NCJ Number
192801
Date Published
October 2001
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This report to Senator Robert F. Bennett, Ranking Minority Member, Joint Economic Committee, Congress of the United States, describes information-sharing practices that can benefit critical infrastructure protection.
Abstract
Eleven organizations experienced in developing pertinent information-sharing relationships and procedures were asked to identify practices that could be adopted by others to promote successful sharing of information on computer-based vulnerabilities and incidents and to overcome related challenges. All of the organizations identified trust as the underlying element essential to successful relationships. Among the challenges, one of the most difficult is overcoming new members' initial reluctance to share information. Other challenges include: (1) developing agreements on the use and protection of shared information; (2) obtaining adequate funding to cover the cost of items such as Web sites while avoiding seeking contributions intended primarily to promote the interests of an individual organization; (3) maintaining a focus on emerging issues of interest to members; and (4) maintaining professional and administrative staff with appropriate skills. Abbreviations, notes, figures, appendixes