In 1943, Abraham Maslow introduced his famous Hierarchy of Needs, a psychological theory that posits human behaviour is driven by a series of hierarchical needs, from basic survival to self-actualization. Similarly, cybersecurity has its own hierarchy, with digital identity protection now emerging as the foundation for securing modern digital infrastructures.
In this article, we will explore the Hierarchy of Cybersecurity Needs, using Maslow’s pyramid as a comparative framework, with a particular focus on why protecting identities, whether human or machine sits at the core of any strong cybersecurity strategy.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: A Quick Overview
Before diving into the cybersecurity analogy, let’s briefly revisit Maslow’s hierarchy, which is structured into five levels:
- Physiological Needs: Basic survival needs like food, water, and shelter.
- Safety Needs: Security, protection from danger, and stability.
- Social Needs: Relationships, belonging, and community.
- Esteem Needs: Respect, recognition, and self-confidence.
- Self-Actualization: Realizing personal potential and creativity.
Maslow theorized that individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before progressing to higher levels. Similarly, in cybersecurity, foundational elements must be in place before more advanced protections can be effective.
Subscribe to continue reading
Subscribe to get access to the rest of this post and other subscriber-only content.