Cybersecurity: Threats Impacting the Nation

Abstract

Why GAO Did This Study. Nearly every aspect of American society increasingly depends upon information technology systems and networks. This includes increasing computer interconnectivity, particularly through the widespread use of the Internet as a medium of communication and commerce. While providing significant benefits, this increased interconnectivity can also create vulnerabilities to cyber-based threats. Pervasive and sustained cyberattacks against the United States could have a potentially devastating impact on federal and nonfederal systems, disrupting the operations of governments and businesses and the lives of private individuals. Accordingly, GAO has designated federal information security as a government wide high-risk area since1997, and in 2003 expanded it to include protecting systems and assets vital to the nation (referred to as critical infrastructures).

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 24, 2012
Accession Number
AD1153781

Entities

People

  • Anjalique Lawrence
  • Gregory C. Wilshusen
  • Kristi C. Dorsey
  • Lee A. Mccracken
  • Michael Gilmore

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Business Administration
  • Commerce
  • Computer Crime
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Cyber Threats
  • Cyberattacks
  • Cybersecurity
  • Electronic Mail
  • Governments
  • Homeland Security
  • Information Security
  • Information Systems
  • Information Warfare
  • Infrastructure
  • Internet
  • Malware
  • Mobile Devices
  • National Governments
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Security
  • Social Media
  • Threats
  • United States Government

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Cybersecurity.
  • Economics
  • Government and Public Administration Law.

Technology Areas

  • Cyber