The Future of Cybersecurity: A System Dynamics Approach

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is disrupting conventional practices in the digital space. Cybersecurity strategies are considered increasingly central and crucial aspects of the transformations. Cybersecurity relates to processes and networks designed intelligently to digitally protect unauthorized access. In this work, the authors provide support into how businesses can align operations in the realm of cybersecurity driven by the technologies of industry 4.0 towards ensuring sustainability. To this end, a System Dynamics Modelling (SDM) approach that considers simulating the impact of cybersecurity initiatives on a network and security solution business is developed. As an initial step, the perceptions of network and security solution organisations are gathered. Thereafter the cybersecurity initiatives gathered are used to explore the system dynamics model. The results provide insights for strategic and tactical business decision support suitable to mitigate probable cybersecurity breaches and threats.