More of this Feature • Slippery Slope

Related Resources • Poll: Should U.S. use Cyber Warfare? • What Is A Firewall? • In-Depth Security

From Other Guides • Cyber-Terrorism: Propaganda or Probability? • Cyber Terrorism: Are You Prepared?

Elsewhere on the Web • Why The Dogs of Cyberwar Stay Leashed • Bush Orders Guidelines for Cyber Warfare • Cyber Terrorism

On August 6, 1945 the United States released “Little Boy”, an atomic bomb, on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The bomb devastated everything for miles and left a lingering radiation that caused problems long after the initial blast. This attack led to the surrender of Japan and expedited the end of World War II, but at what cost?

As we sit on the brink of military action between the United States and Iraq, another significant weapon lays waiting for its first action. This weapon can help bring the infrastructure of enemy nations to its feet by eliminating electricity and telephone communications, knocking out radar systems and disrupting critical infrastructure.

This weapon is Cyber Warfare. The question is, what sort of Pandora’s box will we open if we unleash it? National Security Presidential Directive 16 was signed by President Bush in July of 2002. The directive calls for a national policy on the rules of engagement for using Cyber Warfare as a weapon.

It has long been discussed as a potential weapon, but until now there were no established guidelines. Bush’s Cyber Warfare directive gives the United States clear direction for what circumstances warrant the use of Cyber Warfare, who should authorize and execute the attack and what types of targets are allowable.

One of the biggest problems with condoning Cyber Warfare is the size of the bull’s-eye on our back. The United States arguably relies on computer technology for its core infrastructure more than any other nation in the world. We also rely heavily on the Internet and the World Wide Web for every day functionality, business and commerce. Should any country successfully launch a Cyber Warfare attack against the United States it could quickly cripple the nation’s ability to function.


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