Cross-Domain Deterrence to Protect the U.S. Electrical Grid
Abstract
The United States, now more than ever, is extremely reliant upon dependable delivery of electricity from the national electric grid. In order to preserve this critical national infrastructure, the U.S. needs to strengthen its cross-domain deterrence posture to protect the grid as components and control mechanisms become increasingly vulnerable and attractive for adversaries to exploit. A problem/solution framework will assess proposed measures the U.S. can implement to deter adversaries from future attacks on the U.S. electrical grid. Also addressed are the grids background and development, vulnerabilities within the infrastructure, as well as the effectiveness of current deterrence measures. Research shows that modern physical protection measures are naively simplistic, that cyber smart practices for network security lack industry standardization and compliance, and that deterrence strategies for the cyber domain lack credibility and action. Recommendations to increase future U.S. deterrence posture include: physical, hardware, software and training upgrades; an international coalition construct for cyber policing, enforcement and legitimacy; and, a Decision Authority-ID-ROE matrix that provides a framework and delegated authority for cyber defenders to engage in persistent deterrence and enforcement operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1107528
Entities
People
- James H Nicholas
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College