Cyber Terrorism: A Threat to National Security
Abstract
During the Cold War, the source and nature of threats to the United States were understood and planned for. Even after a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Americans assumed our island nation was secure from foreign threats. Until the 11 September attacks, Americans felt reasonably safe at home. Now it is painfully obvious that it does not take a superpower to threaten the American homeland. Terrorist groups have found ways to inflict many casualties and meet the social objectives of their terrorist campaigns. The incredible tools of the information age, while giving America a tremendous technical advantage, may also be exploited by America's adversaries. America is reexamining what it takes to defend its borders from enemies posed to attack. It must also reexamine what it takes to defend itself from a weapon that has no borders: attacks on our nation's critical information infrastructure. Defending American homeland against possible cyber attacks presents a new challenge for the United States. Consistent with the values and structures established by our Constitution, America must refine the roles and responsibilities we assign law enforcement, intelligence agencies and the military, so they can work together, in their own spheres, to provide for public safety and the nation's defense.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA404381
Entities
People
- Joyce E. Elliott
Organizations
- United States Army War College