Cyber Attacks Continue, Where is Obama’s Cybersecurity Czar?
July 10, 2009
(AP Photo/ Lee Jin-man)
South Korea is well-prepared for a conventional conflict with North Korea, and some would argue even more prepared for an engagement with a nuclear North Korea. However, the cyber attacks levied at the nation over the past week have proved that preparedness is not all-encompassing, and the same might be true for the US.
In fact, the attacks, which have targeted selected South Korean and US government websites using a direct denial of service to “overload” and shut down the websites’ servers, are still continuing. And, as TIME Magazine points out, it might not be the North Koreans, as they have yet to jump on the opportunity for a quick and easy shot at free propaganda.
Regardless of who initiated the attacks, or even if the same group is still continuing them, President Obama’s decision to create a cyber-security “czar” has been validated by the prevalence of cyber attacks in the news media. Of course, that’s assuming he appoints one: as Bill Brenner notes, he has yet to do so.
-Chris Hildebrand
A cyber-security “czar” will go along way to helping coordinate policy across government agencies, with the private sector and promoting greater cooperation with and among other nations.
You might also be interested in a new America.gov feature on Cybersecurity which delves into many aspects of the broader story. See http://www.america.gov/cybersecurity.html