From Protection to Progress: Linking Cybersecurity Strategies with Global Sustainability Goals

Authors

  • Kaosar Hossain * Doctors of Management, International American University, USA.

https://doi.org/10.48313/iee.v1i1.43

Abstract

This study investigates the intersection between cybersecurity and sustainable development, emphasizing how robust digital security measures can accelerate progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed studies, policy reports, and international frameworks published between 2010 and 2024, the paper synthesizes evidence on the role of cybersecurity in safeguarding critical infrastructure, enhancing institutional resilience, and protecting data systems vital for economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The findings highlight the transformative potential of emerging technologies—such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning—in strengthening cybersecurity while simultaneously advancing SDGs related to health, education, innovation, climate action, and governance. However, persistent challenges—including regulatory gaps, capacity constraints, and the global asymmetry in digital access—pose barriers to integrating cybersecurity into sustainability strategies. The paper recommends fostering international cooperation, expanding cybersecurity education, and developing inclusive governance frameworks to ensure digital resilience. Overall, the study underscores that embedding advanced cybersecurity practices into sustainable development pathways is essential for achieving a secure, equitable, and sustainable digital future.

Keywords:

Cybersecurity, Sustainable Development Goals, Digital Infrastructure, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence

References

  1. [1] Ridwan, M., Akther, A., Dhar, B. K., Roshid, M. M., Mahjabin, T., Bala, S., & Hossain, H. (2025). Advancing circular economy for climate change mitigation and sustainable development in the Nordic Region. Sustainable development, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.3563

  2. [2] Mozumder, M. A. S., Nguyen, T. N., Devi, S., Arif, M., Ahmed, M. P., Ahmed, E., … & Uddin, A. (2024). Enhancing customer satisfaction analysis using advanced machine learning techniques in fintech industry. Journal of computer science and technology studies, 6(3), 35–41. https://www.academia.edu/download/120386146/Paper_03.pdf

  3. [3] Odumesi, J. O., & Sanusi, B. S. (2023). Achieving sustainable development goals from a cybersecurity perspective. Proceedings of the cyber secure nigeria conference. (pp. 1–10). Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Abuja, Nigeria. https://www.csean.org.ng/

  4. [4] Raihan, A., Voumik, L. C., Ridwan, M., Akter, S., Ridzuan, A. R., Wahjoedi, … & Ismail, N. A. (2024). Indonesia’s path to sustainability: Exploring the intersections of ecological footprint, technology, global trade, financial development and renewable energy. In Alareeni, B. & Elgedawy, I. (Eds.), Opportunities and risks in AI for business development: volume 1 (pp. 1–13). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-65203-5_1

  5. [5] Uddin, M. K., Akter, S., Das, P., Anjum, N., Akter, S., Alam, M., … & Pervin, T. (2024). Machine learning-based early detection of kidney disease: A comparative study of prediction models and performance evaluation. international journal of medical science and public health research, 5(15), 58–75. https://doi.org/10.37547/ijmsphr/Volume05Issue12-05

  6. [6] Ridzuan, A. R., Rahman, N. H. A., Singh, K. S. J., Borhan, H., Ridwan, M., Voumik, L. C., & Ali, M. (2024). Assessing the impact of technology advancement and foreign direct investment on energy utilization in malaysia: An empirical exploration with boundary estimation. Technology and business model innovation: challenges and opportunities (pp. 1–12). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-55911-2_1

  7. [7] Salih, A., Zeebaree, S. T., Ameen, S., Alkhyyat, A., & Shukur, H. M. (2021). A survey on the role of artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning for cybersecurity attack detection. 2021 7th international engineering conference “Research & innovation amid global pandemic" (IEC) (pp. 61–66). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/IEC52205.2021.9476132

  8. [8] Sweet, M. M. R., Arif, M., Uddin, A., Sharif, K. S., Tusher, M. I., Devi, S. (2024). Credit risk assessment using statistical and machine learning: Basic methodology and risk modeling applications. International journal on computational engineering, 1(3), 62–67. https://doi.org/10.62527/comien.1.3.21

  9. [9] Shak, M. S., Uddin, A., Rahman, M. H., Anjum, N., Al Bony, M. N. V., Alam, M., … & Pervin, T. (2024). Innovative machine learning approaches to foster financial inclusion in microfinance. International interdisciplinary business economics advancement journal, 5(11), 6–20. https://doi.org/10.55640/business/volume05issue11-02

  10. [10] Norris, D. F., Mateczun, L., Joshi, A., & Finin, T. (2018). Cybersecurity at the grassroots: American local governments and the challenges of internet security. Journal of homeland security and emergency management, 15(3), 20170048. https://doi.org/10.1515/jhsem-2017-0048

  11. [11] Toapanta, S. M. T., Jaramillo, J. M. E., & Gallegos, L. E. M. (2020). Cybersecurity analysis to determine the impact on the social area in latin america and the caribbean. Proceedings of the 2019 2nd international conference on education technology management (pp. 73–78). New York, NY, USA: Association for Computing Machinery. https://doi.org/10.1145/3375900.3375911

  12. [12] Rahat, S. K. R. U. I., Rahman, M. D. H., Arafat, Y., Rahaman, M., Hasan, M. M., & Amin, M. Al. (2025). advancing diabetic retinopathy detection with AI and deep learning: Opportunities, limitations, and clinical barriers. British journal of nursing studies, 5(2), 01–13. https://doi.org/10.32996/bjns.2025.5.2.1

  13. [13] Rahman, M. H., Anwar, M. M., & Hossain, F. (2025). AI-driven big data and business analytics: Advancing healthcare, precision medicine, supply chain resilience, energy innovation and economic competitiveness. Journal of medical and health studies, 6(3), 205–215. https://doi.org/10.32996/jmhs.2025.6.3.30

  14. [14] Akhter, A., Al Shiam, S. A., Ridwan, M., Abir, S. I., Shoha, S., Nayeem, M. B., & Bibi, R. (2024). Assessing the impact of private investment in AI and financial globalization on load capacity factor: Evidence from United States. Journal of environmental science and economics, 3(3), 99–127. https://doi.org/10.56556/jescae.v3i3.977

  15. [15] Akther, A., Tahrim, F., Voumik, L. C., Esquivias, M. A., & Pattak, D. C. (2025). Municipal solid waste dynamics: Economic, environmental, and technological determinants in Europe. Cleaner engineering and technology, 24, 100877. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clet.2024.100877

  16. [16] Arif, M., Hasan, M., Al Shiam, S. A., Ahmed, M. P., Tusher, M. I., Hossan, M. Z. (2024). Predicting customer sentiment in social media interactions: Analyzing Amazon help Twitter conversations using machine learning. International journal of advanced science computing and engineering, 6(2), 52–56. https://doi.org/10.62527/ijasce.6.2.211

  17. [17] Hossain, M. N., Anjum, N., Alam, M., Rahman, M. H., Taluckder, M. S., Al Bony, M. N. V., … & Jui, A. H. (2024). Performance of machine learning algorithms for lung cancer prediction: a comparative study. International journal of medical science and public health research, 5(11), 41–55. https://doi.org/10.37547/ijmsphr/Volume05Issue11-05

  18. [18] Rahman, M., Al Amin, M., Hasan, R., Hossain, S. M. T., Rahman, M. H., & Rashed, R. A. M. (2025). A predictive AI framework for cardiovascular disease screening in the us: Integrating EHR data with machine and deep learning models. British journal of nursing studies, 5(2), 40–48. https://doi.org/10.32996/bjns.2025.5.2.5

  19. [19] Voumik, L. C., & Ridwan, M. (2023). Impact of FDI, industrialization, and education on the environment in Argentina: ARDL approach. Heliyon, 9(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e12872

  20. [20] Al-Sherideh, A. S., Maabreh, K., Maabreh, M., Al Mousa, M. R., & Asassfeh, M. (2023). Assessing the impact and effectiveness of cybersecurity measures in e-learning on students and educators: A case study. International journal of advanced computer science and applications, 14(5), 158–164. https://www.academia.edu/download/111068817/Paper_16-Assessing_the_Impact_and_Effectiveness_of_Cybersecurity_Measures.pdf

  21. [21] Urbee, A. J., Hasan, M. A., Ridwan, M., & Dewan, M. F. (2025). Adaptation and resilience in the face of climate-induced migration: Exploring coping strategies in the urban economy of barishal metropolitan city. Environment, innovation and management, 1, 2550005. https://doi.org/10.1142/S306090112550005X

  22. [22] Wibowo, A. (2023). Enhancing economic growth for the achievement of sustainable development goals through digital era fundraising schemes for sustainable community development: A policy analysis from the islamic economic perspective. Proceeding of international conference on Islamic philantrophy (Vol. 1, pp. 26–37). Islamic Philantrophy. https://proceedings.uinsaizu.ac.id/index.php/icip/article/download/301/273

  23. [23] Robinson, G. (2021). Come hell or high water: Climate action by archives, records and cultural heritage professionals in the United Kingdom. Records management journal, 31(3), 314–340. https://doi.org/10.1108/RMJ-10-2020-0036

  24. [24] Ridwan, M., Urbee, A. J., Voumik, L. C., Das, M. K., Rashid, M., & Esquivias, M. A. (2024). Investigating the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis with urbanization, industrialization, and service sector for six South Asian countries: Fresh evidence from Driscoll Kraay standard error. Research in globalization, 8, 100223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resglo.2024.100223

  25. [25] Zawaideh, F. H., Abu-Ulbeh, W., Mjlae, S. A., El-Ebiary, Y. A. B., Al Moaiad, Y., & Das, S. (2023). Blockchain solution for smes cybersecurity threats in e-commerce. 2023 international conference on computer science and emerging technologies (CSET) (pp. 1–7). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/CSET58993.2023.10346628

  26. [26] Ridwan, M., Aspy, N. N., Bala, S., Hossain, M. E., Akther, A., Eleais, M., & Esquivias, M. A. (2024). Determinants of environmental sustainability in the United States: Analyzing the role of financial development and stock market capitalization using LCC framework. Discover sustainability, 5(1), 319. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-024-00539-1

  27. [27] Orthi, S. M., Rahman, M. H., Siddiqa, K. B., Uddin, M., Hossain, S., Al Mamun, A., & Khan, M. N. (2025). Federated learning with privacy-preserving big data analytics for distributed healthcare systems. Journal of computer science and technology studies, 7(8), 269–281. https://doi.org/10.32996/jcsts.2025.7.8.31

  28. [28] Rahman, M. H., Hossin, M. E., Hossain, M. J., Uddin, S. M. M., Faruk, M. I., Anwar, M. M., & Hossain, F. (2024). Harnessing big data and predictive analytics for early detection and cost optimization in cancer care. Journal of computer science and technology studies, 6(5), 278–293. https://doi.org/10.32996/

  29. [29] Raihan, A., Bala, S., Akther, A., Ridwan, M., Eleais, M., & Chakma, P. (2024). Advancing environmental sustainability in the G-7: The impact of the digital economy, technological innovation, and financial accessibility using panel ARDL approach. Journal of economy and technology, In Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ject.2024.06.001

  30. [30] Melaku, H. M. (2023). A dynamic and adaptive cybersecurity governance framework. Journal of cybersecurity and privacy, 3(3), 327–350. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcp3030017

  31. [31] Turk, Ž., García de Soto, B., Mantha, B. R. K., Maciel, A., & Georgescu, A. (2022). A systemic framework for addressing cybersecurity in construction. Automation in construction, 133, 103988. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103988

  32. [32] Ridwan, M., Akther, A., Tamim, M. A., Ridzuan, A. R., Esquivias, M. A., & Wibowo, W. (2024). Environmental health in BIMSTEC: The roles of forestry, urbanization, and financial access using LCC theory, DKSE, and quantile regression. Discover sustainability, 5(1), 429. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-024-00679-4

  33. [33] Raihan, A., Ibrahim, S., Ridwan, M., Rahman, M. S., Bari, A. B. M. M., & Guneysu Atasoy, F. (2025). Role of renewable energy and foreign direct investment toward economic growth in Egypt. Innovation and green development, 4(1), 100185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.igd.2024.100185

  34. [34] Rahman, J., Rahman, H., Islam, N., Tanchangya, T., Ridwan, M., & Ali, M. (2025). Regulatory landscape of blockchain assets: Analyzing the drivers of NFT and cryptocurrency regulation. BenchCouncil transactions on benchmarks, standards and evaluations, 5(1), 100214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tbench.2025.100214

  35. [35] Chouraik, C. (2024). Enhancing cybersecurity in Moroccan banking: A strategic integration of AI, blockchain, and business intelligence. International journal of science and research archive, 13(02), 1723–1734. https://doi.org/10.30574/ijsra.2024.13.2.2312

  36. [36] Denoncourt, J. (2020). Companies and UN 2030 sustainable development goal 9 industry, innovation and infrastructure. Journal of corporate law studies, 20(1), 199–235. https://doi.org/10.1080/14735970.2019.1652027

  37. [37] binti Sulaiman, N., binti Mahmud, N. P. N., Nazir, U., Abid, S. K., & others. (2021). The role of autonomous robots in fourth industrial revolution (4IR) as an approach of sustainable development goals (sdg9): industry, innovation and infrastructure in handling the effect of covid-19 outbreak. IOP conference series: Earth and environmental science (Vol. 775, p. 12017). IOP Publishing. 10.1088/1755-1315/775/1/012017

  38. [38] Shahid, R., & Ahmed, B. (2022). Embedding four indicators of resilience to make cities and communities sustainable in Pakistan. Global journal for management and administrative, 3(2), 63–73. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/3df7/01e4b4732134f0a79b61f37bccf13d52ec57.pdf

  39. [39] Fallah Shayan, N., Mohabbati-Kalejahi, N., Alavi, S., & Zahed, M. A. (2022). Sustainable development goals (SDGs) as a framework for corporate social responsibility (CSR). Sustainability, 14(3), 1222.

  40. [40] Bouteche, B., & Bougdah, H. (2023). Sustainable cities and precarious housing: The case of Algeria. Management of sustainable development, 15(2), 28–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.54989/msd-2023-0014

  41. [41] Ridwan, M., Akther, A., Al Absy, M. S. M., Tahsin, M. S., Bin Ridzuan, A. R., Yagis, O., & Mukhta, K. P. (2024). The role of tourism, technological innovation, and globalization in driving energy demand in major tourist regions. International journal of energy economics and policy, 14(6), 675–689. 10.32479/ijeep.17344.

  42. [42] Ridwan, M., Tahsin, M. S., Al-Absy, M. S. M., Eleais, M., Ridzuan, A. R., & Mukthar, K. P. J. (2025). Economic Alchemy: Unraveling the nexus between trade openness, inflation, exchange rates, and economic growth in bangladesh. International journal of economics and financial issues, 15(3), 244. https://doi.org/10.32479/ijefi.17779

  43. [43] Niedziółka, P. (2020). Polish banking sector facing challenges related to environmental and climate protection. Problemy zarządzania, 18(4 (90)), 32–47. https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=991838

  44. [44] Jerbi, D. (2023). Beyond firewalls: Navigating the jungle of emerging cybersecurity trends. Journal of current trends in computer science research, 2(2), 191–195. https://www.opastpublishers.com/open-access-articles/beyond-firewalls-navigating-the-jungle-of-emerging-cybersecurity-trends.pdf

  45. [45] Rahman, M. D. H., Rahaman, M., Arafat, Y., Rahat, S. K. R. U. I., Hasan, R., Rimon, S. M. T. H., & Dipa, S. A. (2025). Artificial intelligence for chronic kidney disease risk stratification in the USA: Ensemble vs. deep learning methods. British journal of nursing studies, 5(2), 20–32. https://doi.org/10.32996/bjns.2025.5.2.3

  46. [46] Raihan, A., Hasan, M. A., Voumik, L. C., Pattak, D. C., Akter, S., & Ridwan, M. (2024). Sustainability in Vietnam: Examining economic growth, energy, innovation, agriculture, and forests’ impact on CO2 emissions. World development sustainability, 4, 100164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wds.2024.100164

  47. [47] Raihan, A., Zimon, G., Ridwan, M., Rahman, M. M., & Salehi, M. (2025). Role of mineral resource rents, renewable energy, and energy efficiency toward carbon neutrality in China. Energy nexus, 17, 100394. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexus.2025.100394

  48. [48] Rahman, M. H., Das, A. C., Shak, M. S., Uddin, M. K., Alam, M. I., Anjum, N., … & Alam, M. (2024). Transforming customer retention in fintech industry through predictive analytics and machine learning. The american journal of engineering and technology, 6(10), 150–163. https://doi.org/10.37547/tajet/Volume06Issue10-17

  49. [49] Sulich, A., Rutkowska, M., Krawczyk-Jezierska, A., Jezierski, J., & Zema, T. (2021). Cybersecurity and sustainable development. Procedia computer science, 192, 20–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2021.08.003

  50. [50] Rahman, M. H., Dipa, S. A., Hasan, K., & Hasan, M. M. (2025). Health at Risk: Respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological impacts of air pollution. Innovations in environmental economics, 1(1), 56–69. https://doi.org/10.48313/iee.v1i1.41

  51. [51] Ziky, M., & El-Abdellaoui, L. (2023). Can sustainable development goals go hand in hand with economic growth? Evidence from Morocco. Problems and perspectives in management, 21(3), 656. 10.21511/ppm.21(3).2023.51

  52. [52] Ekmen, O., & Kocaman, S. (2023). From pixels to sustainability: Trends and collaborations in remote sensing for advancing sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). Sustainability, 15(22), 16094. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152216094

  53. [53] Onwe, J. C., Ridzuan, A. R., Uche, E., Ray, S., Ridwan, M., & Razi, U. (2024). Greening Japan: Harnessing energy efficiency and waste reduction for environmental progress. Sustainable futures, 8, 100302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2024.100302

  54. [54] Ridwan, M., Al Jubayed, A., Kayser, K. A., Ahmed, M. E., Chowdhury, R. R., Hassan, M. R., … & Kanij, H. N. (2025). Examine the role of political stability and education toward green economy: An empirical evidence for Bangladesh. Environment, innovation and management, 01, 2550011. https://doi.org/10.1142/S3060901125500115

  55. [55] Etemadi, N., Van Gelder, P., & Strozzi, F. (2021). An ism modeling of barriers for blockchain/distributed ledger technology adoption in supply chains towards cybersecurity. Sustainability, 13(9), 4672. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094672

  56. [56] Chisty, N. M. A., Baddam, P. R., & Amin, R. (2022). Strategic approaches to safeguarding the digital future: insights into next-generation cybersecurity. Engineering international, 10(2), 69–84. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/1b58/6859a65c542ca2d501be4d0bf0768bca7ae0.pdf

Published

2025-03-21

How to Cite

From Protection to Progress: Linking Cybersecurity Strategies with Global Sustainability Goals. (2025). Innovations in Environmental Economics , 1(1), 81-95. https://doi.org/10.48313/iee.v1i1.43

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.