Cyber Threats to National Security
In a contemporary context, the idea of a life without computers, tablets, or smartphones seems increasingly distant. But as we rely more on these gadgets, we face new threats. The rise of digital mobility and interconnectedness has created fertile ground for malicious cyber activities. From individual users to multinational corporations and governmental bodies, Cyber Threats to National Security looms larger than ever before, manifesting as a growing threat to our collective security and stability.
The Convergence of Cybercrime and Politically Driven Attacks
The reasons behind these attacks are diverse and alarming. Cybercrime, motivated by the potential for significant financial rewards, has become a lucrative industry, comparable in profitability to the global drug trade. However, alongside these financially-driven activities, there is a more sinister threat – politically motivated attacks. As countries wrestle with the fallout of cyber espionage and sabotage, the need to strengthen cyber defenses becomes ever more apparent.
When a cyber attacker acts, at least one of the following three goals are attempted:
Goal 1: Cyber crime attempts to damage National security by attacking or curtail the effectiveness of critical cybersecurity infrastructure components. Attacks generally cause one or more critical components of an infrastructure to either become inoperable or operate below capacity. For example DoS and DDoS attacks.
Goal2: Attacker attempts to gain unauthorized access to the target’s sensitive information. Corporations, universities; state and local governments, and other organizations have become critically dependent upon their information infrastructure containing mission critical information, including product data, trade secrets, client records, and personnel information. Executed with worms and viruses, this attack can create a trapdoor that can allow an unauthorized entry into a network or into the software program. An actor may benefit financially by selling this confidential information to anyone that is interested such as the target’s competitor or adversary.
Goal 3: Hackers gain unauthorized access to cyber resources for exploitation. An actor conducts scans generated by automated tools and mal ware, looking for vulnerable ports with nefarious intent. Consequently, these ports could be associated with critical Distributed Control Systems (DCS) or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
SCADA and DCS systems typically monitor and control industrial-based national infrastructures such as water treatment facilities, communication systems, utility companies, nuclear powerplants, and various industrial processes. Hacked SCADA or DCS system may result in financial losses, property and environmental damage.
To accomplish the final goal, a cyber attacker may have to conduct infiltration in phases or combine the goals mentioned above.
Uniting Against Cyber Threats: Global Efforts in Strengthening Cybersecurity
However, amid these challenging circumstances, there is a ray of hope. Governments and organizations worldwide are coming together in a concerted effort to tackle cyber threats. There is an increasing investment in cybersecurity, reflecting a dedicated commitment to strengthening defenses and protecting national interests.
It is a collective responsibility that demands the active participation of individuals, businesses, and communities alike. By remaining vigilant and proactive, we can mitigate the risks posed by cyber threats and uphold the sanctity of our national security.
Modernized Cybersecurity Strategic Framework
The nation’s cybersecurity strategy must adapt to the rapidly evolving circumstances of the cyber environment while maintaining coherence across the broader effort. Addressing cyber protection requires the government to tackle a multitude of issues, including the interface between the private and public sectors, security measures, human resources, research and development, governance, and other considerations such as the implications of increased internet traffic
Cybersecurity can no longer be an esoteric concept understood by few and handled autonomously. The nation’s policymakers and defenders must take prudent measures at strategically identifying policies requiring groups to share information internally and externally of their organizations, such as across public and private organizations, Federal and State departments, and across international borders. Information and communication networks are primarily owned and operated by the private sector, both nationally and internationally. Hence, cybersecurity will require a partnership with local, state, and federal government agencies, private sector, and international support from the nation’s allies.
Unifying efforts between international cyber coalitions will allow the United States to protect vulnerable information critical to national security.
As we embark on this journey to safeguard our collective security, let us heed the call to action and fortify our defenses against the ever-present threat of cyber adversaries. Together, we can forge a path forward that is resilient, secure, and unwavering in its commitment to protecting our nation’s digital frontier.