TDI | Outsourcing | Edinburgh: Cyberspace Shapes Up To Be Next Battleground

Cyberspace Shapes Up To Be Next Battleground
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FreeNewsFeed.com on 03 July, 2009 01:02:57
 
Congressional computers have been penetrated, probably by the Chinese. The
avionics system of the F-22 fighter may be compromised. Computers of our
presidential candidates were hacked into --- and probably not by teenagers on a
lark.
Last year's advance of Russian tanks into Georgia was accompanied by the
disruption of Georgian government computer systems.
These are only public manifestations of a new reality: Attacks on computer
systems will be an integral element of future conflict, and the United States
is more dependent on computer networks than any other nation.
Both policy-makers and the military are in the early stages of coming to grips
with this threat. We need to take some important first steps to strengthen our
national capability to defend ourselves in cyberspace.
First, we must abandon the notion that static defenses will help us against
sophisticated threats.
One bipartisan Senate bill proposes to establish a government committee to set
standards for all computer systems and software.
This is the electronic equivalent of building a Maginot Line of concrete
fortifications against a mobile enemy.
It may keep common criminals at bay, but it will be no defense against a mobile
and adaptable top-tier adversary.
American government and private computer systems operate on an interconnected
global network that is constantly changing like a biological organism.
It operates at light speed, and both friends and adversaries are connected to
the same network.
We must anticipate that the most dangerous players will stay quiet until a time
of national tension.
Our cyber-defense capabilities must be inherently dynamic, with a close
connection between system operators, intelligence analysts, and the researchers
who can rapidly build and deploy tools to protect or restore vital capabilities.
Second, our intelligence on other countries' cyber capabilities must be
strengthened.
We have scores of trained experts who know the ins and outs of foreign radars
and missile systems and almost none who...