Because the US’s information technology infrastructure is highly vulnerable to hackers, terrorists, organized crime syndicates and natural disasters, increased funding for cyber security research and development is needed, according to a recent position adopted by IEEE-USA.

"Because of society's complete reliance on information technology and cyber networks, all the critical infrastructures and networks are interdependent and interconnected," IEEE-USA stated. "A cyber attack on one sector's infrastructure may have devastating consequences to another sector. US infrastructure is not adequately prepared to defend against such risks."

To help mitigate the risk of attack, IEEE-USA recommends that Congress and the executive branch work with private industry to:

* Authorize and appropriate increased and stable funding for cyber security research
* Encourage and support cyber security technology transfer programs
* Facilitate commercialization
* Facilitate development and implementation of cyber security standards
* Support cyber security education programs.

http://www.ieeeusa.org/policy/positions/cybersecurity.asp

•Date: 18th July 2006• Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: IT continuity
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