Cyber-warfare is the new threat to our nation that many are over looking. Mainly because, like me, they have no idea what it is and what it could be. There are so many things a person could do from/to a computer, what falls under this term?
Michael Hayden, retired Air Force general and former CIA director said, “We are a bit sloppy with our language. We throw the phrase ‘cyber-war’ at anything uncomfortable on the web.”
According to the Wikipedia entry, cyber-warfare, as defined by Richard A. Clarke, government security expert, is"actions by a nation-state to penetrate another nation's computers or networks for the purposes of causing damage or disruption." (This definition can be found in Clarke's book, Cyber War.)
An example of cyber-warfare is in 2007, Estonia suffered a succession of denial-of-service assaults which shut down banking systems and government systems. Some believed the Russians were behind the attacks, others believe they were the work of an online flashmob. James Appathurai, NATO spokesperson, said the organization has been giving Estonia technical help.
"In the 21st century, it's not just about tanks and artillery." -Appathurai
To protect our country from these digital attacks, the Army Forces have created Cyber Command, responsible for protecting Army information networks from threats around the globe.
"The mission for ARFORCYBER is to direct the operation and defense of all Army networks, and, on order, conduct full spectrum operations in support of our combatant commanders and coalition partners." -Maj. Gen. Steven W. Smith, director of the Army Cyberspace Task Force.
The command will operate in the cyber world, which includes devices such as laptops, desktops, routers, servers, network switches and short and long distance connections between Army information systems. Not only will it monitor digital data for possible threats, but it will teach soldiers "good network hygiene."
"Our biggest problem is... the digital natives who are very comfortable with with YouTube and other things who don't understand the threats behind it," said Maj. Gen. George J. Allen. "That's not their fault - that's our fault. It's a matter of educating them."
Smith said the command is a 24/7 operation and is the front line of defense for defending the Army network worldwide. The 21 thousand person command uses existing facilities and manpower. A statement from the Department of Defense states, "the department will continue to grow to the capacity and the capability essential to operate and defend our networks effectively."
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