Cybersecurity and the Digital Divide

Scot Barker, Chief Innovation Officer at the City of Burlington, Vermont

Through this article, Scot Barker discusses the ongoing digital divide and its significant implications for cybersecurity. He emphasizes that communities lacking access to technology face increased vulnerability to cyber threats due to inadequate knowledge and resources. Barker proposes improving digital infrastructure and promoting digital literacy through partnerships to bridge this divide, strengthening cybersecurity and fostering social equity.

Even as the Federal government invests billions of dollars to close it, the digital divide continues to reflect the disparities in access to technology and information. This divide also poses significant challenges in cybersecurity. As technology becomes more pervasive, securing digital infrastructure becomes paramount. Yet, small municipalities and people on the wrong side of the digital divide often lack the resources and knowledge to protect themselves effectively.

The digital divide is typically talked about only regarding socioeconomic inequalities, where people of lower income (often rural) lack access to the same digital tools enjoyed by those living in more urban, more connected communities. The crisis of the digital divide is intertwined with cybersecurity issues, and that combination can have disastrous results. Cybersecurity and the digital divide are equity issues as much as anything else.

First, people—and communities—on the wrong side of the digital divide often lack the basic knowledge of cybersecurity practices. This makes them more susceptible to online threats like phishing, malware, and identity theft. If that is bad for individuals, the risks and the dangers are multiplied in a municipality suffering from poor cybersecurity practices.

"Bridging the digital divide is a prerequisite for strengthening cybersecurity and promoting social equity, enabling a more resilient society where everyone can benefit from technology opportunities."

Second, cybersecurity education is often lacking in those communities on the wrong side of the digital divide. Even with limited technical resources, there are ways to decrease an individual’s and a municipality’s cyber risk. Education on settings, practices, and how to recognize cyber threats takes on even greater importance. Yet, even this education is often beyond reach in those communities on the wrong side of the digital divide.

Finally, individuals and municipalities with limited access to digital technology are not only more vulnerable to cyberattacks due to outdated or complete absence of cybersecurity software, weaker passwords, and a general lack of awareness, but they are also at risk of the digital divide becoming even more significant over time. Being on the wrong side of the digital divide can increase social inequalities, diminish economic opportunity, and reduce or even eliminate access to essential resources increasingly moving online.

Given all of that, what can be done to bridge that digital divide? Whether looking at this issue from the perspective of the individual or the municipality, many of the exact solutions are similar:

● Improve digital infrastructure: Municipalities must work with Federal, State, and County resources to address the digital infrastructure better. Even the smallest municipality has the same cybersecurity concerns as larger governmental bodies. Finding ways to work together with other governmental entities is an option. Finding ways to access high-speed internet more profoundly in underserved and rural communities is vital for individuals.

● Promote digital literacy: Both municipal employees and citizens benefit from focused cybersecurity training. Teaching people how to create more secure passwords and recognize cyber threats can help people feel more comfortable while also ensuring a higher level of cybersecurity. One way to increase digital literacy is to foster public/private/non-profit partnerships. Engaging with local colleges and universities, non-profits focusing on digital equity, or organizations like AARP can help increase digital literacy.

Bridging the digital divide is a prerequisite for strengthening cybersecurity and promoting social equity with individuals and municipalities. By bridging the digital divide, we can create a more resilient society where everyone can benefit from technology opportunities. Through concerted efforts in infrastructure development, education, and community engagement, we can build a future where cybersecurity is inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of geographical location or socio-economic status.