Biorisks have been a significant area of interest for researchers and experts in public health and national security. The potential consequences of a biosecurity threat are daunting, considering the advancements in biotechnology and the ease with which biological weapons can be developed. The synthesis of the first virus from scratch in 2002 highlighted the shift in biology towards becoming an engineering discipline that could be exploited for malicious purposes. This realization raised concerns among experts in the field, especially those who had worked on disease eradication campaigns, such as the smallpox eradication effort. The vulnerability of society to biorisks was further underscored by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrating the need for increased security measures in biolabs and within communities.
Efforts to enhance biosecurity have focused on a variety of areas, including increasing the security around biolabs, detecting biological weapons programs, and building societal resilience to engineered and natural pandemics. Despite these efforts, vulnerabilities remain, as evidenced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic, caused by a relatively mild virus compared to historical pathogens, had a significant impact on global health and the economy. The emergence of synthetic viruses with high lethality rates poses additional challenges, as the time required to develop and distribute vaccines remains a bottleneck in responding to biorisks. The cost of synthesizing viruses has decreased significantly over the years, making it easier for malicious actors to access the necessary tools and materials for biological attacks. This asymmetry between defense and offense in biosecurity poses a serious threat to global security.
Nature remains a formidable adversary in biorisks, with the continued evolution of natural viruses leading to the potential for future pandemics. The economic impact of Covid-19 serves as a reminder of the need to invest more resources in preventing and preparing for future outbreaks. In addition to natural threats, intentional biological attacks present a significant risk, as demonstrated by past incidents involving terrorist groups with biological weapons programs. The accessibility of biotechnology tools and materials, coupled with the increasing interest in biology as a weapon by individuals and groups with mass-casualty intent, raises concerns about the potential misuse of biotechnology for malicious purposes. The availability of AI technologies further complicates the landscape of biorisks, as it could potentially lower the barriers to entry for those seeking to carry out biological attacks.
Preventing and mitigating the risks associated with biorisks require a multifaceted approach that involves strengthening security measures in biolabs, enhancing detection capabilities for biological threats, and increasing investments in pandemic preparedness. Building resilience at both the local and global levels is crucial in tackling the challenges posed by biorisks. Collaboration between governments, international organizations, academia, and the private sector is essential in developing comprehensive strategies to address the evolving threats in biosecurity. Investing in research and innovation to stay ahead of emerging biorisks is key to safeguarding public health and national security in an increasingly interconnected world.