4. CYBERSECURITY. Cyber threats have amplified with the globalization of digital communications, increased reliance on computer networks, and convergence of technology. Cyber threats have also evolved. The risk is no longer from sophisticated nation states, but also from hackers, criminals, and terrorists. Ultimately, theft of intellectual property can result in economic and social costs that are broader than profit losses to a single company or sector, threatening to weaken the foundations of a free and competitive market. Once this data is acquired, it can be used to skip generations of research and development (R&D) efforts, greatly accelerating an ability to develop at least the same, if not more impressive, capabilities that permanently eliminate the competitive advantage unique to the victim from which it is
4. CYBERSECURITY. Cyber threats have amplified with the globalization of digital communications, increased reliance on computer networks, and convergence of technology. Cyber threats have also evolved. The risk is no longer from sophisticated nation states, but also from hackers, criminals, and terrorists. Ultimately, theft of intellectual property can result in economic and social costs that are broader than profit losses to a single company or sector, threatening to weaken the foundations of a free and competitive market. Once this data is acquired, it can be used to skip generations of research and development (R&D) efforts, greatly accelerating an ability to develop at least the same, if not more impressive, capabilities that permanently eliminate the competitive advantage unique to the victim from which it is