Open-source cyber intelligence research through PESTEL framework: Present and future impact

Abstract

Recent scholarly endeavors in the domain of Cyber Intelligence have unveiled its multifaceted implications, intricately interwoven with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably encompassing Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), among others. This study intricately dissects the symbiotic nexus between Cyber Intelligence research and these SDGs, whilst simultaneously unraveling its profound reverberations across the diverse dimensions of the PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal) framework. Ten critical impacts inherent in current research works on cyber intelligence were identified, subsequently juxtaposing these impacts within the PESTEL dimensions. This analytical process further unraveled an additional eleven critical impacts yet to be addressed by current research works on cyber intelligence. Addressing these additional 11 impacts in forthcoming research endeavors is posited as a catalyst for optimizing societal benefits across the diverse spectra of PESTEL dimensions. Moving on from categorizing and classifying societal impacts of cyber research within PESTEL framework, this study finally establishes a strategic roadmap of 11 future research directions on cyber intelligence like sustainable cyber security practices, mental health aspects of cyber victimhood, ethical AI in cybersecurity among others. Fostering a cross-disciplinary dialog, this work contributes to the broader discourse on harnessing cyber intelligence for societal betterment, mitigating the potential detrimental effects cyber threats.