Cyber security and risk society: Estonian discourse on cyber risk and security strategy
Date
2018
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Tartu Ülikool
Abstract
The main aim of this thesis is to call for a new analysis of cyber security which departs from the
traditional security theory. I argue that the cyber domain is inherently different in nature, in that
it is lacking in traditional boundaries and is reflexive in nature. Policy-makers are aware of these
characteristics, and in turn this awareness changes the way that national cyber security strategy is
handled and understood. These changes cannot be adequately understood through traditional
understanding of security, as they often are, without missing significant details. Rather,
examining these changes through the lens of Ulrich Beck’s risk society theory allows us to fully
understand these changes. To support my argument, I analyze statements made by Estonian
policy-makers and stakeholder, demonstrating that the way that they understand the nature of the
cyber domain and the drafting and handling of cyber security as a result of this understanding is
best rationalized through a risk society framework.