Insecure Software on a Fragmenting Internet

Global geopolitical forces are pushing much of the world towards Internet nationalism, threatening to turn the Internet into a ‘Splinternet.’ In this paper we argue that the crisis in software security will exacerbate this trend. We examine existing moves towards Internet fragmentation on multiple levels. We discuss current trends in online crime, espionage, and warfare. We look at the role of software vulnerabilities, discussing how the prevalence of software security issues could propel nations further apart. We argue that there is an urgent need for a ‘zero tolerance’ attitude to software security issues, and discuss what is needed to create this.