Securing American Cyberspace: A Strategic Necessity
Abstract
United States (U.S.) cyberspace is not secure and this lack of security leaves the nation vulnerable to cyberattack from a variety of sources. Successful cyberattacks have had and may continue to have negative results with strategic implications. Until now cyberspace has existed with relatively unregulated access. However as the reliance on cyberspace grows the subsequent requirement for security also grows with it and we must now take at least the minimum necessary measures to better secure it or continue to suffer the consequences of computer attacks from a variety of threats. The U.S. Government must first set the example by securing itself and then move to bring industry into compliance preferably through consensus but if necessary through regulation or legislation. While government should display the necessary leadership in this arena industry has the great majority of the nation's infrastructure and therefore will bear the largest burden. Finally individual users must take a more active role in securing their small part of cyberspace. All three have a key role in securing American cyberspace in order to prevent a potential "digital Pearl Harbor" or "electronic September 11" from ever occurring.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 19, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA424249
Entities
People
- James E. Barrineau
Organizations
- United States Army War College