Why Robust Cybersecurity Is Becoming More Critical
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that “Chinese officials acknowledged in a secret December meeting that Beijing was behind a widespread series of alarming cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure.” This campaign, known as Volt Typhoon, was responsible for large-scale operations compromising hundreds of U.S. routers and further threatened U.S. infrastructure and allied infrastructure.
The unfolding saga of Volt Typhoon serves as a reminder that cybersecurity must be at top of mind for consumers and policymakers. Besides private cybercriminals, America’s geopolitical rivals – China, Russia, etc. – are working to undermine U.S. cybersecurity by whatever means possible. This means that everything from personal devices to critical infrastructure must be constructed to be secure-by-design and operated with responsible cybersecurity protocols.
Even though sensitive government information often travels over specially created secure government networks, officials still rely on the tools created by private companies for other security needs. This is why, when the European Union disallowed operating systems from banning sideloading, Apple received requests from officials to continue banning sideloading on government devices to mitigate the security vulnerabilities that accompany such bans.
“Government agencies, both in the European Union and outside of it, have been quick to recognize the risks created by these new distribution options and the need for protective measures,” Apple reported. “These agencies…have reached out to us about these new changes, seeking assurances that they will have the ability to prevent government employees from sideloading apps onto government-purchased iPhones.” This hypocrisy is not lost on those following the anti-cybersecurity regulations coming out of the EU.
In a world with ever-increasing cybersecurity risk, individual consumers should also have access to robust security features. Misguided legislation that sacrifices cybersecurity and privacy for the sake of other priorities will on net harm American users. This would create a less safe world in which Americans are more vulnerable to attack.
Published on April 17, 2025