Eye of the Storm: Cyber Crime Poses a Threat to National Security, But is the Threat Overblown or Underestimated?

• NCJ Number: 198056
• Journal: Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 29 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2002 Pages: 60-62,64,65
• Author(s): Donna Rogers
• Date Published: November 2002
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article presents information about the threat that cyber crime poses to national security.

Abstract

The author explains that experts disagree about the degree of threat posed by cyber attacks to national infrastructure. Some experts claim that the threats to critical infrastructure are overblown. They explain that attacks are more likely to come from within rather than from anyone outside the system. The author explains that State and local law enforcement primarily investigate cyber crimes such as identity theft, fraud, and child pornography. However, the increase in the incidence of cyber intrusions is coming to the attention of local law enforcement. Two types of intrusions are discussed: intrusion as a target of opportunity and intrusion as a target of choice. The author goes on to explain that law enforcement officers with no computer experience are at a distinct disadvantage as more and more criminal activities involve computers. For example, a pervious study revealed that in an average company, 70 percent of all electronic data was never printed. Thus, an officer investigating criminal activities must have knowledge of basic computer skills and languages. The author discusses how governments can combat cyber crime and cyber terrorism by identifying threats and warning major stakeholders such as health care providers and utilities. In conclusion, the author warns that the threat of cyber attack should be taken seriously and prepared for with vigilance.