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Ed Butler considers the growing threats of cyber crime, hacking and warfare.

The internet began life as a means of sharing data between a handful of research institutions, whose members often knew and trusted each other.

Today it is used by around 2.3 billion strangers all over the world, including rivals and deadly enemies, purveyors of vice, political activists of all colours, and computer savvy kids, who suddenly find they have the power to cause all kinds of mischief.

Soon, even these may be just a small part of the cyberspace population, as billions of machines and household appliances come online too.

So is the net's original architecture and governance still fit for purpose?

Or has it gone out of control and become hopelessly insecure?

Ed Butler assesses the ever-increasing threats from hackers, criminals, and even cyber weapons, and asks what can be done to protect internet users without encroaching on their liberties.

(Image: Teenage boy using a PC, computer at home. Credit: Science Photo Library)