Respond to the following hypothetical with your guidance for the National Security Advisor on what steps the US government should take:
The US Government has contracted with Company ABC to refine guidance systems for a new ballistic missile. There is a great step forward in defense and weapons technology; it will also place the US “miles ahead” of its adversaries and competitors. In a routine cyber audit, Company ABC discovers that someone has attempted to exfiltrate its most sensitive data and plans; however, it does not appear that the attacker has succeeded. The US government assists Company ABC with the audit and finds several “holes” in its defenses; it assists ABC with strengthening its cyber defenses.
Despite these efforts, Company ABC discovers that someone, possibly even an insider, has assisted in the exfiltration of this highly secret information. There are grave concerns about what to do; should Company ABC request US government assistance to attribute the attack and take appropriate action? Should they or the US government attempt to hack back?
A month passes without a final decision. Meanwhile, employees at Company ABC arrive at their desks one day to find their computers “turned to stone” – completely frozen and unable to log on or access any of the files therein.
Provide the National Security Advisor with a briefing memo on the situation, noting actions that might have been taken at the first signs of trouble and discussing what actions can or should be taken now.
Question 2?
Choose one of the following countries and provide your opinion of the seriousness of the cyber threat they pose to the US: Iran, China, or North Korea.
Question 3:
If you were President of the US, how would you reorganize (or organize) the roles of different government agencies, including the military and the Intelligence Community, to optimize the US Government’s cyber activities, both offensive and defensive.
