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Citizen Lab director warns cyber industry about US authoritarian descent

Citizen Lab director Ron Deibert warns the cybersecurity industry about the rise of authoritarianism in the U.S., linking it to a fusion of technology and fascism. Speaking at Black Hat, he urges professionals to engage actively in defending democracy and highlights the market failure in cybersecurity for global civil society, stressing the need for increased vigilance and action against government spyware and its implications.

Key points

  • Ron Deibert, Citizen Lab director, warns of U.S. authoritarianism at Black Hat conference.
  • He connects rising authoritarianism to the intersection of technology and fascism.
  • Deibert emphasizes the role of big tech in exacerbating insecurity issues not typically viewed as cybersecurity problems.
  • He cites past political actions, such as Trump's investigation of Chris Krebs, affecting cybersecurity leadership.
  • Jen Easterly supports Deibert's call for the cybersecurity community to combat political pressures.
  • Deibert raises concerns about big companies reducing efforts against government spyware and market failures affecting civil society.
  • He calls for pro bono work from cybersecurity firms to aid global democracy.

Why it matters

  • The cybersecurity industry has historically avoided political activism but faces new challenges due to increasing political influences.
  • Notable events, such as Trump's actions against Krebs and Easterly, signify a trend where cybersecurity leaders face political backlash.
  • The importance of threat intelligence teams in companies like Meta, Google, and Apple is highlighted, especially against government-linked spyware.
  • The pressures exerted on cybersecurity firms echo broader concerns in the IT industry regarding censorship and corporate responsibility by 2025.

As cybersecurity increasingly intertwines with global political contexts, professionals must recognize their role in defending democratic values and addressing the pressing market failures for civil society in the evolving digital landscape.