An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News
NEWS | Aug. 1, 2013

Cyber Defense as Environmental Protection: The Broader Potential Impact of Failed Defensive Counter Cyber Operations

By Dr. Jan Kallberg and Rosemary Burk

Key in the critique of the likelihood of cyber conflict has been the assumption that cyber does not lead to long-term and irrevocable effects; therefore it cannot be fought as a war. This might be true if cyber attacks are constrained to specific functions of a computer system or set of client computers; however, a failed cyberdefense can have wider effects than discussed in earlier debates of potential consequences and risks. The environmental aspect of cyberdefense has not drawn attention as a national security matter. We all, as people, react to threats to our living space and natural environment. Jeopardizing the environment, unintended or intended, has historically led to the immediate injection of fear and strong reactions in the population. Even unanticipated accidents with environmental impact have triggered strong moves in the public sentiment toward fear, panic, anger against government, and challenges to public authority.
PUBLICATIONS
Data Privacy and Security as a National Security Imperative
October 30, 2023

Command by intent can ensure command post survivability
August 29, 2023

The Tipping Point for Army Distributed Command and Control
August 1, 2023

Acknowledging the Realities of the Cyber Workforce
July 20, 2023

The Buzz About Electromagnetic Pulse Weapons
July 19, 2023

Book review: ‘On Disinformation’ by Lee McIntyre
July 19, 2023

IRREGULAR WARFARE PODCAST: EXPLORING CYBER POLICY IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
June 20, 2023

ARE WE ASKING TOO MUCH OF CYBER?
May 3, 2023

West Point hosts Joint Service Academy Cybersecurity Summit as industry, government collaborate to defend against cyber threats
April 13, 2023

Soldiers innovating technology, refining tactical concepts, and strengthening partnerships
April 11, 2023