The Net Is Down, Now What Do We Do? Is The Air Force Prepared To Survive A Cyber Attack

Abstract

This study analyzes the Air Force's defense of cyberspace. The author assesses the cyber strategies and doctrine of the United States government, to include the joint military and Air Force specific documents. This assessment reveals the conflicting attitude held by the different organizations regarding the balance between cyber attack and defense. Next, the writer examines Clausewitz's theory of defense and identifies key concepts relevant to the cyber domain including the goal of defense, which is preservation. The author reviews the 2007 cyber attack on Estonia and uncovers how this nation was able to defend against attacks and survive the first Web War. The final section offers concluding thoughts and recommendations regarding the defense of cyberspace by the Air Force. The service is concentrating on cyber attack operations but must balance this with a cyber defense that goes beyond detection/denial and focuses on preserving cyber capabilities.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA540670

Entities

People

  • Scott A. Cain

Organizations

  • Air University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Computer Crime
  • Computer Networks
  • Computers
  • Cyber Defense Techniques
  • Cyberattacks
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cyberspace
  • Cyberspace Operations
  • Electronic Mail
  • Governments
  • Information Systems
  • Military Science
  • Operating Systems
  • United States Government
  • United States Strategic Command
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Cybersecurity.
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Cyber
  • Cyber - Legality in Cyberspace