Cyber preparedness exercise results in | 09.19.2006 | 06:37:01 | Views: 5329 | ID: September 19 '06: A Department of Homeland Security-led, interagency program called CyberStorm revealed gaps in inter-agency communications and a lack of a clear understanding of the larger picture, a new report found recently. According to Government Computer News, the computer-based exercise in February, unveiled "gaps and shortcomings in response planning at all levels of government, but also demonstrated agencies' willingness to try to solutions on the fly." Government Technology reported, "CyberStorm was designed to test communications, policies and procedures in response to various cyber attacks and to identify where further planning and process improvements are needed. ... The exercise simulated a sophisticated cyber attack campaign through a series of scenarios directed at several critical infrastructure centers. ... Each scenario was developed with the assistance of industry experts and was executed in a closed and secure environment." The areas targeted - energy, transportation and IT - were then beset with events that "cascaded and amplified across these sectors, [while] organizations struggled to continue coordinating response to the cyber attacks as their frequency and targets expanded," GCN reported. The report found that "Greater public-private sector collaboration could be achieved if the private sector was afforded robust connectivity to, or interaction with, the [National Cyber Response Coordination Group] during major incidents such as CyberStorm." DHS Undersecretary for Preparedness George Foresman said in February, "Cyber security is critical to protecting our nation's infrastructure because information systems connect so many aspects of our economy and society. ... Preparedness against a cyber attack requires partnership and coordination between all levels of government and the private sector. Cyber Storm provides an excellent opportunity to enhance our nation's cyber preparedness and better manage risk."
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