International Cybersecurity Priorities: Fostering Cybersecurity Innovation Globally

In June of 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce published a pamphlet outlining their cybersecurity priorities for the next few years. The Department of Commerce, important to the technological industry and development for the United States, recognizes the increasing risk of malicious action against networks and servers. Their first priority lies in “encouraging and facilitating cybersecurity innovation through the global marketplace” (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2017, p. 6). Specifically, the department champions an increase of cybersecure technology like firewalls as well as an increase of researchers to investigate and solve network insecurities. By taking these steps and others, they hope to incentivize more technological growth. Their second priority, “ensuring cybersecurity approaches and policies are globally relevant” (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2017, p. 7), works to push the cybersecurity agenda and the cyber precedent of the United States abroad. However, the department concedes that trying to make a “one-size fits all” policy can stop innovation by making countries conform to one thought of policy. Therefore, the strategy of the department to push their priority is to provide common and general cybersecurity practices to keep the credibility of the United States market and industry. “Advocating for U.S. cybersecurity products and services internationally”, the department’s third priority, goes hand-in-hand with keeping the credibility of the United States in mind (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2017, p. 8). This priority, which focuses on an increase of pushing cybersecurity exports and expanding the market, helps jumpstart investment in the market. The fourth priority, “enhancing global Internet security and stability”, hopes to foster international internet security by sponsoring development and conferences, working with countries on improving their practices, and consulting with stakeholders worldwide. This priority goes further than the United States, although good network practices assist the United States as well. The final priority of lies in “building international capacity on cybersecurity education and workforce” (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2017, p. 10). This education goes back to helping shore up markets, which allows consumers to pour more money into it. The Department of Commerce includes specific steps that are already in progress as well as specific steps for the future. All of these priorities help the United States economy, but help the global community become more safe and secure as well.