Proactive IT Security
 

The Internet's challenges recognized at highest level

2009-06-15 [Malware discussion, Protection projects, Trends & predictions]

Introduction

"From now on, our digital infrastructure -- the networks and computers we depend on every day -- will be treated as they should be: as a strategic national asset."

This statement from US President Obama is from his speech 29 May this year about securing the nation's cyber infrastructure.

For years now different security organizations have warned about the dangers involved by using the Internet, affecting both individuals, corporations and the public sector. Unfortunately these warnings have often not been recognized with the gravity they deserve. President Obama's speech is therefore a welcomed acknowledgement from the highest political level.

This security article will comment upon some of the topics addressed in the speech. For the President's full remarks, please see references at the end.

Digital infrastructure as a foundation in modern society

"(...) none of these 21st century challenges can be fully met, without America's digital infrastructure -- the backbone that underpins a prosperous economy and a strong military and an open and efficient government. Without that foundation we can't get the job done."

The digital infrastructure - of which the Internet is the most important single element - is an essential part of the way modern societies function. Everyday tasks for members of these societies, which few years ago required personal attendance, are now performed through digital connections (like banking, travel ordering sending mail etc.).

Since these activities rely of a stable and secure infrastructure, the digital one is as important as the physical one for modern nations. And as such it needs adequate allocation of resources and protection systems.

The dark side

"It's the great irony of our Information Age -- the very technologies that empower us to create and to build also empower those who would disrupt and destroy. "

Unfortunately those who are interested in exploiting individuals, organizations, and governments, also have the same tools at their disposal. President Obama reveals that during his election campaign hackers were able to penetrate his organization's computer systems gaining access to emails and files.

He refers to estimations that last year cyber criminals worldwide stole intellectual property from businesses worth up to one trillion USD. This is an amount which is so huge that it is difficult to grasp.

President Obama further acknowledges that economic prosperity, as well as public and national security will depend on cybersecurity, and uses the term "weapons of mass disruption" to describe the tools that cyber criminals have at their disposal. Such weapons are as simple as any laptop in the hands of a clever cyber criminal/terrorist.

In the speech Obama even goes as far as saying that "this cyber threat is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a nation". Consequently he has created a new office in the White House, led by a Cybersecurity Coordinator. The importance of this position is emphasized by the fact that the appointee will be member of both the US' National Security Staff as well as the staff of President Obama's National Economic Council.

Implementing plans and creating awareness

"Just as we do for natural disasters, we have to have plans and resources in place beforehand -- sharing information, issuing warnings and ensuring a coordinated response. (...)

...we will begin a national campaign to promote cybersecurity awareness and digital literacy from our boardrooms to our classrooms, and to build a digital workforce for the 21st century."

President Obama mentions five key areas that will be prioritized regarding this. 

Particularly interesting is that he compares potential cyber incidents with potential natural disasters. Both of which require plans and action points defined before the incident. Afterwards it is too late.

No less important is his plans to promote security awareness. As we have stressed repeatedly in Norman's security articles, awareness of potential threats is crucial in protecting yourself, your organization and your nation.

More to come

"...the next generation of technologies [that] will transform our lives in ways we can't even begin to imagine."

In his speech President Obama reminds us that we have only seen the very beginning of what the new technology has to offer. He compares this to the Agricultural and Industrial revolutions, which both lasted several years.

Nothing indicates that this new revolution, which we are all part of and living in, will end in the near future!

References