Publishing Institution: Atlantic Council / Topic: Science and Technology

Author:: Jason Healey
Publication Date:: 09-2011
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Atlantic Council
Abstract:: If the world is going to solve problems of cooperation and conflict in cyberspace, states and non-state actors alike must apply a wider range of tools. Our experience in this domain is still limited to a few decades – and there are still comparatively few digital natives – so it is not surprising that we have not hit upon the ideal set of concepts and instruments.
Topic:: Conflict Prevention, International Cooperation, Science and Technology, and Non State Actors

Author:: Jason Healey
Publication Date:: 09-2011
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Atlantic Council
Abstract:: If you pull a knife on a gunslinger, don't be surprised if you get shot. This is one of the messages of the president's International Strategy for Cyberspace. Some media outlets have taken to extreme headlines, such as OBAMA RESERVES RIGHT TO NUKE HACKERS, or HACK US AND WE'LL BOMB YOU. These headlines, although perhaps intended as hyperbole, highlight the routine misunderstandings that take place when applying national security concepts to the technical domain of cyberspace. This issue brief will analyze the relevant part of the Strategy, especially focusing on whether, and how, the United States might respond to cyber attacks, and under what circumstances, if any, such responses would be nuclear.
Topic:: Security, Defense Policy, and Science and Technology
Political Geography:: United States

Author:: Marshall Billingslea and Gary Winterberger
Publication Date:: 12-2011
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Atlantic Council
Abstract:: NATO's forthcoming 2012 Summit in Chicago gives the Alliance's senior decision-makers the opportunity to assess the health of transatlantic relations and to tackle a set of overdue internal issues that have been long postponed due to more pressing operational issues in Afghanistan, Iraq, and then Libya. Chief among these issues is the matter of reforming NATO's own headquarters and its many and varied agencies. A careful reform effort, with a special focus on shared services, restructuring and integration, NATO's human capital, and the procurement and capabilities development structure and process, could pay significant dividends for the Alliance and ensure the more efficient use of already limited resources. While not a panacea, this would go a long way towards preparing the Alliance for future challenges.
Topic:: NATO, Diplomacy, Economics, International Cooperation, Science and Technology, and Reform
Political Geography:: Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Chicago

Author:: Jason Healey
Publication Date:: 12-2011
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Atlantic Council
Abstract:: The word cyberspace is nearly thirty years old, and during that time, academics, theorists, and strategists have been considering how conflict will unfold in this new domain .As yet, though, little has been published on what kinds of different futures may await us .For example, many writers seem to imply that cyberspace itself is relatively static, when it is in fact constantly transformed through changes in usage and technology. Indeed, today's generation of digital natives has never known a world without the Internet, and their experience of cyberspace—especially in terms of security, privacy, and collaboration—will be very different from that of previous generations weaned on mainframes, modems, desktop computers, and AOL. If cyberspace is different and younger generations use it differently, then future conflict and cooperation in cyberspace may be unlike anything experienced or even envisioned by Cold War-era thinkers and strategists.
Topic:: Defense Policy, Science and Technology, Terrorism, and International Security
Political Geography:: North America

Author:: Franklin D. Kramer
Publication Date:: 09-2010
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Atlantic Council
Abstract:: Cyber security has emerged as a critical challenge in an era defined by global interconnectedness and digital information. While there are multiple ongoing efforts that seek to enhance cyber security, an integrated governmental strategy to meet that challenge has only begun and has yet fully to take shape. All strategies demand recognition of risk and prioritization of resources, and cyber strategy will be no different.
Topic:: Defense Policy, Intelligence, Science and Technology, and Terrorism
Political Geography:: United States and North America

Author:: Chris Demchak
Publication Date:: 08-2010
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Atlantic Council
Abstract:: A spate of attacks from both state and nonstate actors have provoked other Western nations to join the United States in emphasizing cyber security as a national security priority. As noted by Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn last July, any peer state, proxy organization, or skilled group of close friends anywhere in the world with unfettered internet access is able to attack in milliseconds due to the global, open, and easy nature of the world's now huge telecommunications systems. The world of "cybered conflict" is one in which even the part-time foreign attacker can to an unprecedented degree flexibly choose the scale, proximity, and precision of any attempted attack. They can at their leisure aim at any state's military, government or commercial networks, or those of any of our allies, or associates.
Topic:: Defense Policy, Science and Technology, and Terrorism
Political Geography:: United States

Publication Date:: 12-2007
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Atlantic Council
Abstract:: Today's businesses rely increasingly on corporate IT networks and their connection with the global Internet as the backbone of their sales, sourcing, operating, and financial systems. However, the convenience of global connectivity comes at a cost-the vulnerability of network infrastructures and systems to the malicious actions of cyber criminals and espionage agencies. Yet few CEOs or managing directors are prepared to lead their companies against these dangers. Too often CEOs and directors fail to understand the level of potential risk and liability, and cede responsibility for dealing with cyber attacks to their IT department. Instead, leaders of corporations, nongovernmental and not-for-profit organizations, and public sector agencies in the 21st century must know enough to at least ask the right questions of their chief information officer.
Topic:: Security, Globalization, International Trade and Finance, and Science and Technology

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