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The Cyber Threat – What the Experts are Saying

The cyber threat is growing and evolving at a rapid pace. This presents challenges for Federal agencies that share similar concerns and resolve in combating cyber-crime. The FBI appears to be ready for the fight on Cyber Crimes and is one of its top investigative priorities. Armed with a whole new set of technological and investigative capabilities and partnerships, the Bureau is now as comfortable chasing outlaws in cyberspace as tracking criminals down back alleys and across continents.

The most significant cyber threats facing our nation

Cyber actors target our critical infrastructure, i.e. as defined by the US Government – Banking and Finance; Transportation; Power; Information and Communications; Federal and Municipal Services; Emergency Services; Fire Departments; Law Enforcement Agencies; Public Works; Agriculture and Food; and National Monuments and Icons. These criminals also target our personal computers, steal our identity, track our whereabouts, and manipulate our data for marketing and nefarious purposes.

Cyber criminals are no longer simply young hackers

Up until 2005, cyber-attacks were mostly acts of vandalism by kids or people with a childish appetite for destruction.

They would create and place very clever viruses intended to do damage, but not much else. Today’s cyber actor is stealthy and less visible. Intruders, hackers, spies, and terrorists are, for the most part, Foreign Intelligence Services – the most capable at attacking our critical infrastructure. Cyber actors are also Terrorists Groups seeking to do the most harm, Organized Crime Enterprises that are profit motivated, and others.

Most significantly cyber criminals attack:

1. 1. Our military command and control networks
   2. Defense contractors who provide vital contract services to our national government
   3. Corporations in order to gain insider information and to develop a competitive advantage
   4. Universities focused on research and development
   5. The identities of US citizens
   6. Our children for sexual exploitation

So, what are the challenges we face as a nation with the cyber threat?

1. 1. 1. There is no one good method to mitigate the threat. The challenges are broad and wide.
      2. Technology continues to change at an alarming rate. Our ability to keep pace with changing technology is difficult at best. Today’s solutions are tomorrow’s history.
      3. The U.S. Government continues to strive for legal clarity on cyber crimes, and distrust still exists between the private sector and the U.S. Government. Private sector businesses prefer not to report cyber intrusions that may impact profitability and shareholder confidence.

What is the U.S. Government doing about the cyber threat?

1. 1. 1. The cyber threat is now one of the top priorities of the U.S. Government
      2. The US Government is adding staffing and budget resources government-wide
      3. Efforts continue to partner U.S. Government agencies with the Private Sector and Academia in an attempt to identify and address the threat
      4. The FBI is training all employees to be alert to the cyber threat and how to address it
      5. Inter-agency coordination and law enforcement training, both nationally and internationally continues as the cyber threat continues to reach global status

Rampart Group – a cyber safeguard

The Rampart Group views cyber threats as a tipping point for the safety, security, and profitability of businesses and organizations. Our goal, with any sized organization, is to help you proactively identify your information security vulnerabilities and mitigate risks in order to effectively safeguard your People, Products, Property, Information, and Reputation.

In our first article for Cyber Security Month, ’10 Ways to Improve the Security of Your Computer’, we outlined specific ways to protect yourself, your business and your loved ones from becoming a cyber-crime victim.

For more information on how Rampart Group can help safeguard you and your organization, Contact Rampart Group at www.rampartgroup.net, or call our toll free number 800 421-0614.

Kathy Leodler Chief Executive Officer Email:kathy.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-2703 PI License #3555

Paul Leodler Executive Vice President Email:paul.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-3397 PI License #4180

We at Rampart Group are committed to your security. Call 1-800 421-0614 or contact us today with your security or investigative needs.