The chief technology officer (CTO) has indicated that yourorganization has been requested by the National Security Council (NSC)to comment on the upcoming National Cybersecurity Strategy. The NSC hasasked for specific recommendations as it relates to the nextcybersecurity strategy, private/public partnerships, and comments on howspecific technologies should be incorporated into the assessment.
The CTO has asked you to collaborate with your team to provide the organizational input.
Youwill be collaborating with your previously assigned team on thisassignment. It is up to the team members to decide how they will plan,meet, discuss, and complete the six sections of the paper. Remember, if amember fails to complete his or her part of the work, the team is stillresponsible for all sections. You will also complete a peer review foryourself and for each member of the team. The peer feedback will beincorporated into each team members assignment grade.
As a group, use the to write your paper, which should cover the following topics:
Part 5: Cybersecurity Technologies
The authors of the are looking to address particular technologies that have theopportunity to revolutionize cybersecurity. They believe that blockchaintechnology is a revolutionary technology that has the ability tosignificantly improve cybersecurity.
What would be your recommendation for how the NSS should incorporate this technology to the public?
Proposeexactly what you believe should be written in the NSS. Specifically,explain the blockchain technology in layman's terms to nontechnicalpeople that may be reading the NSS, give examples of how it could beused to provide revolutionary cybersecurity, include examples of how itis being used to provide cybersecurity solutions, and discuss what, ifany policies or laws should be established to mandate its use inspecific industries.
Full Answer Section
Revolutionizing Cybersecurity:
-
Enhanced Data Integrity: Blockchain can secure sensitive data by creating an immutable audit trail. Any changes are traceable, preventing unauthorized modifications. This can be crucial for protecting critical infrastructure data or financial records.
-
Improved Identity Management: Blockchain can establish secure digital identities, reducing the risk of identity theft and unauthorized access. Users control their credentials and grant access selectively.
-
Secure Supply Chains: Blockchain can track the movement of goods throughout the supply chain, ensuring authenticity and preventing counterfeiting. This is valuable for industries like pharmaceuticals or electronics.
Real-World Examples:
-
Everledger: Tracks the provenance of diamonds to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the market.
-
IBM Food Trust: Tracks food origin and movement, improving food safety and reducing contamination risks.
-
SecureKey: Enables secure and convenient digital identity management for individuals and businesses.
Policy Considerations:
-
Standardization: The NSS should encourage industry collaboration to develop standardized blockchain protocols for cybersecurity applications.
-
Education and Awareness: Raising public awareness about blockchain's potential and educating policymakers on its technical aspects will be crucial for adoption.
-
Regulation with a Light Touch: Regulations should encourage innovation while mitigating potential risks like money laundering or fraud.
Mandating Blockchain Use:
Currently, mandating blockchain use across all industries might be premature. However, the NSS could incentivize its adoption in critical sectors like finance, healthcare, and energy by:
- Providing tax breaks or grants for companies implementing blockchain solutions.
- Developing pilot programs demonstrating blockchain's effectiveness in specific sectors.
Conclusion:
Blockchain technology holds immense promise for strengthening cybersecurity. By incorporating the recommendations above, the NSS can guide responsible adoption and harness blockchain's potential to create a more secure digital future.
Sample Answer
Part 5: Cybersecurity Technologies - Blockchain for Enhanced Security
Blockchain: A Secure Ledger for the Digital Age
The National Cybersecurity Strategy (NSS) should explore the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize cybersecurity. Here's a breakdown for the NSS document:
What is Blockchain (in Layman's Terms):
Imagine a shared record book, constantly updated and accessible to everyone involved. Each new entry (called a block) is cryptographically linked to the previous one, forming a secure chain. This makes altering past records nearly impossible.