National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace

A report published in 2003 by the U.S. government to encourage companies in the private sector to improve computer security. The U.S. government was especially concerned about computer security related to critical infrastructures. Moreover, federal agencies were to set the example for “walking and talking” the best cyber-security practices.

In this report, the government also said that it reserved the right to respond in an appropriate manner if the United States were to be hit with cyberwarfare. It also noted that if a cyberwar were to occur, the United States could retaliate using cyber attack tools or malicious code designed to crack and disrupt the adversary’s computer systems.

Another issue raised in the report was whether the National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace can safely trust that voluntary actions would be taken by private firms, home computer users, ­universities, and government agencies to protect their networks. The report also raised the possibility of bringing in regulations to ensure best security practices. Critics against such regulations argued that they not only would interfere with innovation but also possibly harm the country’s economic competitiveness.

See Also: Attack; Blended Threats; Computer; Critical Infrastructures; Cyber Apocalypse; Cyberspace; Cyber Terrorism; Cyber Warfare; Network; Trust.