Cyber Security of Defense Systems

Cyber Security of Defense Systems

Internet usage has been on a steady incline in modern America. It is a ubiquitous part of everyday life and with that comes a whole new front of security risks. Nearly every government network is connected to the Internet in a variety of reasons which causes a whole realm of possible issues with maintaining a secure network. Without the Internet, our government and military cannot do business and that fact is no secret from individuals that may try to exploit possible weaknesses.

Global access to cyberspace has increased over five times in the last decade. Business is now done on the Internet and transactions are more frequently done via the Internet instead of over the phone or in person. It has also given mass access to free speech, sharing of information, and social networks spearheading a different type of globalization of the world. Critical parts of the United States’ infrastructure is also linked through online networks. The energy, finance, and other utilities are potential targets for an online attack where the aggressor could be anywhere in the world.

The Department of Defense “operates over 15,000 networks and seven million computing devices across hundreds of installations in dozens of countries around the globe. The Department of Defense uses cyberspace to enable its military, intelligence, and business operations, including the movement of personnel and material and the command and control of the full spectrum of military operations” ("Department of Defense Strategy For Operating In Cyberspace" www.defense.gov).

On July of 2011, the United States Government published their first unclassified cyber strategy document, the "Department of Defense Strategy For Operating In Cyberspace" which details the specifics on how the country will address cyber strategy. This document outlines the security, military, international, and economic aspects of cyber defense. Marine Colonel Dave Lapan said “The...