The hidden threat of cyber-attacks – undermining public confidence in government

This article explores contentions in views and values against the government due to cyberattacks. The primary threat is argued to be the societal risks like reduced trust in a governmental system as posed by cyber-attacks. The article argues that the societal risks are greater than physical destruction. “To test this claim, we collect and analyze survey data in the immediate aftermath of a ransomware attack against a Düsseldorf hospital (n = 707).” The surveyors found that cyber-attack exposure diminishes public confidence amongst the population segments exposed directly. “Cyber-attacks exploit particular qualities of cyberspace that are directly tied to matters of public confidence, causing a precipitous drop in public trust.” They also chose to identify the psychological mechanism that they believe is behind this effect, with the main emotions being dread and anger. These angry emotions in turn amplify feelings of confidence in the public, while the fear and dread interestingly causes a decreased trust and public confidence. “Our findings verify that governments cannot rely on a unifying social-cohesion effect following cyber-attacks since the public is liable to perceive the authorities as incapable of defending against future threats.” They conclude that it is important to continue a discussion regarding societal risks and upheaval which can reduce trust which is important in democratic institutions because this is the result of a new generation of cyber-attacks and its exposure on the public.