The Missing Case of Disinformation from the Cybersecurity Risk Continuum: A Comparative Assessment of Disinformation with Other Cyber Threats

Kevin Matthe Caramancion, Yueqi Li, Elisabeth Dubois and Ellie Seoe Jung
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Kevin Matthe Caramancion: College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
Yueqi Li: College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
Elisabeth Dubois: College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
Ellie Seoe Jung: College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA

Data, 2022, vol. 7, issue 4, 1-18

Abstract: This study examines the phenomenon of disinformation as a threat in the realm of cybersecurity. We have analyzed multiple authoritative cybersecurity standards, manuals, handbooks, and literary works. We present the unanimous meaning and construct of the term cyber threat. Our results reveal that although their definitions are mostly consistent, most of them lack the inclusion of disinformation in their list/glossary of cyber threats. We then proceeded to dissect the phenomenon of disinformation through the lens of cyber threat epistemology; it displays the presence of the necessary elements required (i.e., threat agent, attack vector, target, impact, defense) for its appropriate classification. To conjunct this, we have also included an in-depth comparative analysis of disinformation and its similar nature and characteristics with the prevailing and existing cyber threats. We, therefore, argue for its recommendation as an official and actual cyber threat. The significance of this paper, beyond the taxonomical correction it recommends, rests in the hope that it influences future policies and regulations in combatting disinformation and its propaganda.

Keywords: disinformation; infodemic; information disorder; cyber threat; cybersecurity; vulnerability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C8 C80 C81 C82 C83 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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