The Cyber Defense eMagazine November Edition for 2023

Consider the following data and real-life examples:
1. Data Persistence: According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, as of 2021,
72% of American adults use social media platforms, and many of them have more than one
account. These platforms host vast amounts of personal data, from photos to messages.
According to Facebook's most recent investor's report, Facebook currently has 2.895 billion
monthly active users (MAUs). Tragically, some of these users pass away, leaving behind digital
footprints that persist. The families of these users must navigate the delicate task of managing
their loved ones' online presence. According to a research paper from the University of Oxford
Internet Institute published April 2019 in the journal Big Data & Society, the dead will eventually
outnumber the living on Facebook.
2. Posthumous Interactions: AI and natural language processing advancements have led to the
development of chatbots and virtual avatars that can simulate conversations with the deceased.
3. The AI company Replika offers a chatbot service that allows users to create AI friends. While
primarily intended for the living, some have contemplated using such technology to interact with
the memories of loved ones.
4. Digital Immortality: The idea of digital immortality is emerging as a fascination for some. Projects
like the Eternime app aim to create digital avatars that continue to learn from a person's digital
history. Eternime wants you to live forever as a digital ghost.
Microsoft introduced an AI chatbot designed to mimic the personality of a deceased loved one,
based on text messages, emails, and social media posts. This experiment sparked both curiosity
and ethical concerns. This chat bot can bring you back from the dead, sort of.
Cybersecurity Risks in the Digital Afterlife
Understanding the stakes of cybersecurity in the digital afterlife
becomes even more critical when considering real-world incidents:
1. Legacy Preservation and Privacy: The data left behind by
individuals often becomes a target for cybercriminals. According to
Norton's 2021 Cyber Safety Insights Report, cybercrime cost
victims nearly $1 trillion globally. Protecting digital legacies is
essential to prevent unauthorized access.
In 2020, the Twitter accounts of several deceased celebrities were
compromised as part of a cryptocurrency scam, highlighting the
need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect posthumous
online identities.
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