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Cyber Threats

Cyber security has become both an extremely important part of critical infrastructure protection and an omnipresent concern for businesses and individuals alike. There are many different forms of cyber threats, from various forms of malware such as trojans and keyloggers, to denial-of-service attacks on servers. Some are meant to be disruptive, others are meant to obtain information, but all cyber threats can cause significant damage if left untreated. Many people are even unknowing accomplices, victims in their own right whose computers have become infected as part of a "botnet," a network of computers remotely controlled by hackers to support other cyber crimes. As the level of sophistication for cyber attacks increases, it has become increasingly necessary to remain educated about exposure to potential threats, as well as safeguards against them.

21 Steps to Improve Cyber Security of SCADA Networks
A report on strengthening the defenses of SCADA networks from the U.S. Department of Energy and the President's Critical Infrastructure Protection Board.

2600: The Hacker Quarterly
Website of magazine for hackers which provides hacker related articles and news.

CDT Program
Papers and articles that cover CDT programs on cyber security and Federal acts.

Chief Security Officer Online
CSO online is a web site for Chief Security Officers and IT professionals working in security. It hosts a number of links to security articles, threats, and various other resources for use by security professionals.

CIP Project
The Critical Infrastructure Protection Project (CIP Project) is a joint effort of George Mason University and James Madison University to develop a nationally recognized program that integrates law, policy, and technology for enhancing the security of cyber networks and economic processes supporting the nation's critical infrastructures. 

Critical Infrastructure Protection
This is a presidential directive for protecting military and national economy from cyber threat since they are highly reliant upon certain infrastructures and cyber-based information systems and vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Crypto-Gram
A free monthly newsletter providing summaries, analyses, insights, and commentaries on computer security and cryptography, edited by Bruce Schneier.

Cyber Attacks During the War on Terrorism: A Predictive Analysis
This reports provides a detailed, fact-based assessment of the possibility of cyber attacks against the USA during the war on terrorism.

Cybercrime-as-a-service takes off
You can now find malware toolkits for sale online, along with optional extra services such as assistance planning or carrying out an attack.

Cyber Investigations
FBI web site, which explains their cyber mission. It has an Internet crime complaint center and a story on the cyber crimes task force.

Cybercrime.gov
The website of the Computer Crime and Intellectual property Section of the Criminal Division of the US Department of Justice. Provides Legal and Policy issues related to cyber crime. Provides a free newsletter.

Emerging Cyber Threats Report for 2008
Report lists top cyber threats for 2008.

Federal e-mail cyber-alert system unveiled
CNN article on a new National Cyber Alert System for electronic communications.

Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) Implementation Project
An explanation of NIST's process for implementing security guidelines created in response to FISMA.

Interview with Paul Graham
This is an interview clip of Paul Graham where he talks about Internet hackers. The motivations that guide them, ways to recognize them as well as how to become a hacker.

iPod, Xbox Cyber-Crime Threat Looms
Article describing how overlooked devices such as the iPod shuffle and the Xbox hold cyber-crime potential.

ISACA
The Information Systems Controls and Audits Association (ISACA) monitors information security.

SANS Institute Top 10 List
Listing of the 10 most dangerous cyber threats.

Securing the Home Computer
A Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute CERT document describing step-by-step how to secure your home computer from Internet security threats.

The Middle of Nowhere: Big Brother
Website maintained by former GMU Professor Brad Cox which details some of the technologies used by the government and private to track individuals on the Internet and over other communications networks.

Top Cyber-Threats for 2009
Review of 2008 attacks with predictions for 2009.

Top five cyber threats in 2008
Trends for 2008 cyber attacks from The Economic Times.

U.S. Air Force To Take on Cyber Threats
Air Force setting up command center to deal with cyber threats. 

U.S. Army Gets Predictive on Cyber Threats
Article about how the Critical Infrastructure Assurance Program for Cyber Threats is using data mining to aid personnel in identifying potential cyber threats.

US-CERT (United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team)
Contains information to help identify and report an incident along with archives of previous publications for Federal government agencies.


Internet Security Threats for 2010
AVG predicts top cybersecurity threats in 2010.


Video Clips

Additional Resources
Anti-Defamation League - Response to Cyber Terrorism
Attacks on Nuclear Power Plants via Computer
International Institute for Counter-Terrorism
CYBERTERRORISM - Fact or Fancy?
Computer Security Institute
THE HACKER CRACKDOWN
The 10 most dangerous cyber threats