Cybersecurity for development in the fourth industrial revolution: Research report

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between cybersecurity and development in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), which began around 2011 and is marked by advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital innovations. Analyzing data from 40 African countries, the research reveals a strong correlation (66%) between cybersecurity and Internet penetration, indicating trust and confidence in cyberspace. Comparative analyses show correlations of 60% for Latin America and the Caribbean and 82% for Asia (including Western Asia). The findings demonstrate that a 10% increase in Internet penetration leads to a GDP per capita growth of 1–8.2% in Africa, 3–5.1% in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 5.5–12% in Asia. Additionally, a 10% rise in cybersecurity maturity corresponds to a GDP per capita increase of 0.66–5.4% in Africa, 1.8–3% in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 4.5–9.8% in Asia. Africa has the lowest cybersecurity maturity index (29.1%), followed by Latin America and the Caribbean (35.6%) and Asia (61%). Stronger cybersecurity correlates with lower financial losses, reinforcing the critical role of cybersecurity in 4IR-driven development.