Cyber-threats, Information Warfare, and Critical Infrastructure Protection - Defending the U.S. Homeland

During the last two decades, the infrastructure of the U.S. economy has undergone a fundamental set of changes. It has steadily increased its reliance on its service sector and high-technology economy. The U.S. has come to depend on computers, electronic data storage and transfers, and highly integrated communications networks. The result is the rapid development of a new form of critical infrastructure--and one that is exceedingly vulnerable to a new family of threats, loosely grouped together as information warfare. This detailed volume examines these threats and the evolving U.S. policy response.

After examining the dangers posed by information warfare and efforts at threat assessment, Cordesman considers the growing policy response on the part of various federal agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector. The changing nature of the threats is leading these actors to reassess the role they must play in critical infrastructure protection. Government at all levels, industry, and even friendly and neutral foreign governments are learning that an effective response requires coordination in deterrence, defense, and counterattack.

List of contents

The Changing Nature of Critical Infrastructure Protection
Threat Assessment
Evolving U.S. Policy and Response
Analyzing Federal Critical Infrastructure Program by Department and Agency
Assessments of Effectiveness
Role of State and Local Governments
Role of Private Industry
Lessons from Other Nations: International Vulnerability
Conclusions and Recommendations

About the author

Anthony H. Cordesman

Product details

• Authors: Anthony Cordesman, Cordesman Anthony H.
• Publisher: Bloomsbury
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.11.2001
• EAN: 9780275974237
• ISBN: 978-0-275-97423-7
• Series: Praeger Security International
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; USA, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Security (National & International), HISTORY / Military / General, HISTORY / Military / United States, United States of America, USA, Military intelligence, Other Warfare & Defence Issues, Other warfare and defence issues, HISTORY / Military / Intelligence & Espionage, Security Studies: Science, Technology, and Security