[iwar] [fc:U.S..Urged.to.Prepare.for.Cybercombat]

From: Fred Cohen (fc@all.net)
Date: 2002-08-10 08:11:54
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Date: Sat, 10 Aug 2002 08:11:54 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [iwar] [fc:U.S..Urged.to.Prepare.for.Cybercombat]
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U.S. Urged to Prepare for Cybercombat

Presidential advisers adopt antiterror research plan describing
technology's role in homeland security.
<a href="http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,103665,00.asp">http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,103665,00.asp>
Computerworld
Tuesday, August 06, 2002

WASHINGTON -- A presidential council of advisers has approved a draft
report outlining the role of science and technology in the proposed
cabinet-level Department of Homeland Security.

The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)
voted unanimously to deliver to the president a "Report on Maximizing
the Contribution of Science and Technology Within the New Department of
Homeland Security." The report is the result of a study by a PCAST
subcommittee on combating terrorism, headed by Norman Augustine,
chairman and chief executive of Lockheed Martin.

The principal issue is to what extent technology research and
development should be a part of the new department, Augustine said. The
PCAST panel concluded that "technology should be given a position of
considerable prominence within the department," he said.

Research Urged

"Our terrorist enemies are technically savvy, and continued
technological progress is required to better defend the homeland and
stay one step ahead of their technical capabilities," wrote John H.
Marburger III, PCAST cochairman, in a letter to the president
accompanying the report. "American science and technology leadership can
and will help the nation counter and respond to the terrorist threats,"
wrote Marburger, who also serves as director of the White House Office
of Science &amp; Technology Policy. "Our optimism is bolstered by the fact
that many companies and academic institutions have already come forward
offering to apply their know-how, technology or products."

Among other things, the report calls for the establishment of a
federally funded R&amp;D center for homeland security in the private sector.
This organization would perform systems analysis, support of systems
engineering, and security "red teaming," Augustine said.

A new position of undersecretary of science and technology within the
proposed department would conduct strategic oversight, resource
allocation, and pilot project management, he said.

However, the report also warns against focusing too much on IT as the
answer to fighting terrorism.

"Terrorism is developing in a manner that cannot be approached entirely
through devices, substances and information technology," the report
warns. "The terrorist threat involves human behavior, culture, religion
and differing world views, as well as behavior and motivations largely
unfamiliar to most Americans. It can disrupt us by playing havoc with
our economy, transportation, supply chains, legal system, and our
psychology. Elements of [the Homeland Security Department's R&amp;D program]
should therefore involve social scientists, humanists, and 'out of the
box' thinkers from a wide variety of backgrounds. Highly unusual
interdisciplinary work will be required."

Recommendation Highlights

Other PCAST recommendations include suggestions for the government to do
the following:

- Build a Rapid Prototyping Cell or group to conduct "fast track
development" of promising new capabilities.

- Create a Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HS-ARPA)
modeled after the Defense Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency
(DARPA).

- Establish a Homeland Security National Laboratory to focus on
extremely high payoff but often high risk, long-term pursuits. One or
more of the national labs could be used, rather than establishing a new
one.

- Develop employment programs that continually bring "new blood" into
the department. In the R&amp;D sector, this would include fellowship
programs (from universities), scholarship programs (for students), and
intergovernmental details.

- Establish procurement policies that don't "freeze" technology or
engender "stovepipe" operability. The protective systems the Homeland
Security Department designs and implements (the border protection
system, for example) must have flexibility ingrained within them, so
that the latest technological developments can be swiftly integrated.

- Initiate flexible contracting authority that encourages participation
by innovative companies that otherwise avoid government contracts.

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