GLOBAL CYBERSECURITY DISPARITIES AND THE STRATEGIC VULNERABILITY OF HIGH-INCOME NATIONS
Abstract
This paper investigates the global cybersecurity landscape by analyzing disparities in national preparedness to confront escalating cyber threats. The core argument explores why developed countries, despite leading in cybersecurity initiatives, are more frequently targeted by cyberattacks, whereas less-developed nations, though facing challenges due to limited resources and technological constraints, are less often the primary targets. Furthermore, the paper investigates the challenges and shortcomings in achieving global cybersecurity resilience. In this context, the paper begins with an overview of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) to evaluate the cybersecurity preparedness of various states. It then conducts a threat assessment based on reports from leading cybersecurity organizations and provides a brief analysis of selected national cybersecurity frameworks. Based on these evaluations, the reasons why developed countries are more exposed to cyber threats is explained.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
Ethical Statement
Thanks
References
- REFERENCES AJP 3-20 Allied Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations, Bruxelles: NATO Standardization Offıce, January 2020, p.4, Retrieved 23. May. 2025, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f086ec4d3bf7f2bef137675/doctrine_nato_cyberspace_operations_ajp_3_20_1_.pdf
- Baker, K. (March 04, 2025). Threat Actors Explained. CrowdStrike. Retrieved 23. May. 2025, https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/cybersecurity-101/threat-intelligence/threat-actor/;
- BBC News. (2024, March 14). UK military data breach: MoD investigating major cyberattack. Retrieved 23. May. 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpe3zgznwjno
- Benias, N. and Leventopoulos, S. A. (2019). Cyber Warfare: A Beyond the Basics Approach. Nicholas J. Daras (Ed.). Cyber-Security and Information Warfare (57-83). New York: Nova Science Publishers
- Buchan, R. (2018). Cybersecurity and the law of state responsibility. Oxford University Press.
- Burges, M. (Dec 27, 2022). Hacktivism Is Back and Messier Than Ever. Wired. Retrieved 23. May. 2025, https://www.wired.com/story/hacktivism-russia-ukraine-ddos/
- Butler, S. and Milmo D. (03 May 2025). Clothing shortages, food waste and millions lost each day: inside the M&S cyber-attack chaos. The Guardian. Retrieved 23. May. 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/may/03/inside-the-marks-and-spencer-cyber-attack-chaos?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Buzan, B. People, States and Fear: An Agenda for International Security Studies in the Post-Cold War Era. 2nd ed. London: Harvester Wheatsheaf, 1991.
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
System and Network Security, Cybersecurity and Privacy (Other)
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Publication Date
May 22, 2026
Submission Date
May 23, 2025
Acceptance Date
May 20, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 15 Number: 1