The integration of new technologies is resulting in an increased demand for security and authentication in all types of data communications. Cybersecurity is the protection of networks and systems from theft. Biometric technologies use unique traits of particular parts of the body such facial recognition, iris, fingerprints and voice to identify individuals' physical and behavioural characteristics. Although there are many challenges associated with extracting, storing and processing such data, biometric and cybersecurity technologies along with artificial intelligence (AI) are offering new approaches to verification procedures and mitigating security risks.

Emerging healthcare networks are interconnected physical systems that use cyber technologies for interaction and functionality. The proliferation of massive internet-of-things (IoT) devices enables remote and distributed access to cutting-edge diagnostics and treatment options in modern healthcare systems. New security vulnerabilities are emerging due to the increasing complexity of the healthcare architecture, in particular, threats to medical devices and critical infrastructure pose significant concerns owing to their potential risks to patient health and safety. In recent times, patients have been exposed to high risks from attacks capable of disrupting critical medical infrastructure, communications facilities, and services, interfering with medical devices, or compromising sensitive user data.

The role of data and information and communication technology (ICT) is growing in all areas of transport, with autonomous vehicles among the most advanced examples. This opens up opportunities for malevolent interference, such as remote-control of vehicles for criminal or terrorist purposes or interruption of increasingly interconnected transport systems. It is therefore imperative that cybersecurity is upgraded and designed into new systems.