4. Cyber Defense for IMGs and NGOs Using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

By using social media and crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) principles, issue motivated groups (IMGs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) can develop cyber defense mechanisms and security measures. In contrast to military and governments, non-state actors should not require secrecy to protect its interests—rather secrecy is counter to the aims and objectives of those organisations or groups. Subsequently, the greater the transparency of action, the better for organizations and groups working against hostile governments. This chapter examines the possibilities of using social media and CPTED principles to enable issue motivated groups and non-government organizations to develop cyber defenses against hostile governments or agent provocateurs. It illustrates some possibilities and options available including using social media platforms and mixed technological networks. A central element to developing cyber defense is ensuring the online spaces are designed and administrated in a manner that allows users a sense of inclusiveness, transparency and security.