Cyber proxies will become part of global politics

Subject

The role of proxy actors on the internet.

Significance

States have long been the central providers of national security. Yet they are becoming just one of a number of actors that provide security in the cyber domain. A wide range of non-state actors, often acting as proxies, provide a variety of functions that include the provision of security and intelligence; assistance in orchestrating offensive activity; and in-depth training and education.

Impacts

• Proxy actors have their own agenda, making them potentially unreliable government partners in certain instances.
• Customers across the globe will increasingly scrutinise firms based on their interactions with government actors.
• Where risk exists in working with proxies, states will look to develop their own capability.