Cyber Security as an Emergent Infrastructure (PREPRINT)
Abstract
To address today's threats to information-based systems, security has evolved from the simple access controls of 30 years ago to a complete infrastructure in its own right. This infrastructure serves to protect computers and networks, and the information that is generated, acquired, processed, transmitted, and stored by them. Like many of the systems it protects, the security infrastructure is global and interconnected. It is growing and evolving, and will continue to do so as long as information technology itself evolves. The objective of this chapter is to explore this emergent infrastructure and the factors that are shaping its development. The focus is on cybersecurity, which includes computer security and network security, but excludes those aspects of information security that deal with information that is not computerized (e.g., print media). The factors shaping the development of the security infrastructure are divided into five areas: threats, technology developments, economic factors, psychological factors, and social and political factors. These areas will be discussed after first describing the elements of security infrastructure. Limitations of space preclude giving more than a broad overview of the topics. Many issues are ignored or brushed over lightly. Further, more attention is paid to developments in the United States than elsewhere. The aim is a conceptual framework for understanding the state of security today rather than complete coverage of all the pieces of the framework.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA485004
Entities
People
- Dorothy E. Denning
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School