of South Florida . Original written by John Dudley. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Fawn T. Ngo, Anurag Agarwal, Katherine Holman. Cyber Hygiene and Cyber Victimization Among Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Internet Users: A Mixed-Method Study . Victims & Offenders , 2024; 1 DOI: 10.1080/15564886.2024.2329765

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Published: 8 April 2024 Contributors: Gregg Lindemulder, Amber Forrest

Open-source intelligence (OSINT) is the process of gathering and analyzing publicly available information to assess threats, make decisions or answer specific questions.

Many organizations use OSINT as a cybersecurity tool to help gauge security risks and identify vulnerabilities in their IT systems. Cybercriminals and hackers also use OSINT techniques for social engineering , phishing and exposing targets for cyberattacks.

Beyond cybersecurity, other disciplines such as law enforcement, national security, marketing, journalism and academic research may also make use of open-source intelligence.

As far back as World War II, highly trained agents in the intelligence community have monitored open-source information such as radio broadcasts, newspapers and market fluctuations. Today, given the number and variety of easily accessible data sources, nearly anyone can participate in open-source intelligence gathering.

Some of the public sources from which OSINT researchers collect data points include:

Internet search engines such as Google, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, Bing and Yandex.

Print and online news media including newspapers, magazines and news sites.

Social media accounts on platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Online forums, blogs and Internet Relay Chats (IRC).

The dark web , an encrypted area of the internet that is not indexed by search engines.

Online directories of phone numbers, email addresses and physical addresses.

Public records including births, deaths, court documents and business filings.

Government records such as meeting transcripts, budgets, speeches and press releases issued by local, state and federal/national governments.

Academic research including papers, theses and journals.

Technical data such as IP addresses, APIs , open ports and web page metadata.

However, before data collection from OSINT sources begin, a clear objective should be established. For example, security professionals who use OSINT first determine which insights they seek to uncover, and which public data will yield the desired results.

After the public information is collected, it must then be processed to filter out unnecessary or redundant data. Security teams can then analyze the refined data and create an actionable intelligence report.

Threat actors often use OSINT to uncover sensitive information they can leverage to exploit vulnerabilities in computer networks.

This may include personal details about an organization’s employees, partners and vendors that are easily accessible on social media and company websites. Or technical information such as credentials, security gaps or encryption keys that may appear in the source code of web pages or cloud applications. There are also public websites that publish compromising information such as stolen logins and passwords from data breaches.

Cybercriminals are able to use this public data for a variety of nefarious purposes.

For example, they could use personal information from social networks to create tailored phishing emails that convince readers to click on a malicious link. Or conduct a Google search with specific commands that reveal security weaknesses in a web application, a practice called “Google dorking.” They may also evade detection during a hacking attempt after reviewing a company’s public assets that describe their cybersecurity defense strategies.

For these reasons, many organizations conduct OSINT assessments of the public sources of information related to their systems, applications and human resources.

The findings can be used to locate unauthorized leaks of proprietary or sensitive data, evaluate information security, and identify vulnerabilities such as unpatched software, misconfigurations or open ports. Organizations may also conduct penetration testing of their systems and networks using the same OSINT data that are publicly accessible by cybercriminals and hackers.

Often, the information collected during an OSINT assessment is combined with non-public data to create a more comprehensive threat intelligence report. Frequent updates to OSINT cybersecurity assessments can help organizations mitigate the risk of data breaches, ransomware, malware and other cyberattacks.

Because of the vast amount of public information available, it is often impractical to manually collect, sort and analyze OSINT data. Specialized open-source intelligence tools can help manage and automate data tasks for a variety of OSINT use cases.

Some OSINT analysis tools use artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect which information is valuable and relevant, and which is insignificant or unrelated. Among the more popular OSINT tools are:

Osintframework.com  (link resides outside ibm.com) – An extensive directory of free, online OSINT tools and resources hosted on the developer platform GitHub. Both hackers and cybersecurity professionals can use this directory as a starting point to drill down into the specific functionality they seek in an OSINT tool.

Maltego  (link resides outside ibm.com) – A real-time data mining solution for Windows, Mac and Linux platforms that provides graphic representations of data patterns and connections. With its ability to profile and track the online activities of individuals, this tool can be useful to both cybersecurity professionals and threat actors.

Spiderfoot  (link resides outside ibm.com) – A data source integration tool for information such as email addresses, phone numbers, IP addresses, subdomains and more. Ethical hackers may use this resource to investigate publicly available information that could pose a threat to an organization or an individual.

Shodan  (link resides outside ibm.com) – A search engine for internet-connected devices that can also provide information on metadata and open ports. Because this tool can identify security vulnerabilities for millions of devices, it can be useful to both cybersecurity professionals and cybercriminals.

Babel X  (link resides outside ibm.com) – A multilingual, AI-enabled search tool capable of searching the world wide web and dark web in more than 200 languages. Security teams within an organization may use this tool to search for sensitive or proprietary information that may be posted on the dark web or in a foreign country.

Metasploit  (link resides outside ibm.com) – A penetration testing tool that can identify security vulnerabilities in networks, systems and applications. Both cybersecurity professionals and hackers find value in this tool because it can expose the specific weaknesses that may enable a successful cyberattack.

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Research: How Ratings Systems Shape User Behavior in the Gig Economy

• Arne De Keyser,
• Christophe Lembregts,
• Jeroen Schepers

A study reveals surprising differences between displaying an average score or individual reviews.

Platform providers typically display ratings information to the user in two ways. Incremental rating systems, employed by platforms like TaskRabbit and Airbnb, offer a detailed view by listing and often providing insights into every individual review score. Averaged rating systems, used by platforms such as Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash, present an overall score that aggregates all individual ratings. Over a series of nine experiments, researchers found that the way low ratings are communicated shapes user experience and behavior in a number of ways. Their findings offer implications for companies choosing between incremental or average ratings systems.

Rating systems, integral to the platform economy, profoundly influence human behavior and choice. Platforms like Uber, Airbnb, Turo, and Upwork rely on these systems not just as reflections of past performance, but as proactive tools for ensuring quality and encouraging proper conduct on both sides of a transaction from service providers (such as drivers and hosts) and users (like riders and guests).

• AK Arne De Keyser is a professor of marketing at EDHEC Business School. His research focuses on customer experience, frontline service technologies, and circular services.
• CL Christophe Lembregts is an associate professor of marketing at RSM Erasmus University. His research focuses on facilitating informed decision-making by investigating responses to quantitative information.
• JS Jeroen Schepers is an associate professor of frontline service and innovation at Eindhoven University of Technology. His research centers on frontline employees, artificial intelligence, and service robots.

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Read our research on: Gun Policy | International Conflict | Election 2024

Regions & Countries

6 facts about americans and tiktok.

Increasing shares of U.S. adults are turning to the short-form video sharing platform TikTok in general and for news .

Pew Research Center conducted this analysis to better understand Americans’ use and perceptions of TikTok. The data for this analysis comes from several Center surveys conducted in 2023.

More information about the surveys and their methodologies, including the sample sizes and field dates, can be found at the links in the text.

Pew Research Center is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts, its primary funder. This is the latest analysis in Pew Research Center’s ongoing investigation of the state of news, information and journalism in the digital age, a research program funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, with generous support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

This analysis draws from several Pew Research Center reports on Americans’ use of and attitudes about social media, based on surveys conducted in 2023. For more information, read:

Americans’ Social Media Use

How u.s. adults use tiktok.

• Social Media and News Fact Sheet
• Teens, Social Media and Technology 2023

At the same time, some Americans have concerns about the Chinese-owned platform’s approach to data privacy and its potential impact on national security. Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill that, if passed in the Senate and signed into law, would restrict TikTok’s ability to operate in the United States.

Here are six key facts about Americans and TikTok, drawn from Pew Research Center surveys.

A third of U.S. adults – including a majority of adults under 30 – use TikTok. Around six-in-ten U.S. adults under 30 (62%) say they use TikTok, compared with 39% of those ages 30 to 49, 24% of those 50 to 64, and 10% of those 65 and older.

In a 2023 Center survey , TikTok stood out from other platforms we asked about for the rapid growth of its user base. Just two years earlier, 21% of U.S. adults used the platform.

A majority of U.S. teens use TikTok. About six-in-ten teens ages 13 to 17 (63%) say they use the platform. More than half of teens (58%) use it daily, including 17% who say they’re on it “almost constantly.”

A higher share of teen girls than teen boys say they use TikTok almost constantly (22% vs. 12%). Hispanic teens also stand out: Around a third (32%) say they’re on TikTok almost constantly, compared with 20% of Black teens and 10% of White teens.

In fall 2023, support for a U.S. TikTok ban had declined. Around four-in-ten Americans (38%) said that they would support the U.S. government banning TikTok, down from 50% in March 2023. A slightly smaller share (27%) said they would oppose a ban, while 35% were not sure. This question was asked before the House of Representatives passed the bill that could ban the app.

Republicans and Republican-leaning independents were far more likely than Democrats and Democratic leaners to support a TikTok ban (50% vs. 29%), but support had declined across both parties since earlier in the year.

Adults under 30 were less likely to support a ban than their older counterparts. About three-in-ten adults under 30 (29%) supported a ban, compared with 36% of those ages 30 to 49, 39% of those ages 50 to 64, and 49% of those ages 65 and older.

In a separate fall 2023 survey, only 18% of U.S. teens said they supported a ban. 

A relatively small share of users produce most of TikTok’s content. About half of U.S. adult TikTok users (52%) have ever posted a video on the platform. In fact, of all the TikTok content posted by American adults, 98% of publicly accessible videos come from the most active 25% of users .

Those who have posted TikTok content are more active on the site overall. These users follow more accounts, have more followers and are more likely to have filled out an account bio.

Although younger U.S. adults are more likely to use TikTok, their posting behaviors don’t look much different from those of older age groups.

About four-in-ten U.S. TikTok users (43%) say they regularly get news there. While news consumption on other social media sites has declined or remained stagnant in recent years, the share of U.S. TikTok users who get news on the site has doubled since 2020, when 22% got news there.

Related: Social Media and News Fact Sheet

TikTok news consumers are especially likely to be:

• Young. The vast majority of U.S. adults who regularly get news on TikTok are under 50: 44% are ages 18 to 29 and 38% are 30 to 49. Just 4% of TikTok news consumers are ages 65 and older.
• Women. A majority of regular TikTok news consumers in the U.S. are women (58%), while 39% are men. These gender differences are similar to those among news consumers on Instagram and Facebook.
• Democrats. Six-in-ten regular news consumers on TikTok are Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents, while a third are Republicans or GOP leaners.
• Hispanic or Black. Three-in-ten regular TikTok news users in the U.S. are Hispanic, while 19% are Black. Both shares are higher than these groups’ share of the adult population. Around four-in-ten (39%) TikTok news consumers are White, although this group makes up 59% of U.S. adults overall .

A majority of Americans (59%) see TikTok as a major or minor threat to U.S. national security, including 29% who see the app as a major threat. Our May 2023 survey also found that opinions vary across several groups:

• About four-in-ten Republicans (41%) see TikTok as a major threat to national security, compared with 19% of Democrats.
• Older adults are more likely to see TikTok as a major threat: 46% of Americans ages 65 and older say this, compared with 13% of those ages 18 to 29.
• U.S. adults who do not use TikTok are far more likely than TikTok users to believe TikTok is a major threat (36% vs. 9%).

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WhatsApp and Facebook dominate the social media landscape in middle-income nations

Teens and social media fact sheet, most popular.

About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .