Cybersecurity is a huge concern for the developing e-government in the US. The estimated budget for information security in 2013 is between 3 and 4 billion dollars. However, it seems that many industries in the private sector aren't as concerned about the cyber threat, as they are financial crimes. More of their time and money is being spent on protecting actual infrastructures and trying to hinder a criminal from actually breaking into a bank or other building. Private sectors argue that they need more information on cyber threats and the steps that need to be taken to protect information online. George Wilshushen, who is the director of information securities at the Government Accountability Office said that, 'there often are competing demands for cybersecurity investments' for the private sector. President Obama is attempting to address these problems through the his Cyberspace Policy Review. This is expanding on George Bush's 'Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative'. Details of the initiative have been released by the government to the public to increase their knowledge and encourage transparency. Obama has focused on enhanced information sharing in his Policy Review. Another key component of the initiative is the focus on Cyber Education. Even with all of the tools and the money in the world to combat cybersecurity, the government still needs people who can implement the new strategies and technologies. Another new strategy will be the focus on developing deterrence strategies. These include creating warning signals and accurately describing roles of the private sector. Another initiative they are taking is to deploy an intrusion detection system of sensors across the federal enterprise. What are your thoughts on cybersecurity and the billions of dollars that are being invested into it? Do you think the government needs to change their approach, or continue with what they are doing?
http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2012/August/PublishingImages/cyber_crime_082012_revised2.jpg
Sources:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/cybersecurity/comprehensive-national-cybersecurity-initiative
http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2012/August/Pages/CybersecurityLegislationSolutionorDistraction.aspx
I think it is a very important issue that should be invested in by the government. Internet is now a part of our lives and surprisingly, America is one of the more lenient when it comes to internet content and usage. I know in Iran people have to use the Iran Government's Internet... so they must spend a fair share of their funds on that alone. To us that would definately be considered an invasion of privacy, even if it is for detection of cyber crimes. Nonetheless, as Internet continues to be a part of business processes, security should definately be invested in to protect the economy in that aspect.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting that the people in Iran have to use the government's internet. I feel that at some point there must be drastic measures put into place because of the huge risk the US is taking if they don't emphasize cyber security. However, the most difficult part will be implementing new strategies with the support of the people who may not welcome any kind of change.
DeleteThe government definitely needs to switch up their approach towards internet security. Perhaps not as severe as what to Iran is doing (mentioned in previous comment) but possibly, some type of median between what we have now and Iran’s system. If we continue with the system we have currently more and more fraud and identity theft will occur. The government must step in; we would be entering in a new territory of laws and “digital regulation and boundaries.” It’s something that must be done in order to halt the victimization of American Citizens.
ReplyDeleteNow we must wait and see what ideas the government has to tackle a problem that is so widespread and very risky to the American citizens. In part of the Policy Review, there was a huge focus on expanding education, as well as strengthening research and development. The government is focused on maximizing the benefits of these programs so that they hopefully they can find a solution regarding cyber security.
DeleteI think that the increase spent on cybersecurity is a good thing for us as a Nation. Since September 11, its easy for anyone to get a hold of anyones account. But because of how fast technology is moving, we must find new ways to keep up with it.
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