The security of our nation concerns every citizen, even in the slightest because it impacts their lives directly. The national security of the United States recently presented itself as a larger issue than thought of previously. Recently, the national security has risen to the spotlight for several reasons. Most of these reasons stem from America’s current president, Donald Trump and his ties with foreign countries. Accusations of cyber security breaches which conflicted with national security arose during this past election with Hillary Clinton’s email scandal, but then rolled forward to Mr. Trump’s possible ties with Russia. Suspicions that Trump’s election win results directly from Russian hacking appeared shortly after he took office. The …show more content…
When a third party gains access to information not intended for them, turmoil follows shortly after, such as during the Cold War when Russia received nuclear secrets. As technologically evolved, society welcomed new threats globally. Consequently, the U.S. finds itself surrounded by plausible risks of cyber attacks, such as hazards to the economy and infrastructure of this nation (). Economically, cyber threats pose a global shut down because of how intertwined the largest economies are, so if America’s economy collapses, other nations such as China would seriously suffer as a result. For example of how costly cyber attacks can be, the Love Bug virus costs computer users billions of dollars annually even though the virus lacks the use of expensive, high-tech equipment (). The infrastructure of the U.S. receives no less of a threat from cyber attacks. Repetition of any attacks poses the largest threat to the national security through infrastructure, military campaigns display this theory. A single battle does not determine the overall outcome of a war, much like cyber attacks. One attack does pose a potential risk, but the risk increases as the number of attacks increases. An array of threats wait for organization and execution, yet America’s preparations for such threats lacks in nearly all areas. Barack Obama placed steps to increase the nation’s cyber security, but the steps cannot prevent a full-scale cyber war, which leaves America at risk (). Many breaches of security exist where a third party gained access to secret information with undisclosed intentions, such as state-sponsored hacks by China on the
On the day of September 11, 2001, the United States faced one of the most massive terrorist attacks in history, and responded with immediate action. After the attack on the Twin Towers, President George W. Bush passed the Patriot Act, which gave the government more opportunities to pursue terrorists through the use of technology, such as computer-enabled device-tracking systems (“The USA Patriot…”). President Bush stated, “This legislation is essential not only to pursuing and punishing terrorists, but also preventing more atrocities in the hands of the evil ones. This government will enforce this law with all the urgency of a nation at war” (“President Bush…” 4). In America, at this time, many were traumatized by the loss of fellow Americans, and were counting on the government to reassure their safety. If Bush had not intensified cybersecurity, there is a chance that another massive terror attack could have taken place and put the lives of men, women, and children in jeopardy. Bush claims that America has “seen the horrors terrorists can inflict” and that the country “may never know what horrors our country was spared by the diligent and determined work of our police forces, the FBI, ATF agents, federal marshals, Custom officers, Secret Service, intelligence professionals and local law enforcement
The most recents detections of how cyber warfare is inevitably coming was the accusations of Russia hacking the the Democratic National Committee and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s email’s releasing damaging evidence against them which ultimately lead to Donald Trump being named the President of The United States (Diamond, 2016). The effects of cyber warfare have leaked over in to televise series, forming shows such as CSI cyber, and the gaming world, Call Of Duty Infinite Warfare. Neglect regarding cyber security can: undermine the reputation of both the government and elected officials; force unacceptable expenditures associated with the cost of cleaning up after security breaches; cripple governments' abilities to respond to a wide variety of homeland security emergency situations or recover from natural or man-made threats; and disable elected officials' ability to govern (Lohrmann, 2010). Classified information such as overseas operators and attacks, missile locations, response plans and weaknesses, and much more cripples America’s ability to defend itself from enemies both foreign and domestic. To combat cyber terrorism is the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act, or CISA. In an article titled “Why Cybersecurity Information Sharing Is A Positive Step for Online Security” it is discussed that under CISA, the Department of Homeland security will have more responsibility for domestic cybersecurity. CISA’s fundamental purpose is to better enable cybersecurity information to be shared between the private and public sectors (2016). The sharing of threat information between public and private sectors can give the the United States a head start by allowing them to share information rapidly and more often to combat enemy threats while still providing safety for privacy and civil
Over the last several years, cyber attacks have been continually rising. This is in response to emerging threats from rogue nations and terrorist groups. They are increasing their attacks on government, military and civilian installations. According to James Clapper (the Director of National Intelligence) these threats have become so severe. It is surpassing terrorism as the greatest challenge facing the nation. In response, the National Security Agency (NSA) began conducting surveillance on those who are involved in these activities and others which are threat to US national security interests. This program became so broad; it started continually collecting phone records and emails on ordinary Americans. This angered many, who felt that the US was acting in a way that circumvented established legal guidelines and procedures. To fully understand what is taking place requires focusing on the event, the government 's response and the ways it did / did not meet our national security goals. Together, these different elements will illustrate what occurred and the lasting impacts on everyone. (Greenwald 2014)
Look around you America. Your world is changing. Suddenly it’s no longer safe to fly in airplanes, attend sporting events, or just open your junk mail. Almost daily, news of threats and security breach’s litter the airwaves, leaving many asking the same question. “How can we make our country safe again?” Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer. America is united in the cause, but divided over the methods of preventing terrorism. At this time of uncertainty, many are urging Americans to “give up” some of their freedoms and privacy in exchange for safety. Regrettably, this wave of patriotism has spilled over, and is beginning to infringe on our fundamental liberties as outlined in the Bill of Rights. Since the September 11th terrorist
The events that took place on September 11th 2001 have forever changed the United Sates. On that day it was clear that our borders were not secure. Our nation’s security was questioned, and our national security plan, as a result, had to change. President Bush did what he felt was needed at the time, laying out the foundation for a surveillance apparatus, involving the Patriot Act and the National Security Agency. This United States’ surveillance apparatus though, draws a thin line between privacy and security, forcing us to trade our liberty for security. By trading our liberty for security we lose both, and thus, move towards losing our democracy.
The issue of strong cybersecurity efforts in the United States has been especially topical in 2017, and on the rise over the last few years. The Equifax breach and the breaching of the Democratic Party during the 2016 Presidential Election are recent examples that are bringing up the conversation of cybersecurity and make citizens curious of whether or not the United States government has plans in place to deter these events from happening. People are already worried about the damages these attacks can cause with consequences such as stolen information or monetary loss of close to five billion dollars in 2017 alone (cybersecurityventures.com). Although there are already solid plans in place to raise cybersecurity efforts in the United
In this day and age, hacking proves one of the most immediate and legitimate threats to our national security. Reports depict Chinese cyber-attacks towards acquiring American technology/intel and even possible interference in our polls by the Russians. With how reliant our society and therefore our military is on computers and technology, a full scale cyber-attack from even a smaller adversary such as North Korea could possibly cripple our whole nation. America is currently the world's strongest military not due to manpower, but due to the technological advantage our military has over others, making America even more vulnerable to being crippled by a cyber attack compared to rival world powers. Should a fragment of Trump’s $54 Billion increase in our defense budget be used to ensure America has the most electronically secure and technologically advanced cyber-warfare capabilities, Trump’s goal of securing America as the world's strongest, most robust military would be underway. With an upgrade in cyber-warfare capabilities, an upgrade in weapons research and development must be made as well in order to ensure a more robust
Citizens feeling protected in their own nation is a crucial factor for the development and advancement of that nation. The United States’ government has been able to provide this service for a small tax and for the most part it is money well spent. Due to events leading up to the terrifying attacks on September 11, 2001 and following these attacks, the Unites States’ government has begun enacting certain laws and regulations that ensure the safety of its citizens. From the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) of 1978 to the most recent National Security Agency scandal, the government has attempted and for the most part succeeded in keeping domestic safety under control. Making sure that the balance between
Job creation, economic growth, and education have always been the top priorities of a nation. In order to keep these priorities straight, a nation should pursue the highest levels of national security. The United States has had to deal with an overwhelmingly large amount of terrorism and foreign threats since the birth of the country. Now, more than ever, the measure of foreign threats to the U.S has increased tremendously. The attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, shifted the country’s priorities to national security. From that point on, the country’s priority was to prevent future terrorist attacks on American soil. This leads to the passage of the USA Patriot Act. Technology helped revolutionize the nation’s means of security
One of the most controversial areas of homeland security continues to be the balance between security and civil liberties. Homeland security is a national effort to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism, and minimize the damage and recover from attacks that do occur. The DHS addresses six focal points of the national strategy, which are intelligence and warning, border and transportation security, domestic counterterrorism, protecting critical infrastructure and critical assets, defending against catastrophic threats, and emergency preparedness and response. Meanwhile, homeland defense is the protection of US sovereign territory, the domestic population, and critical infrastructures
The Homeland Security Act of 2002 impacted the American people without many of them realizing it. The act called for increased monitoring of computer networks, phone lines, and online history inside the United States and allowed the government to deport suspects (ACLU). What was created by the act has snaked its way into all aspects of our lives, creating a sense of order and restricting some freedom. However, some say that this imposition into our daily lives limits our freedoms and actions allowed us by the Constitution. Many interest groups voice strong resentment for the act while others try to demonstrate the strengths and triumphs of the Homeland Security Act. This paper will show the differing viewpoints of those that feel that the
The United States is under attack. To be exact, the nation’s power grid is under attack in the form of cyber warfare. On May 21st, 2013 Congressmen Edward J. Markey and Henry A Waxman published a report that provided the findings from information that they had requested from over 150 utility companies (of which 60% responded). More than a dozen utilities reported “daily, constant, or frequent attempted cyber-attacks” (Markey & Waxman) with one utility reporting that they have about 10,000 attempted attacks per month!
National security is one of the most important topics in American society being debated today. Every day America faces threats from around the globe and the United States government has to implement policies in order to protect our nation. A major part of this argument involves how the government should handle immigration from countries around the world, specifically countries with high levels of terrorist activity. The way this is handled daily could be the difference between a normal tragedy free day in America, or a second 9/11 scale attack. In order to defend against an attack of this scale, the President and his cabinet must implement the smartest policies that will provide adequate protection from foreign threats and still stick to American
Security has been a common topic of controversy since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and even before then it was a constant subject. The image of buildings collapsing and billowing smoke has been engraved into the minds of Americans and will remain there for years to come. Security is an issue that we encounter everyday. Whether it is driving down the freeway or walking into the grocery store; we are cautious of what is going on around us. Men and women across this country are dedicated to enforcing laws; laws that are designed to ensure the security of our communities and our nation.
The damage of a full-fledged cyber attack would be devastating, the destruction would be unparalleled to any other tragedy that has occurred America. Since technology is responsible for providing America with vital entities and resources, an unadulterated cyber attack would nearly fail the American economy; this is what is known as critical systems failure. Weapons of mass destruction and cyber attacks present imminent threats of critical systems failure. Although currently Americas’ critical infrastructures are coordinated by controlled systems, majority of these systems are indeed connected to the American cyberspace. This exposes one of America’s most vulnerable spot amidst cyber security. Another major vulnerable spot within the nations IT security would be the geographical physical location for each of Americas primary infrastructures, as well as their productivity. Due to the proximal locations, the major infrastructures could very well be infiltrated by one efficient CNA.