Policy for US Cybersecurity
Abstract
Since creation of the first interconnected computer network in 1969 as an Advanced Research Projects Agency endeavor, cyberspace has expanded to affect many, if not most, aspects of Americans lives. Unfortunately, accessibility to and expansion of the Internet often proceeded without proper consideration for the security of the information contained or transmitted therein. The lack of necessary security and the anonymity afforded by the Internet led to equally rapid growth (if not more so) of the nefarious exploitation of this man-made domain. Regrettably, it is unlikely that the United States can protect itself from the growing threat of cybercrime and state-sponsored intrusions and operations. 1 However, this prospect should not limit attempts by the United States to defend its cyberspace infrastructure, whether the threat comes from terrorists, cybercriminals, or states and their proxies. 2 Consequently, America must develop offensive and defensive cyber capabilities. Additionally, clearly defined policies require development and implementation to ensure cohesion across the whole of government. With respect to cyber domain attacks on US civilian systems attributable to a nation-state, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) should have responsibility for responding (in the form of consequence management); US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), for domestic attack assessment; and US Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), for defense and any counterstrike response (in coordination with applicable combatant commands and US national agencies). This article describes the cyberspace environment and its threats; explains the current authorities, roles, and responsibilities of these and other agencies; and details how these authorities, roles, and responsibilities need modification to best protect US national security interests.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA617837
Entities
People
- August G. Roesener
- Carl Bottolfson
- Gerry Fernandez
Organizations
- Air University