The Electronic Intrusion Threat to National Security and Emergency Preparedness Telecommunications. An Awareness Document.
Abstract
This report identifies and analyzes the threat that electronic intrusion represents to the Public Switched Network (PSN), and it serves to update and expand upon the findings of the 1993 report with the identical title. The threat that contemporary electronic intruders pose to the PSN is rapidly changing and is significant. As a result of their increasing knowledge and sophistication, electronic intruders may have a significant impact upon national security and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) telecommunications because more than 90 percent of U.S. Government telecommunications services are provided by commercial carriers. The possible effects of the threat to the PSN include denial or disruption of service, unauthorized monitoring or disclosure of sensitive information, unauthorized modification of network databases/services, and fraud/financial loss. Each effect may disrupt or degrade NS/EP telecommunications services in the United States. Traditionally, the electronic intrusion threat to the PSN has come from individuals exhibiting both surprising ingenuity and a penchant for self-promotion. In the past, electronic intruders from the computer underground have been motivated primarily by curiosity. These individuals have shown less concern about law enforcement and have seen more effort spreading vulnerability information among their peers. Law enforcement personnel have made substantial progress over the past several years in the detection and prosecution of computer criminals. In contrast, the modern breed of electronic intruders from the computer underground appears to have different motives and techniques.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA301642