Cyber Security: A Crisis of Prioritization
Abstract
The information technology (IT) infrastructure of the United States, which is now vital for communication, commerce, and control of our physical infrastructure, is highly vulnerable to terrorist and criminal attacks. The private sector has an important role in securing the Nation's IT infrastructure by deploying sound security products and adopting good security practices. But the Federal government also has a key role to play by supporting the discovery and development of cyber security technologies that underpin these products and practices. The PITAC finds that the Federal government needs to fundamentally improve its approach to cyber security to fulfill its responsibilities in this regard. PITAC urges changes in the Federal government's cyber security R&D portfolio to: * Increase Federal support for fundamental research in civilian cyber security by $90 million annually at NSF and by substantial amounts at agencies such as DARPA and DHS to support work in 10 high-priority areas identified by PITAC. * Intensify Federal efforts to promote recruitment and retention of cyber security researchers and students at research universities, with an aim of doubling this profession's numbers by the end of the decade. * Provide increased support for the rapid transfer of Federally developed cutting-edge cyber security technologies to the private sector. * Strengthen the coordination of the Interagency Working Group on Critical Information Infrastructure Protection and integrate it under the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program. These actions will lead the way toward improving the Nation s cyber security, thereby promoting the security and prosperity of our citizens.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA449192
Entities
People
- Edward D. Lazowska
- Marc R. Benioff