Identify the assumptions that must be implicit for the statement to be valid.

Statement: Despite improved internet speeds, cybersecurity threats continue to increase globally.

Assumptions:

I. Faster internet increases digital exposure.

II. Cyber threats are unaffected by internet speed.

III. Cybersecurity measures are inadequate worldwide.

The correct option is Only I and III.

To determine which assumptions are implicit in the statement, let us analyze the logical connection between internet speed, cybersecurity threats, and global cybersecurity readiness.

Statement Breakdown:
The statement notes a contrast: "Despite improved internet speeds, cybersecurity threats continue to increase globally."
This implies an underlying expectation or mechanism regarding why internet speed relates to threats, and why existing measures are failing to stop the increase.

Analysis of Assumptions:

Assumption I: Faster internet increases digital exposure.
This assumption is implicit because the phrase "Despite improved internet speeds..." sets up an expectation that speed and cyber threats are connected. Increased speed typically leads to higher data transmission, more connected devices, and broader online activity (digital exposure), which creates more opportunities for cyber threats. Thus, Assumption I provides the logical link for why threats might rise alongside speed improvements.

Assumption II: Cyber threats are unaffected by internet speed.
This assumption contradicts the underlying premise of the statement. The statement implies that faster internet creates conditions (like larger attack surfaces or faster exploit delivery) under which threats evolve and increase. Therefore, assuming threats are entirely unaffected by internet speed is not implicit.

Assumption III: Cybersecurity measures are inadequate worldwide.
This assumption is implicit because cybersecurity threats are continuing to increase "globally." If global cybersecurity measures were adequate and effective, they would have contained or reduced these threats despite the higher speeds or increased exposure. The persistent global rise in threats logically assumes that current defense measures are inadequate to mitigate the risk.

Therefore, both Assumption I and Assumption III are necessary and implicit for the statement to be valid.