Computer Security: Critical Federal Operations and Assets Remain at Risk
Abstract
Dramatic increases in computer interconnectivity, especially in use of the Internet, are revolutionizing the way our government, our nation, and much of the world commumeate and conduct business. The benefits have been enormous. Vast amounts of information are now literally at our fingertips, facilitating research on virtually every topic imaginable; financial and other business transactions can be executed almost instantaneously, often on a 24-hour-a-day basis; and electronic mail, Internet Web sites, and computer bulletin boards allow us to communicate quickly and easily with a virtually unlimited number of other individuals and groups. In addition to such benefits, however, this widespread interconnectivity poses significant risks to our computer systems and, more important, to the critical operations and infrastructures they support. Telecommunications, power distribution, national defense-including the military's warfighting capability, law enforcement, government services, and emergency services all depend on the security of their computer operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 11, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA391553
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office