United States Cybersecurity Strategy, Policy, and Organization: Poorly Postured to Cope with a Post-9/11 Security Environment?

Abstract

Is United States cybersecurity strategy, policy, and organization postured to cope with the post-9/11 security environment? Following an exhaustive review of recurring and stand-alone strategic cybersecurity strategy and policy documents, and a detailed assessment of the U.S. cyber organization within the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and Department of Justice, the author concludes that the United States is vulnerable to a cyber attack. Despite recent publicity about cyber attacks against certain private and governmental organizations, the genesis of American awareness of cyber threats began during the Clinton Administration. Unfortunately, the quest for improved cybersecurity in response to those threats has progressed unevenly. Cybersecurity strategy, policy, and organization have undergone numerous changes, and each change has attempted to adapt to the dynamic nature of cyberspace. While progress has been made on many fronts, cybersecurity strategy, policy, and organization have not incorporated many of the lessons the Intelligence Community learned from 9/11. Because of this shortfall, the United States is potentially vulnerable to a devastating cyber attack.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 14, 2012
Accession Number
ADA570115

Entities

People

  • William K. Tirrell

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computer Network Security
  • Cyberattacks
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cyberspace
  • Cyberspace Operations
  • Government Procurement
  • Information Systems
  • Intelligence Community (United States)
  • Interagency Coordination
  • Military History
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • United States Government
  • United States Strategic Command
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Cybersecurity.
  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Cyber