Critical Infrastructure Protection: Challenges to Building a Comprehensive Strategy for Information Sharing and Coordination
Abstract
Computer security risks have increased dramatically over the last decade as our government and our nation have become ever more reliant on interconnected computer systems to support critical operations and infrastructures, including telecommunications, finance, power distribution, emergency services, law enforcement, national defense, and other government services. These interconnected systems are part of a global Information infrastructure that is not defined by geographic boundaries or by unity of purpose among the individual components of the infrastructure. To a large extent, these components are developed and maintained by private companies and, in some cases foreign entities. This situation is challenging nations to consider new strategies for protecting sensitive data and information-based assets, in part through information sharing and coordination between public and private organizations-sometimes on an international scale. This report discusses the challenges to achieving effective coordination that we have identified over the last 2 years. Such challenges-which include establishing trust relationships between the government and private sector, developing the mechanisms of gathering and sharing data, strengthening technical capabilities, and providing stronger governmentwide leadership and continuity for critical infrastructure protection-need to be successfully addressed in order to institute effective information sharing and coordination mechanisms among individual components of the infrastructure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 26, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA380013
Entities
People
- Jack L. Brock Jr.
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office