Securing Cyberspace: Approaches to Developing an Effective Cyber-Security Strategy
Abstract
Effective protection of cyberspace is a national security priority, essential to securing critical national assets. A comprehensive U.S. cyber-strategy is needed to deter, defend against, and respond to cyber-attacks. This paper examines the characteristics of hostile cyber-attacks and their implications for the development of an effective strategy. U.S. cyber-strategy should incorporate concepts in three broad areas. First, U.S. government and military policies should adopt a differentiated approach to security policy, centralize protection of military and government networks under U.S. Cyber Command using layered and dynamic defenses, and pursue a holistic interagency approach, as has begun with the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative. Second, the United States should exercise diplomatic means to seek international cooperation and collaboration on core areas of cyber-security. Third, the United States should develop a robust defense strategy tailored to deter likely potential adversaries that includes mechanisms for managing escalation during a conflict in cyberspace.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA565052
Entities
People
- Douglas S. Smith
Organizations
- United States Army War College