The INSA says the U.S. is not prepared for a major cyber attack. The non-profit organization did offer suggests on how the country can get prepared.
September 28, 2011 By Johnell Johnson
You may think that you aren’t prepared for a cyber attack. Well the United States isn’t either, at least according to a new report. The Intelligence and National Security Alliance found that the U.S. does not have the capabilities to defend against expanding cyber threats.
The report said, “The impact has increased in magnitude, and the potential for catastrophic collapse of a company has grown.” The non-partisan national security organization also said in the report that cyber attacks have increased in sophistication making them more dangerous and damaging that ever before.
The organization says the best way to correct the problem is for the U.S. to develop a coordinated cyber security strategy, one that goes above and beyond what is currently in place which they call patch and pray procedures. They also suggest establishing cyber intelligence policies and improving information sharing between government agencies and businesses.
At the same time, the report also warns that the country has turned to those outside of the country for much of the design and maintenance of computer technology. The organization believes that leaves the door open for potential adversaries to easily insert themselves into the supply chain.
“The present situation is as dangerous as if the Unites States decided to outsource the design of bridges, electrical grids, and other physical infrastructure to the Soviet Union during the Cold War,” said INSA.
Those outside of the country are not the only problem. INSA believes there are very real and serious threats within the country as well along with countries that tolerate criminal cyber activity inside their borders. The report did not name any specific countries, but it has been common knowledge that countries like Russia, China and several Easter European countries have been safe havens for cybercriminals as well as government-sponsored attacks.
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