NCJ Number
210473
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 32 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2005 Pages: 80,84,89
Date Published
June 2005
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article underscores the importance of protecting electronic data from cyber-terrorism and describes the cyber-terrorism prevention capabilities of the Cyber Incident Detection and Data Analysis Center (CIDDAC).
Abstract
Law enforcement attention has been focused closely on homeland security since the terrorist attacks of September 2001. Much of the focus, however, has been dealing with bio-terrorism and chemical terrorism and securing the countries highways, seaports, and train systems. While law enforcement agencies have been busy with these important tasks, the important task of protecting electronic data from cyber-terrorism has taken a back seat. The types of important and confidential data maintained by police departments are reviewed and the typical mechanisms of detecting and dealing with cyber-terrorism are described. Many cyber attacks either go undetected or, when they occur in private business, are not reported to law enforcement authorities for fear of alarming the public. A solution is now underway for protecting sensitive electronic data from cyber-terrorism; the CIDDAC is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization that can detect a cyber-intruder in real time, alert the company or agency immediately, trace the location of the cyber-intruder, and alert law enforcement without revealing the name of the victim organization. This type of system not only allows for real-time detection and action, but protects the privacy of organizations that would rather not publicize the fact that they were victimized by cyber-terrorism. The CIDDAC effort bridges the public and private for the overall good of society.